The Ultimate Baby Shopping Guide > Packing Your Bags Checklist

Packing Your Bags Checklist

For Labor:

• Tennis Ball to massage your back
• Yoga ball or Baby Bouncy – wonderful to labor on!
• Lollipop to keep your mouth moist - your partner can pull it out of your mouth during contractions.
• Breath mints for your partner - you don't want him counting in your face with stinky breath.
• Wristwatch with a second hand for your partner to time contractions
• Small electric fan to keep cool
• Pretty, soft socks to keep your feet warm
• Playing cards or board game to keep busy when the epidural kicks in
• Pillows if you would find your home pillows more comfortable
• Phone Numbers of Family & Friends
• Snacks and beverages for your partner along with spare change for the vending machines
• Change of clothes and toiletries for your partner- it may be a long time before he can go home.
• Camera. Make sure that you have approved all photos first before your enthusiastic partner goes home and e-mails everyone you know. Labor can leave you not looking your very best.
• Video Camera
• Nursing Bras - read our nursing bra reviews
• Toiletries: hairbrush, toothbrush, lip balm, deodorant etc.
• Newborn Diapers - although hospital will most likely provide these for you
• Going home outfit for mom - something that would have fit you at about seven months pregnant, unfortunately
• Going home outfit for baby. Better yet, pack two, you don't know if there will be a spit up or diaper blow out incident as you are packing to leave.

What Not to Pack: The hospital will provide all these things, childbirth is a messy thing, let their things get dirty and keep your nice pajamas for when you get home.

• Robe
• Pajamas
• Underwear