I can’t believe the time is already here to get our bags ready for the hospital. Our son is coming very soon, he’s due in 11 days! That is just crazy to me.

Most books will tell you to start getting the hospital bags ready between a month and 3 weeks before your due date. For the second time in a row, I found it hard to pack. There are so many things that can’t get in the bag until the day of. I did slowly start putting aside things to pack at the 3 weeks before due date mark and on an index card, wrote out a list of things that I would need my husband to get in the bag the moment that it is clear that labor is beginning.

I thought it was helpful this time around to get some input from other mamas about what they put in their bag. If you’re curious, here’s what I’m bringing with me.

Labor Bag (Tote Bag)

• Lip balm
• Hair ties and a clip
• Skirt and tank top for labor: This was the best piece of advice ever from multiple people. The hospital gown was so dang uncomfortable last time, particularly when I wasn’t in labor positions on my back. I literally was mooning everyone that came in the room! I had no idea that you could labor in whatever you wanted. I picked up a super cheap (but also pretty cute) skirt at Target on the clearance rack to use.
• Warm socks and slippers
• A folder with admission forms, hospital parking directions, birth plan, and other miscellaneous important papers.
• Photos of Gianna when she was just born:  I thought they might serve as a focus point for when I need some encouragement during painful contractions.
• Tennis balls: I hear these are helpful for massage during labor, I didn’t use them (or anything else I brought for labor) the first time around, so we’ll see if they come out of the bag this time.
• Cord blood collection kit: For the second time, we are donating our cord blood through the Joanne Pang Foundation. We’ve had a great experience with this and while it takes some time, I highly recommend giving to a great cause in this way.

Overnight/Baby Bag (Duffel Bag)

• Clothes for the hospital stay: my favorite hoodie (a gift from the hubby), comfy black pants, some favorite tank tops, and different types of layers. The temperature in my recovery room was out of whack last time, either really cold or too warm. I want to be comfortable but also feel like I’m looking somewhat put together post labor!
• Nursing bras and breast pads
• Clothes for new baby: a onesie, cute little pants, socks, hand mitts, and hat
• Swaddles and light blankets
• Toiletries and makeup
• Earplugs: in case I’m sharing a recovery room
• Phone charger

I think that’s it. I hope I’m not forgetting anything!