by Cheryl Shively

Created on: June 05, 2009

Packing for the hospital can be a grand adventure, especially if it is your first delivery. Tons of contemplating goes into each article you place into your overnight bag. Things go into the bag, things come out of the bag, other things go in. Packing for the hospital can go on the whole 9 months of the pregnancy.

As a seasoned mother of 4, I can tell you that when packing for the hospital, less is best. You may only go into the hospital with one bag, but chances are you're still going to leave with a trunk full.

Clothes for you and the baby. Don't expect to fit back into your pre pregnancy jeans right away. Bring a nice pair of stretchy pants (I prefer athletic/track pants or yoga pants) and a loose fitting top. Remember, your breasts are going to engorge, you definitely don't want anything tight on them.

For the baby, bring an outfit or two, really baby clothes take up virtually no room in your bag. It's always handy to bring a few receiving blankets as well. If it is fall/winter also remember a heavy blanket to put over the baby or a carseat cover to keep your little bundle warm on the way to the car.

The infant carseat is essential. Most hospitals do not let you out the door without your baby in a carseat. Some hospitals even have nurses who walk you to your car and make sure you know how to buckle your new bundle of joy in. They may even check to make sure your carseat is not expired, as its not advised to use carseats over 5 years old.

Bring your own shampoo and conditioner. Although most hospitals will provide you with a small travel size bottle to use when you shower, its definitely nothing to write home about. Don't forget your toothbrush and toothpaste as well.

SNACKS! Food! Hospital food is definitely not a gourmet event, If you have a long, exhausting labor you are going to be hungry. If its late at night when you are finally able to eat the cafeteria may not be open to get something to eat at.

That pretty much sums up what you NEED to take to the hospital. Some people say they pack a radio and cd's, books, etc, in the end most of these items may not even leave your bag, so why carry any extra weight then you don't have to.

Just remember you're going to have a baby not on vacation.

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