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ShareChecklist: Packing Your Overnight Bag
A handy checklist to help you remember the essentials.
When the times 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!
For Mom
____ Comfortable robe
____ Nightgown
____ Nursing bra and nursing pads
____ Warm socks
____ Slippers
____ Comfortable outfit you can wear home
____ Sanitary pads
____ Toiletries such as shampoo, conditioner, deodorant, moisturizer, lip balm
____ Hair clips, scrunchies, barrettes
____ Brush or comb
____ Toothbrush and toothpaste
For Your Labor Partner
____ Change of clothes
____ Book or magazine
____ Toothbrush, toothpaste, and other basic toiletries
____ At least $20 in cash and change for snacks, phone calls, and so forth
____ Snacks or soft drinks in small cooler
____ Watch with a second hand for timing contractions
For Baby
____ Car seat
____ Newborn hat
____ 2 receiving blankets
____ 2 "onesies"
____ 2 pairs of socks
____ "Going home" outfit -- including sweater or bunting if the weather is cold
____ Diapers and diaper bag
Documents
____ Birth plan
____ Insurance cards
____ Address book with phone numbers
____ Birth announcements and postage stamps
Extras
____ Electric heated massager or tennis ball (very helpful for lower back pain or leg cramps)
____ Massage oil
____ Personal stereo and headphones
____ Favorite tapes or compact discs
____ Some books and magazines
____ Camera or video camera (and film and fresh batteries!)
____ Extra pillow
____ Gift for sibling
____ Hard candy to suck on during labor
____ Lanolin, if nursing
____ Cell phone
Notes
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Excerpted from the AmericanBaby.com Ages & Stages weekly pregnancy newsletter, Week 35.
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--Reviewed September 2005
