What to Pack for the Hospital

Pillows, snuggly socks, bathroom stuff (shampoo, makeup, hairdryer), diaper bag for the way home, money for foods/snacks...

What is wrong with men? My fiance packed the game cube and the dvd's when we went. Well I went early but he went back home to get it when he found out he had several hours of labor left. I would pack change for the machines. Snacks and beverage for Dad. I think my fiances food cost more than delivery! A blanket for the baby. Cute picture outfits for the baby. The baby book so the hospital can put footprints in it. Comfy clothes for you. And of course the camera and phone numbers. You get everything else at the hospital. The baby stays in hospital clothes till picture time. You need money of course for the hospital picture. Don't forget whatever you pack for the baby, pack two sizes. I was suppose to have an 11 pound baby so I packed about a month early all 0-3 and 3month clothes. I went into labor three weeks early. On the way out the door I had my daughter grab newborn just in case. He came out, good thing I did. He was still 8lbs 12oz, but could wear the newborn outfit. He is almost 4 weeks now, and wears 3months, but not at the time. good luck

I packed my own pads...I might be alone on this one but...I hated the hospital ones and remembered this on the birth of my 2nd girl! My nurse thought it was a wonderful idea that I brought my own, she too thought the hospital ones were not so good.
Congrats and savor every little moment!

amen to the pillows! i loved having mine - with my favorite silk pillow case. personally i was so overwhelmed with everything that i basically let everyone cater to me. the hospital staff did a great job! the worst part was having a c-section, i couldn't eat for what seemed an eternity! my little brother worked at pizza hut at the time and brought everyone some awesome pizzas and i couldn't touch them! BUT my mom brought my favorite brownies that she makes and after i could eat again i was in heaven. i loved having my favorite "comfort foods" there. it's the last time i let myself pig out guilt-free! (i was recovering from major surgery, after all!) also another note, kind of off the subject - they told me in my birthing class (at the same hospital) to TAKE HOME the receiving blankets because store-bought ones are way smaller - they were right! my son was only 8 lbs but after a week or two i was really wishing i had those bigger ones to swaddle him in. make sure and grab a couple - with all the excitement (and meds!) i completely forgot. good luck!

Hi J.,

I bought a travel pack that had toothbrush and toothpaste in it. I then bought the travel size shampoo and conditioner, deodorant. Hair dryer and brush, pony tail holder, make up if you want it.

Comfy clothes for you, an for you to come home in. Socks you don't care about. slippers, a robe if you want, pajamas, nursing bras and pads.
Baby: baby book, pacifier, 2 different size outfits (one smaller then the other), carseat, blankets for coming home and baby book. Oufit to take pictures in.

Misc. things - camera, extra batteries, checkbook for pictures, change for the vending machine. Magizines, hard candies for during delivery. cell phone and charger, a list of names and numbers of who to call after baby is born.

Thats all I can think of, W.

Make sure you take your own pillow. Their are always terrible. Also a back massager came in handy when I had my two kids.

Chapstick!! I was very greatful for it. The other moms are right about the pads, it is best to bring your own. Most importantly-don't forget a carseat or they won't let you go home. And if you wear contacts or glasses don't forget to bring all of the stuff. I made a list and pinned it to my bag so that when I went into labor I could grab all of the other stuff on the way out and nothing was forgotten.