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What To Pack In Your Hospital Bag

It is important that you get your hospital bag organized before you go into labor, you wont be wanting to be rushing around packing a bag for hospital as you are going into labor.

It is probably a good idea to pack your bag about 3-4 weeks before your due date.

Packing your hospital bag

Completed insurance or pre registration forms and healthcare insurance card
Heavy socks to wear in delivery room
Cotton nightgown or T-shirt for labor
Lip balm, lollipops or fruit drops to use during labor
Books or magazines
A nightgown for after the delivery
Slippers with rubber soles
2 Nursing bras
3 pairs of panties
Toiletries (Brush, toothpaste, soap, shampoo, etc.)
Hair band
Clothes for going home, preferably loose fitting
Glasses (You can't wear contacts during labor)
Sanitary pads (check to see if the hospitals supplies them or not)
Copy of your birthplan

What to pack for Labor

Watch with a second hand (For timing of contractions)
Talc or cornstarch for massaging
Paint roller or tennis ball to massage your lower back
Tapes, CD's and a player
Camera and film
List of telephone numbers to announce the birth of your baby
Change for public phone
Light snacks for your partner or labor coach

What to pack for your baby

Clothes for the trip home (Vests, baby grows, hat and socks)
Baby blankets
Diapers
Car seat

Be sure to have an approved baby car seat correctly installed in your car in which to take your baby home. Some hospitals won't even let you take your child home in your car unless you have one installed.

Download a Printable Hospital Bag Checklist