Essential Items to Bring to the Hospital When Having a Baby

Anxious for your baby to arrive? Not sure what to pack in that suitcase? Here are the absolute must haves for when baby arrives:

1. Car seat - Okay, so you can't pack this in your suitcase, but the only way you get to take baby home is if you have one, so make sure it's in the car and make sure it's buckled right.

2. Going home outfit for baby - Pick your favorite newborn outfit for when you get to bring baby home. During their hospital stay they'll be swaddled so don't worry too much about have clothes for baby at the hospital, but once you're checking out you get to dress them however you want.

3. Large/loose clothes for you - You belly won't magically disappear after giving birth so you'll still have some loosely hanging skin for a few weeks. Make sure the clothes you pack for yourself are loose enough for the belly. Think 24 week belly size. You won't be fitting into your skinny jeans right away.

4. Robe - This is nice for when you're in the hospital gown but either want to take a little walk down the hall to the nursery or you just want some extra cozy fabric against your skin.

5. Nursing bra - If you aren't already wearing one because your other bras no longer fit, then get a nursing bra and wear it to the hospital. Pretty soon after your baby is born you'll have your first breastfeeding experience so you'll want a nursing bra on. Some women don't even wear bras during deliver/hospital stay, but I liked wearing it during delivery just so that I wasn't completely exposed to everyone in the room.

6. Toiletries - needless to say, whenever you stay somewhere else overnight you'll want these. Throw in some maxi pads because the hospital will give you weird loose fitting undies and pads but you'll probably want the ones you are comfortable with for when you check out.

Those are the absolute essentials for you minimalists out there. Anything else you want to fit in there is just a plus. Snacks are also a good option because you may not like what they have at the hospital. Good luck and happy delivery!