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Step 1
First, choose a maternity bag for the hospital that is roomy, but not too large and bulky. Most over-the-shoulder bags or weekender bags are the perfect size. You don't need your husband or partner wheeling a monster-size suitcase through labor and delivery and then through the maternity floor.
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Step 2
Most importantly, remember to pack any medications that you may be taking and will need while you are in the hospital. If you and your doctor have discussed having a birthing plan, be sure to pack this in your bag as well.
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Step 3
If you don't like the sterile smell of a hospital, some good ideas to make your hospital room more pleasant are flameless candles, room spray, or your favorite smelling lotion.
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Step 4
A pillow from home with a nice pillowcase can always help make a hospital room seem more cheery and might help the time you spend resting in the hospital bed more comfortable. Most hospitals provide a gown to wear during your stay that also enables you to breastfeed easily, however, feel free to bring a nightgown and/or robe from home if you feel you will be more content.
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Step 5
Socks and/or slippers are always a good idea for walks to the nursery or trips to the restroom. Also, don't forget flip flops for showering. The hospital will most likely provide you with disposable mesh underwear, but pack one to two pairs of underwear and a bra (a nursing bra if you are going to be breastfeeding).
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Step 6
In addition, include in your maternity bag any neccesary bathroom toiletries such as shampoo/conditioner, toothbrush/toothpaste/floss, deoterant, lotion, razor, hairbrush/comb, blowdryer, rubberbands to put hair up, body soap, face soap/lotion/make-up, and a few sanitary pads. Also, if you wear contacts or eyeglasses, be sure to pack these along with any contact lens solution you use.
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Step 7
Don't forget your camera and video-recorder for those first precious moments with your baby! In addition, add your cellphone and your cellphone charger to your maternity bag. It is also a good idea to have a contact list packed. With the flurry of excitment after the baby's birth, you will want something to refer to that includes the names and numbers of those you wish to share the good news with!
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Step 8
Include healthy, non-perishable snacks such as granola bars or small boxes of dried fruit. These types of snacks are nice to have if hunger strikes you in the middle of the night or if your partner needs a little something to munch on and the hospital cafeteria is closed. You may or may not have time or the desire for anything other than staring at your baby or sleeping, but packing a book, magazine, or the baby blanket you have been knitting is nice to have just in case.
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Step 9
A going home outfit for you and your baby. Your clothes should be comfortable and roomy. You will probably be sore and still have a small belly, so don't pack your pre-maternity pants thinking you will be walking out of the hospital in them. Choose an outfit for your baby in a newborn size that is comfortable, yet weather appropriate. Most newborns are still trying to regulate their body temperature and lose most of their heat from their head, so your baby's going home outfit should include a hat. A warm, soft blanket to wrap your baby in and/or cover in the car seat is also a good idea.
