The arrival of your new son or daughter is a time of excitement and joy. It's often a hectic time as well, so it can be difficult to remember to pack everything that you need to bring to the hospital.

About a month before the baby's due date, you should make sure you have the following items. Pack as many beforehand as you can. Use the following checklist as a guide to getting organized for the big event.

Items For Mom

Note that your hospital will supply you with a gown, slippers, disposable underwear, and basic toiletries. While it’s nice to have your own clothes with you, labor and the first few days postpartum is a notoriously messy time, and you may not want to bring out your brand-new lingerie.

• Nightgown or two piece pajamas and bathrobe
• Slippers
• Bra and nursing bra
• Breast pads
• Socks (several pair)
• Underwear (several pair)
• Hair ties, "scrunchies"
• Toiletries: toothbrush, toothpaste, hair brush, lip balm, lotion, deodorant
• Comfortable and loose fitting clothing to wear home

Items For Baby

• Cute outfit for the pictures
  
• Going home outfit for baby
• Receiving blanket
• Warm clothing to wear home/heavy bunting or blanket (if cold weather)
• Baby socks
• Baby hat (especially for cold weather climates)
• Baby car seat. (Call the Auto Safety Hotline at 1-888-DASH-2-DOT for more information on the safety rating of a particular model.) A car seat is required by law and should be properly installed in your car before you go to the hospital.

Items For Labor Coach

• Stopwatch, or watch with a second hand for timing contractions
• Phone list of contacts to announce birth to friends and family; cell phone, phone card, calling card, or change for calls
• Snacks and drinks for the coach, and, if allowed by the hospital, for you
• Massage rollers, massage oils to relieve back pain due to labor
• The object you've chosen to use to focus your attention during labor (the "focal point")

Items For Hospital Staff

• Health plan insurance card
• Pregnancy medical file; over-the-counter and prescription medication information
• Birth preferences
• Your pediatrician’s name and contact information, so the hospital can let the office know your baby has arrived

Other Important Items

• Camera, still or video or both, film, batteries, videotapes
• Books, magazines
• Music (portable music player; favorite tapes, or CDs)
• Inspirational items such as rocks, crystals, candles, lockets, photographs, etc.