Hospital Bag!

Next week will be 35 Weeks, and it's recommended you have your hospital bag ready around this time (just in case). Since I've been there once before, hopefully I can perfect my list this time around:

NOTES:

• Ask the hospital what they provide during your baby classes and/or during your maternity ward tour
• Pack everything by Week 35 and have a list of everything you can't keep packed beside your bag to be able to grab in a hurry

Must-Haves:

• Insurance info, hospital forms, and birth plan (I would also definitely think about preregistering at the hospital around Week 35, just so they have everything you need, and you can just focus on baby-having)
• 2-3 pairs of warm, nonskid socks that can get ruined
• Slippers that can get dirty
• Snuggie, cuddly blankets for you and hubby (it gets cold in those hospital rooms!)
• A warm robe you don't mind sacrificing to the cause
• A ruin-able nightgown (you can use those lovely hospital gowns, but your own might help you feel more human)
• 2 maternity bras - no under wire - (or nursing tank if you don't want everyone seeing your nipples through your gown) and nursing pads (not tons because you won't really leak until you get home)
• Comfortable going-home clothes in six-month maternity size and flat shoes (or just wear the clothes you came in) - Maternity jogging suit (at least 6 months) for after labor and another change of clothes (pajamas, comfy clothes, etc.) just in case
• Lip balm/chap stick (trust me, your lips get dry!)
• Toiletries and personal items - hairbrush, toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, face wash, makeup, shampoo, conditioner, lotion (preferably travel-sized)
• Ponytail holders (avoid clips - they'll probably poke you)
• Sugar-free hard candy or lozenges to keep your mouth moist during labor (candy with sugar will make you thirsty - sugar free gum
• Pen and paper
• Change for the vending machines and non-perishable snacks (you'll probably be hungry after labor, and the hospital cafeteria would be closed) - trail mix/nutrigrain bars, chocolate!, etc.
• Cell phone and charger
• Camera, extra memory card, battery or charger
• Extra pillow - or two (with a case that can get ruined, in a pattern distinguishable from hospital white)
• Breastfeeding pillow (if you have one) - a regular pillow will work just as well
• Lanolin for the nipple after EVERY feeding (for at least three weeks)
• Bath towel (the hospital will likely supply a small, very thin one)
• Your MP3 player or laptop (I didn't have time for it, but some women find music helps during labor)
• A duffle bag packed with two changes of clothes and basic hygiene products for hubby, as well as a pillow (or two) and towel (energy drinks, pajamas)
• Baby memory book (ask the nurse to stamp the footprints in there while they are doing the birth certificate), or ask them to stamp them on a blank piece of paper, and you can add it later
• Empty bag or enough room in your bag to take home everything the hospital gives you (which will be a ton, I promise!)

What to Bring For Baby:

• Approved car seat
• Warm outfit for the first night (onesie, pants, socks, hat) - even if the hospital say they will provide one for you, and another outfit, just in case
• A pacifier
• Baby mittens (so they don't scratch themselves or you)
• A coming-home outfit (with legs for the car seat)
• Warm blankets (for the ride home)
• Outdoor gear like a snowsuit and hat (remember, babies are extra sensitive to cold)