Hospital Checklist

If you read my labour story, you'll know one of my recommendations is to pack a single bag suitcase between you, your support person and the baby. I'm pretty sure I overpacked as I didn't end up using half of the items I brought with me. Here are the items I would recommend bringing to the hospital with you:

For you:

• Robe/Housecoat
• Pajamas 
• Going home outfit
• Nursing tank
• Bra (no underwire)
• Underwear 
• Socks
• Slippers/Flip flops/Clogs
• Toothbrush/Toothpaste
• Shampoo/Conditioner (I just brought sample size bottles which I disposed before leaving) 
• Body wash 
• Mouthwash 
• Face wash
• Phone charging cable 
• Water bottle 
• Pack of diaper/sanitary pads  (at least a dozen)
• Nipple cream  
• Lip balm
• Glasses/Contacts & Contact solution 
• Brush/Comb
• Hair ties 
• Deodorant
• Drinks/snacks

For your support person:

• Comfortable clothing 
• Pajamas
• Slippers/Flip flops/Clogs 
• Underwear
• Socks
• Toothbrush/Toothpaste 
• Shampoo/Conditioner 
• Body wash
• Mouthwash
• Face wash
• Phone charging cable
• Pillow (with a coloured pillow case)
• Bath towel
• Drinks/snacks

For your baby:

• 1 pack of diapers (at least 20)
• 1 pack of baby wipes
• Going home outfit
• Socks
• Hat
• No scratch mittens
• Swaddle blanket
• Moisturizing cream
• Diaper cream/Vaseline 
• Ready-to-feed (at least 2 bottles) 
• Washcloths (at least 3-4) 

Other things to consider:

• Ensure your car seat is installed correctly (some fire stations offer car seat inspections so you have peace of mind knowing it has been properly installed for baby)
• Figure out hospital parking during one of your routine checkups and not while you're about to go into labour
• Have several movies, TV shows, eBooks, music downloaded in advance because you never know how long the waiting game will be