Congratulations! You are almost there and that means that it is time to start packing that hospital bag of yours. I went through this three times and here is the list I compiled that helped me remember all the essentials:

Documents /Hospital Essentials:

• cord blood collection kit to be given to your nurse/doctor
• insurance card
• money in case you need to get something at the hospital
• cell phone
• cell phone charger
• camera/charger/memory card
• iPad 

I love this folder for all the essential hospital documents organization and beyond: 

Find It Here
 

Personal Care Items:

• anything you typically use for daily skin care such as a moisturizer/eye creme)
• toiletries (toothpaste, toothbrush, deodorant, etc)
• shampoo/conditioner (travel size works great)
• eye makeup remover 
• cotton rounds
• hair brush
• hair ties
• makeup 
• chapstick
• towel (hospital towers were terribly small and thin)

Here are some travel sized bottles that are a convenient way to get your favorites ready for the hospital bag ahead of time: 

Find It Here

Clothing and Nursing Accessories for Mom:

• warm socks - (the epidural makes you feel really cold)
  Pembrook Non Skid/Slip Socks are excellent!
  
  Find It Here
• nursing bras - Bravado makes great and comfortable nursing bras Find It Here
• nursing gowns - found an excellent one by Jessica Simpson sold at www.motherhood.com. It fits well and is super soft and comfortable. Find It Here  
• robe - robe is so convenient during checkups at the hospital Find It Here
• flip flops for the shower
• slippers to walk around - don't need to spend a fortune on these. I recommend tossing those after the hospital.
• nursing pads - you can get disposable Find It Here and washable pads Find It Here
• nipple cream - I've used lanolin Find It Here
• disposable padded underwear if you don't want to wear the mesh ones they provide at the hospital Find It Here
• nursing pillow ("My Brest Friend" pillow is truly your best friend at the hospital and at home and is much more superior to the poppy pillow that offers no support). I found the deluxe version to be more comfortable than the original. (Find It Here)
• eye mask - it is not easy to get some shut eye with the hospital's bright lights. Find It Here
• belly wrap - it's never too early to start working on getting your flat tummy back. I've used Belly Bandit BFF with excellent results. 
• going home outfit Find It Here

Things to Pack for Your Newborn Baby:

• a newborn velcro swaddle blanket made it so much easier to swaddle a wiggly baby. Find It Here 
• going home outfit
• baby hat - if you are having a baby girl and don't want the hospital hat but still want it soft and stretchy for your new baby, here is a great cute set from the same material Find It Here
• burp cloth - I love Aden & Anais contoured muslin burp cloth! Find It Here
• pacifier Find It Here
• car seat - the best infant car seats on the market right now are Nuna Pipa Lite, Chicco Key Fit and Graco SnugRide Find It Here
• baby wipes if you don't want to use gauze pads from the hospital - we love the water wipes Find It Here
• blanket for the car
• muslin blanket for nursing - Find It Here
• onesies 

Clothing and Nursing Accessories for Dad:

• toiletries
• change of clothes
• snacks
• electronics as mentioned in "hospital essentials" above
• something to read if they wish

Wishing you an easy labor and a fast recovery! Hope this list helps you pack for your big day! If you have any other suggestions that feel should be added, please feel free add your comments below. 

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