Your belly starts to show, and you start to think … when should I be ready for the hospital?
It is quite unpredictable when your going to meet the love of your life – people say that usually the first baby is usually late, but you should be “ready to go” by 36 weeks.
That’s what I did!
When the 36th week arrived I packed our bags – yes, our … it is a team effort, you’ll need stuff for yourself, your partner and your little one!
Being totally honest you do not really need stuff – you could go to the hospital wearing whatever you’re wearing when it happens, carrying only your belly and you’ll be fine.
But, the journey is surely more comfortable if you do have a few things – so let’s go to that!
*if you’re in a hurry you can just cut the crap and go to my ready to print list in the end of this post.
BABY BAG
this is probably the easiest one, so let’s start here!
– an exclusive post on diaper bags is coming soon!
MUST HAVE
Car Seat | here in San Francisco you’re not even allowed to leave the room without bringing one, and security will escort you to your car with your baby in the car seat!
Going Home Outfit | and I’d probably bring 3 different sizes as you don’t really know what waits for you! (in my case i was doing weekly ultrasounds, and even though they’re not that accurate my doctor nailed it to the ounce!)
NICE TO HAVE
Newborn clothes | you might want your baby to look nicer than the standard hospital onesie, check with your hospital if you can / should bring your own clothes. I didn’t because here in San Francisco if you do bring your clothes, they will wash it themselves and do not guarantee they’ll be in great shape after it.
Hat | if it’s not freaking cold outside, you don’t really need a hat – the myth that we lose most of our heat from our heads has been debunked in a study which was published in the British Medical Journal in 2008. But if you do think that babies are damn cute in a hat, bring yours!
Diapers, Diaper Cream & Wipes | your hospital will probably provide these, but it surely does not hurt to bring your own if you want to. I brought my own, but went home with a few packages my nurse gave me, as my boy was 5lbs, so more comfortable in a preemie size.
Soothers | again, this is a nice to have, and you probably researched a LOT and came to a decision if you’re using a pacifier that early or not. I did not, and you can read an exclusive post on that here. But, if you do want to use a pacifier from the very beginning, it might be a good idea to bring the one you’d like to use at home (same brand and the bottle you’ll use someday is always a great idea), even though the hospital will probably give you one.
Mittens | there are different thoughts on the use, or not of mittens – and I promise to write something on it soon; but if you did your research and you’re pro mitten you should bring it to the hospital.
Nail File & Scissors | if you’re not using mittens, you might consider bringing scissors or files to take care of your baby’s nail – that can be pretty long! It was one of the things I was most scared of doing, so I really recommend this battery powered nail file Little Martin’s Drawer Baby Nail File 
Swaddles & Blankets | nice to cover your little one on the way home, or for cute pictures in the hospital
Nursing Pillow | I did not bring mine because they’re super bulky, and I had no idea how they would make breastfeeding so much easier! So, if you do plan to breastfeed, bring yours, or buy an inflatable one – I love “my breastfriend” , and just bought this travel version to carry around : My Brest Friend Travel Pillow
Baby Book | might be nice to bring it and fill in info on the birth and you surely will have more free time at the hospital than in your first week home. I’m in love with my baby book, and highly recommend it, it’s from MushyBooks
CO PILOT BAG
it’s surely nice to make sure your partner will also be comfortable, so if possible, also pack his back in advance.
MUST HAVE
Toiletries kit | do not forget : toothbrush + toothpaste & deodorant
Underwear + Change of clothes
Camera | you can use your phone, but come on .. it is a pretty important moment, to capture on low res
Charger | cell phone, iPad, camera
NICE TO HAVE
Cash | not all vending machines take credit cards
Flip Flops | surely more comfortable to walk around, specially if you end up with a looong birth like mine
and finally,
THE MOM TO BE BAG
MUST HAVE
Birth Plan | I will make a post on this topic soon! But it is surely a great idea to bring a printed version of your birth plan – and if possible more than one so you can give it to all nurses, docs on call, etc.
Robe | this was the best item I brought to the hospital – a comfy beautiful robe you can walk around
Flip Flops | not only they are a great idea to walk around, they are probably the only thing that will fit you after birth – if you get as swollen as I did. I was thankful I had my havaianas to accommodate the charming loaves of baked bread formerly known as my feet.
Nursing Bra | the bravado seamless one is my all time fave – even though I hated it when I tried before birth
Nursing Pads | you probably won’t be leaking in the hospital, but you know, better safe than sorry, and you surely want to buy these in advance so you have them at home waiting for you when needed. I tried a few, and the lansinoh ultimate protection is the best in my opinion.
Button Up PJ or Camisole | if you pretend to breastfeed
Underwear | not your pre birth one please …. I bought a few large comfy but cute supersoft lace ones.
MaxiPads | your hospital will probably provide you some, but it’s always a great idea to have your favorite brand
Toiletries | go beyond the basic toothbrush, toothpaste & deodorant kit; think of everything you’d like to take a nice long shower as soon as cleared by your doctor – your favorite shampoo & conditioner, body oil, hair brush .. maybe even your hair drier!
Hair Ties
Makeup & Chapstick
Nipple Cream | I love the lansinoh one – does not stain your clothes, and safe for your baby!
Lactation Cookies | if you plan to breastfeed, you can start munching on some lactation cookies on your way to the hospital. They are super yummy and a great way to help with your milk supply
Going home outfit | don’t fool yourself, you’ll leave the hospital with a 5 month pregnant belly, so pack something super comfortable – yoga pants are always a good idea, a high waisted one will give you some support and make you feel better about your belly. I love ALO Yoga high waisted pants, have at least 4 of them
NICE TO HAVE
Extra snacks | you never know what you’re getting at the hospital, it is always a great idea to have your favorite snacks around
Thank you favors | my nurses were amazing, and I was glad I put together a cute thank you favor and brought it to the hospital. I did super cute custom M&Ms in little mason jars, and everyone loved it!
I know it looks endless, but I promise you’ll feel much better after you have these ready to go – totally worth the effort!
