How to Pack Your Hospital Bag

On your delivery day, you want to max out your comfort levels. We've got a list of essentials for you, your labor partner, and your new baby, to make your day as stress - free as possible.

Terri Isidro-Cloudas from Parents Magazine

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What to Pack for Mom

When the time comes to go to the birthing center or hospital, every mom wants to be prepared. The last thing you want to worry about is whether you've forgotten baby's first outfit or snacks for Dad. Print and save this list of items you don't want to leave home without - and add a few of your own!
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Jason Donnelly

Comfy Clothes

Pick out your favorite nightgown or pajamas (or maybe even buy new ones) so you can go into labor looking comfortable and cute.

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Bryan McCay
Bra & Nursing Pads

Make sure to bring a nursing bra and nursing pads. Once Baby is born, she'll need to be fed several times while you're at the hospital.
- Your Partner's Hospital Bag: What to Pack
- How to Make Labor Easier
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Bryan McCay

Socks

Bring several pairs of warm socks; delivery day is no time to get cold feet!

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Adam Albright
Slippers

Slippers will make you feel like you're in the comfort of your own home during and after birth.
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Sarah Kehoe
Homecoming Outfit

Make sure to pack a comfortable outfit you can wear home; don't expect to pull on jeans or a nice sweater for a while! Use these next few months to make good use of your pregnancy outfits.
- Your Partner's Hospital Bag: What to Pack
- How to Make Labor Easier
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Pads

Sanitary pads will help any unnecessary leaking during the first few days after giving birth.
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Michael Kraus

Your Favorite Toiletries

Bring basic toiletries such as shampoo, conditioner, deodorant, moisturizer, and lip balm. You never know when you might need something!

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Jack Miskell
Haircare Products

Hair accessories, like clips, barrettes, a brush and comb, will get the hair out of your face when you're giving birth.
- Your Partner's Hospital Bag: What to Pack
- How to Make Labor Easier
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iStock

Toothbrush

Slip in a toothbrush and toothpaste; you'll want to have a pearly white grin when Baby comes!

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Peter Ardito
Your Paperwork

Make sure to bring acceptable documentation, even If you've registered at the hospital. Some hospitals need to confirm your records before you are admitted to a room.
--Your birth plan
--Insurance cards
--An address book with phone numbers
--Birth announcements and postage stamps
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Fotolia
Nice Extras

Don't forgot these fun items that may not necessarily be essential -- but can definitely help you through the big event:

--Electric heated massager or tennis ball for lower back pain or leg cramps
--Massage oil
--iPod and headphones
--Extra pillow
- Your Partner's Hospital Bag: What to Pack
- How to Make Labor Easier
What do you think of this story? Give your opinion!
For More Labor & Delivery Information

Be sure to check out our helpful tips and tricks to get you through childbirth:
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