How to Stock a Pregnancy Bag for the Hospital

Get packed and ready to go

Preparing for the delivery of a baby is a very exciting time. Packing needed and wanted items for the delivery and the subsequent hospital stay can make the entire process run more efficiently. It is always best to pack items that are needed for your birth plan as well as for the extra items that might come in handy. Here are some of the most commonly packed pregnancy bag items.

Things You'll Need

• A small bag, preferably one with wheels and a handle
• Money, possibly a prepaid credit card
• Extra plastic bags (for laundry items)
• Clothing for mom, baby, and partner
• Toiletries
• Personal documents
• Camera, film, batteries, chargers
• Entertainment items and birth plan items
• A small bag for baby items
• Infant care items as desired

Instructions

1. Choose a bag that will be easy to carry and can accommodate all the different items that you will need to pack. A small suitcase with wheels and a pull-out handle is a very convenient and inexpensive option. Label the bag with your name and contact information.

2. Make a copy of your birth plan, if you have one. Highlight items that you will need according to the birth plan. Keep the birth plan in the pregnancy bag.

3. Sit down with your birthing partner and make a checklist of all the items that you will need and all of the items that you want to take. Keep the items that you must have with you on the left hand side, and the items that you would like to have, but do not necessarily need on the right hand side of the list. Pack the needed items first, and if possible, the wanted items last.

4. Begin packing your bag a couple of weeks before your due date, or whenever you feel it is wise to pack. Pick up needed items on sale or choose from baby shower gifts.

5. Pack items for the expectant mother in the general area of the suitcase. These items should include the following: Clothing--cotton underwear, pajamas, robe, nursing bra, nursing pads, slippers or socks (non slip), shower shoes (non-slip sandals will work) Toiletries--shampoo, lip moisturizer, bath soap, facial soap, toothpaste end toothbrush, brush and comb, deodorant, body lotion, flushable wet wipes Other items--money (a prepaid credit card), calling card, insurance card, telephone book or list of contact numbers, birth plan and information that you want to remember during the birthing process, music, books, note pad, pens, camera(s), spare batteries, film or media cards

6. Purchase a separate bag for the baby, and pack the following items in this bag: seasonal clothes that the baby will wear home, socks, mittens, hat, blankets, pajamas, baby shampoo or cleansing wipes, baby lotion, diapers and wipes.

7. Pack clothing and personal items for your birthing partner. These can be kept in a separate bag, or in the same suitcase.

8. Keep your pregnancy bag in a convenient spot, ready to go.

Tips & Warnings

• If possible, set up the car seat in your vehicle before your due date. It will be one less thing you have to worry about when you leave the hospital with the new baby.