Having a baby is something you can plan all day and night, but unless you go in for a scheduled c-section, or are induced, you never know when you are going to have that baby. So, to be safe, be sure to pack a hospital bag that can be quickly grabbed so that you have everything you need at the hospital. The following is a delivery time hospital bag checklist:
Camera, memory card, charger, extra batteries: When you have a baby you want to document every moment of the first few hours of their life, especially because they change so rapidly over the course of the first few days. So, make sure your hospital bag is complete with a camera, and plenty of memory, film, etc. and plenty of batteries to keep it operational.
Loose fit, comfortable pajamas. Although you may not mind wearing a hospital gown while delivering, it can be rather inconvenient when family and friends are popping by to see your family’s new addition. So, bring some loose fitting, comfortable pajamas to wear so that you are properly covered, but not putting any undue pressure on your body, which might still hurt and be swollen from giving birth.
Some things you don’t want to do without!
Shampoo. Toothpaste. Tooth brush. Other toiletries. Although you stay in the hospital, and pay an exorbitant rate to be there, most are not like a hotel offering mini shampoo bottles and soap bars, etc. So, if you want to take a real shower, and get yourself cleaned up and looking presentable, bring your own toiletries. You may not feel like putting on makeup, but you will probably want to be able to brush your teeth and shampoo your hair.
Pillow. Blanket. This is for your spouse. If they intend to sleep at the hospital and stay in your room, they may want to bring some extra bedding of their own. What the hospital provides is generally insufficient, leaving them uncomfortable. In addition, you may enjoy the extra warmth provided by a blanket as hospital blankets tend to be thin.
Mirror. If people are stopping by constantly to visit you and baby, you may want a mirror on hand so that you don’t have to get up and go into the bathroom to check on how you look, or if you have food in your teeth, hair out of place, etc.
Book. Movies. Cards or games. Waiting to deliver, down time when you can’t sleep and no one is visiting, or just something fun is smart when going to the hospital. Before you deliver, a hand of cards or a good movie might distract you some and help pass the time. After, they can be relaxing while you are up at night with feedings and checks from the nursing staff.
Robe and slippers. These are great if you want to walk around the hospital, or if your baby ends up in the nursery or NICU, that way you can go visit them without getting fully dressed.
Treats for hubby. Take out menus for hubby. The moms are usually treated really well, and the husbands are often left to fend for themselves. So, bring a few snacks just for him, and maybe some numbers of the local food delivery places so that he doesn’t have to leave to eat, or get stuck eating lousy cafeteria food.
Parenting viewpoints from parents in the trenches, because parenting doesn’t come with a manual. In addition to