If you are getting close to your delivery date, it is time to pack your bag for the trip of a lifetime. Before you drag out your suitcase and start tossing in your sunscreen and beach blanket, I should tell you that it’s a different kind of trip. That all important trip to the hospital (if you are planning to give birth at a hospital) where you will give birth to your baby.
In the interest of full disclosure, I must say that with both pregnancies I did not pack my bag for the hospital until right before I left. I’m not sure exactly why that is, but that is just what happened. When the time came I tossed some things in a bag and left. So, if you are not the pack – ahead type, don’t worry. Not everyone has their bag ready days or weeks before D-day.
Whether you are packing your hospital bag weeks, days, or minutes in advance of your trip to the hospital matters less than what you put in it. Of course, you will want to pack a couple of potential homecoming outfits for baby. Just one or two, more than that is overkill. You do want to be prepared with a couple of different sizes because until baby arrives, no one really knows how big he will be. That is really all that you’ll need for baby, because hospitals have baby care supplies on hand. Don’t forget to install baby’s car seat in your car, so that you are ready to take him home when the time comes. Some hospitals provide car seats, so if you plan on taking the one from the hospital disregard that last bit of advice.
For yourself, it is a good idea to pack several pairs of slipper socks. The floors at the hospital are cold. The air in there is dry too, so bring along your favorite lip balm. Bring your toiletries because the soaps and shampoos at the hospital are not all that great. Don’t forget the toothbrush, toothpaste, glasses, contact lenses, and whatever else you normally use. Bring your cell phone and charger as well as a camera if your phone does not have a good camera on it already. A change or two of maternity clothing for yourself is all you really need in the clothing department. Those are the basics, feel free to add whatever else you think would make your hospital stay more comfortable.
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