You're likely feeling anxious as your child's birth approaches. This is normal. To give yourself some peace of mind, pack a bag ahead of time. Do this about 1 month ahead of your estimated delivery date. Here is a list of things to bring:
- Personal care items (toothbrush, hair brush, lip balm, lotion, mints or breath strips, and shampoo)
- Eyeglasses (if you wear them)
- Nightgown (if you plan to breastfeed, pack one that allows for nursing)
- Nursing bra if you plan to breastfeed
- Nursing pillow and sleeping pillow
- Bathrobe and slippers
- Many hospitals provide maternity underwear, but you may want to bring underwear (or adult diapers) that can be soiled because you will have bleeding after delivery
- Comfortable clothes for you to wear home (sweatpants, yoga pants, or other stretchable clothes). Your pre-pregnancy clothes may not fit after delivery.
- Clothes for your baby to wear home
- Smart phone, camera, or video recorder
- Personal music player and headphones
- Coins for vending machines
- List of names of people to call after the birth
- Cell phone and charger
- Insurance information and any other paperwork needed for your hospital stay
- A list of baby names you are thinking of
- An infant, rear-facing car seat for bringing home your baby (this is required by law)
Add anything else that you don't want to forget:
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