The day is fast approaching, or maybe you’re still in your first trimester but are a Type A girl and want to be prepared early. It’s never too early to begin thinking about what to pack in your labor bag. This will avoid frazzled husbands running home from the hospital to pick up your Burt’s Bees lipgloss or that pair of slippers that you just can’t live without.
For baby
1) Going home outfit
You’ll be taking lots of photos of baby on homecoming day and if you’re the sentimental type, you might end up framing this outfit in a photo box one day. Make it a cute AND practical outfit, so baby can be comfortable on her first car ride. Pajamas with feet are a great option, or a two piece outfit with long pants. Remember that the blanket can’t go between baby’s legs in the car seat, so if it’s chilly, you want to make sure baby is in a warm enough outfit.
2) Warm blankets
Bring that Little Giraffe blanket to cover her up on the car ride home. You’ll end up taking a few hospital blankets
home, but it’s nice to have one of your own too.
3) Diapers
The hospital will give you plenty of Pampers to get you through the first day or two, but if you’re planning to use organic or cloth diapers, bring your own.
4) Car seat
Make sure you have your car seat installed in the car and ready to go at least a week before your due date.
For you
1) Going home outfit
We know every new mom would like to be as cute and stylish as Princess Kate in her baby blue homecoming dress. While you may not have the makeup artist and hair stylist to go with that look, you can still dress to the nines if you’d like. Or you can be practical and comfy in your yogawear, up to you! Just remember while choosing your outfit that you’re going to be sore and wearing a pretty bulky pad.
2) Birth plan
Well….I’ve had many a mom review her birth plan with me before labor, and while I think it’s a great idea to make one, realize that it may very well become obsolete while you’re pushing. It’s good to make everyone aware of your birth goals and preferences, but labor is unpredictable and you’ve got to pull out that “go with the flow” girl to some extent. This doesn’t mean that you have to agree to unnecessary interventions….by all means, educate yourself during pregnancy and know what these are and how to avoid them. But just remember that it’s not just you in charge in labor….baby has a plan of her own too!
3) Chapstick or lip gloss
Hospital air is very dry, and you’ll want to keep your lips moisturized. I know how annoyed I can get when I realize I forgot my lip balm, and you want to avoid any extra frustrations in labor.
4) Jammies
I love my own cozy jammies, and for all those other comfort seekers, I recommend throwing a pair of your own in. Although they will get yucky, so be prepared to toss after labor.
5) Pillow
I’m attached to my pillow and travel with it everywhere….which invites plenty of teasing from my family. But if you’re like me, you may want to spruce up your labor bed with your own fluffy pillow from home. Trust me, the hospital gems are not exactly what you’ll find at the Ritz Carlton, but then again, I am a bit of a pillow snob.
6) Maternity bras and nursing pads (no underwire)
If you’re planning to breastfeed, you’ll love the convenience and comfort of these
7) Toiletries and hairdryer
You won’t be greeted with cute travel size bottles of shampoo when you step into the bathroom of your hospital room, so remember to bring your own!
8) Hairband
You’ll likely want that hair pulled back and out of your face for pushing. Throw in your yoga headband and a ponytail holder.
9) Light reading material
Bring an Ipad or magazine, as there may be a little time for reading in between pushing baby out, sleeping, and chatting with visitors.