Hospital Bags

The great question - What should I take to the hospital? Here are 12 essentials that I think you need in your bag and in your baby's bag.

Your bag:
1) Toiletries: toothbrush, toothpaste, contacts, glasses, shampoo, razor, etc.
2) Comfortable clothes. You want to be comfortable. You are not going to feel like getting "cute" and all fixed up. You will be resting in bed most of the time anyway. Bring granny panties for sure! Girlfriend - ain't nobody trying to wear any other types of panties after a baby!
3) If you're nursing, bring nursing bras and nursing shirts. You can bring nursing pads for your bra but you do not need a lot. Your milk will likely not come in until you get home. The hospital will have nipple shields if you need them as well.
4) Journal, Bible (if you are a believer), baby book to put footprints in
5) Camera and Video Camera
6) Chargers for phone and cameras
7) Pregnancy pillow if you have one. Although your belly will be smaller, it still helps you sleep so much better.
8) Boppy or nursing pillow. Even if you are not nursing this is helpful to hold the baby while feeding
9) Flip flops and robe for shower
10) House shoes or warm socks
11) Blanket
12) Make-Up: You may or may not want to use it but at least you will have it!

Baby's Bag:
1) A few newborn diapers. You won't need a ton because the hospital will have some.
2) A few outfits. Again, the hospital will have some clothes they put them in. However, they are not the cutest things. You will only be there a few days if all goes well so 2-4 outfits is plenty. If you want the hospital to take newborn pictures (most hospitals send a photographer in and it is your choice), then bring an outfit for that. Pick out a coming home outfit you want your baby to wear on their big ride home!
3) A paci if you want your little one to learn how to use it. The hospital will have one and your baby likely won't use it at the hospital but you can have it just in case.
4) Lotion for your baby
5) Brush: Your baby may have lots of hair!
6) Blanket for baby
7) Beanie/hat or bows for the baby. Again, the hospital will give you a beanie but you may want a cute one or cute bows.
8) Baby socks
9) Baby mittens to cover hands so they dont scratch themselves
10) Baby clippers. You can have the nurses clip their nails before you go home if you're not comfortable doing it.
11) Bottles and formula if you are formula feeding.
12) If you are expecting a boy, bring Q-tips, Vasaline, and gauze if you are planning to circumcise him. The hospital will give you a small amount but just in case!

Don't forget your carseat!! This is a must. You cannot leave the hospital with your baby without it!

Don't forget anything special that you want to take that means a lot to you and/or special for the baby.

You will do great! Good luck!