Ok, so I've heard and seen some pretty exhaustive lists for what to pack, but I am still unsure. i have my "labor bag" and some toiletries and stuff, but what do I REALLY need. This is my first, and I am due in about 3 weeks. AAAHHHH! any suggestions?
Re: Packing the hospital bag
Less is more. Your husband can easily go home at some point to get things you don't think to pack, but don't forget that you have to lug everything (plus stuff people give you at the hospital, the baby, etc...) home with you. Less is more.
My bag, if you're interested:
-toiletry bag
-power cords for phone, iPod, and cameras
-socks (two pairs)
-nursing gown/light bathrobe (may not use, but just in case)
-The Nursing Mother's Companion
-Uggs (for walking around during labor)
-going home outfit for baby
-going home clothes for me
Clothes for you and DH, including pjs. Not sure why I didn't think about sleeping, but we had to sleep in jeans for 2 nights.
camera, phone, laptop, chargers,
toothbrush, shampoo, makeup,
More than 1 outfit for DC. I'd suggest bringing 2 newborn and 2 of the 0-3 month. Sometimes they don't fit in one, and DD threw up on her first outfit before we got out the door.
i took: slipper socks, a hand held fan(awesome during labor), pajamas(i wore those after the birth instead of the gown), my own pillow, outfits for me and DS to come home in, charger for my cell phone, and a toiletry bag.
the hospital provided everything else we needed.
For my labour with DS I packed (and used):
- pj's for me
- toiletries (shampoo, body wash, razor)
- extra heavy duty pads (full pack of them)
- breast pads
- nursing bra
- hair brush
- laptop (with charger)
- cell phone (with charger)
- clothes to go home in
- one outfit for the baby to go home in
and most importantly
- the card to add the baby to the insurance right away
I am also going to pack change for the vending machines and some small bills in case H has to order food while i'm in labor. And make sure your H/So has all the numbers of who to call (family/friends etc) including your pediatrician if they come to see the baby in the hospital.
My plan is to pack as little as possible.
Going home outfit for baby
Going home outfit for me
Socks
Yoga pants and nursing tank for after delivery
Toiletry bag
phone chargers
Laptop and charger (so we can Skype with my brother who lives across the country)
My current list:
Clothes:
-post-baby clothes (black yoga pants, cami, zip fleece)
-going home outfit for me (black yoga pants, white cami, black hoodie, running shoes)
-1-2 hipster panties- will likely just wear mesh ones
-going home outfit for baby (and a backup)
-baby blanket to put over carseat
-3 pair dark fuzzy socks
-slippers for walking the halls
-toiletry bag (makeup, brush, deo, toothbrush/paste, hair ties, lotion, CHAPSTICK, mouthwash, nail file for baby)
-nursing bra, nursing pads
-Belly Bandit (may not use)
-DH clothes, pjs
Stuff:
-paperwork: insurance card, ID, birth plan, etc
-own pillow in bright colored pillowcase (not white)
-candy for nurses, mints, gum, water bottle, snacks for DH
-baby book (footprints, etc)
-Christmas ornaments (nurses told us to bring anything we wanted baby's footprints on)
-camera (still, video), cellphone, laptop, memory cards & chargers
-Tylenol, Tums, stool softener (I'd rather take my own than be charged $8/pill or possibly wait 30 min to get one).
-keeping extra bag in the car for freebies
-carseat
Not bringing Boppy though some like it. Not bringing iPod, jewelry.