Preparing a Hospital Bag for Mom, Dad, and Baby

Going to the hospital to have a baby is a stressful situation in itself. My husband and I had to go to the hospital in the middle of the so that the doctor could induce me. I was really glad that I had my hospital bag packed ahead of time because the baby was going to be delivered four weeks early. Believe me, going through labor and delivery is very stressful and you need to be as prepared as you can and be packed for the hospital before hand. I'm going to give you some tips on packing for the father, yourself, and your new baby.

For the father:

1. Two changes of clothes that includes pants, shirts, and underwear. Some hospitals only keep you for a day but others have the mother stay for two days. I had to stay for two days because I was treated with magnesium sulfate for my preclampsia.

2. A soft pillow is a nice thing to pack for your husband. The hospital couches aren't comfortable at all. The cushions on the pull out couch are hard on a person's head. Bringing a small soft pillow for dad will definitely help him sleep more comfortably.

3. A blanket to cover dad with. Some hospitals provide blankets but they aren't nearly as nice as the ones that you bring from home.

4. Snacks for the father and cash. Some hospitals feed the fathers and the mothers. Round Rock medical center feeds both parents but Scott and White doesn't. My husband had to go out for food or have someone bring him some. Cash is always good for the vending machines for drinks and snacks in case dad gets hungry or thirsty.

For the mother:

1. Two nightgowns. Make sure the night gowns open easy in the front in case you are going to nurse. Also make sure that the night gowns are loose fitting and aren't too snug around your waist. We all know that the hospitals provide gowns but they aren't comfortable and are very awkward.

2. Bras. Bring nursing bras if you plan on nursing your new child. If you don't plan on nursing then bring a tight fitting sports bra to wear to help with the engorgement.

3. Bring a special nursing pillow if you are planning to nurse your child. Believe me, this helps with the position of the child; especially if you have had a C-section.

4. Water for the mother. Some hospitals let the mother have clear fluids and popsicles through their delivery. Scott and White let me have any clear fluid that I wanted up until delivery. However, not all hospitals will let you have these items because it can make you nauseated.

For the baby:

1. Diapers are an important item to bring for the baby. Most hospitals now a day provide diapers for a newborn baby. However, be prepared with your own just in case that you don't like the type that the hospital provides.

2. You will definitely need wipes to clean your baby. Hospitals will usually provide wipes to you but it is always nice to have your own. I didn't like the wipes that the hospital provided. They seemed kind of thin to me and I opted to use the huggies wipes that I brought from home.

3. A take home outfit for the baby. I recommend pajamas that you button and you don't have to put over the baby's head. I wanted to make sure that my baby was dressed for her trip home.

4. Blankets for the baby. Depending on the weather, you will need to swaddle the baby for the trip home. The hospital usually lets you take home one blanket as a gift. However, if the weather is cold, then you will need to bring several and bundle your child up to prepare for the harsh weather.

5. I don't like pacifiers but some parents do. If you choose to use pacifiers then don't forget to put them in your hospital bag. Bringing pacifiers to the hospital will get your baby used to using your brand of pacifier and will help to soother your baby easier.

Every birth is different and everyone prepares for the hospital differently. However, if you follow this guide then you will have a general idea of the things that you will need to pack for the hospital. Use common sense with packing snacks. Obviously, you don't want to pack fruit that will spoil in your hospital bag. Follow these tips and you will definitely be prepared for your hospital trip.