How To Assemble The Ultimate Mom & Baby Hospital Bag

It’s a good idea to pack the bag between 35 and 37 weeks pregnant. Start making your hospital bag checklist around 32 weeks, giving yourself plenty of time to gather up the right supplies.

If you're headed to a hospital to give birth, you will surely need to bring these things with you, so make sure they’re in the bag, ready to go. Some hospitals will even give you some paperwork at registration to bring back with you when it's time.

You will want to bring a few copies of your birth plan so you can hand them to the nurses who are in charge. Yes, we know you know it by heart, but sometimes you might be in labor during shift changes, so having extra copies will come in handy, because who knows at which stage you might meet a new face.

Many new moms say that this is a must-have postpartum accessory. Sure, they are anything but glamorous, but they are extremely practical and can make those first few days of postpartum life so much easier.

Bring some comfortable pajamas to wear. Depending on your labor and delivery, you’ll be in the hospital between 24 and about 72 hours. Bring a loose shirt and some comfortable pants or a nightie with you. It's good to be comfortable and in your familiar clothes.

After having a baby, a nice hot shower feels amazing. You will feel like a new person! You want to bring basic toiletries with you such as: toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo, conditioner, body wash, deodorant, a good cream to treat hemorrhoids and pain relieving spray for stitches (you might not need those, of course, but it's good to be prepared).

A nice, soft, oversize towel (or even a proper bathrobe!) can make all the difference. This may not be a "must-have" at the hospital, but hey, we're into treats here.

Labor doesn’t always move fast, and having something other than your smart phone to distract you can be awesome nice. Of course you can bring a magazine or a book as well, but you don’t have to go for anything deep and complex. Pick something easy to watch that can help you pass some time.

Hospital food isn’t the best food you’ll ever eat in your life. Pack some snacks in your hospital bag, especially because labor and delivery can make you starving! You can also pack some different drinks with you, such as your favorite tea bags. Unless you have a thing for hospital tea of course!

It's just so great to have one at delivery room! An all purpose product.

Many women like to listen to music during labor to help them relax and focus. Pack your earbuds into your bag. You might also want to create a labor and delivery playlist with songs that you love. You can also bring portable speakers so you can fill their labor and delivery room with songs.
What are the earplugs for, you wonder? To try and get some sleep after, of course!

A good nursing pillow is a treat, especially at the hospital. They can be lifesavers if you have a c-section, for example, and want to reduce the pressure on your incision. Nursing pillows also help to get baby into the right position for a good latch!

So you know you don't have to pack all your baby's wardrobe and that the hospital will provide diapers and wipes, but what are the essentials that you will want to bring with you for your baby?
2 pairs of pants (wash and dry all new baby clothes well ahead)
2 onesies
2 or 3 sleepers
2 or 3 socks
A hat
A pacifier (of course it's controversial. Aren't all tips?)
A blanket for the road
A car seat (we know you can't actually pack it, but don't forget to bring it!)