2 Months Before Your Due Date

• Prepare the nursery — wash baby clothes, etc.
• Plan for drivers and find the best travel route to the hospital. Make back-up plans as well.
• Buy an infant car seat and learn how it works.

1 Month Before Your Due Date

• Install your infant car seat in the car.

Pack Your Bag for the Hospital.

• Clothing for your hospital stay such as several nightgowns, a robe, slippers, nursing bras or bras with good support, socks and underwear. If you’re planning on breastfeeding, it helps to have sleepwear with front closures.
• Toiletry items — We provide basic items such as soap, toothpaste and shampoo. If you need other items or special brands, make sure you bring them.
• Contacts Lenses — If you wear contacts, pack a case with supplies. You may find your glasses are more comfortable during labor and delivery.
• Something to keep your hair out of your eyes such as headbands or barrettes.
• One or two personal items such as your own pillow, a favorite CD or book.
• Clothing for the trip home. Maternity clothes are probably the best along with flat shoes.
• (Bring only labor supplies to Labor and Delivery. The rest of your items can be brought to your room after delivery.)

Pack Baby’s Hospital Bag

• Install infant car seat
• Prewashed clothing, hats and blankets that are weather-appropriate
• Bootie socks for hands and feet
• Car window shade for sun protection

Pack Support Person’s Hospital Bag

• Change of comfortable clothing
• Toiletry items
• Still or video camera with film and batteries
• Watch with a second hand (for timing contractions)
• Tennis balls for massaging your back
• Box for bringing home gifts and flowers
• Snacks and beverages
• A small amount of cash for meals and coins for vending machines
• List of people and their numbers to call with baby news
• Magazines, books or other reading materials
• Hard candy to give to the mother during labor