Packing For The Hospital - New Baby

There are a million things to think about when waiting for a new baby to arrive. One thing is packing for the hospital trip. Here are a list of essential items to pack.

You're late in your third trimester of pregnancy and are getting to that point where the baby could come at any time. Or perhaps your doctor has already scheduled a day when your labor will be induced. There is so much to think about, like making sure you have all the necessities for when the baby comes home, or making sure that the nursery is all painted and set up. One of the major things new parents-to-be sometimes forget is packing for the hospital. Here is a list of must-haves when packing for the hospital.

* Baby car seat - This is probably the most important item on this list. You will not be bringing your new baby home unless you have a rear-facing infant car seat set up in your vehicle. Unless you know for sure when the baby will be arriving, install the car seat in your vehicle as soon as you can so you will always be ready.

* Gas - Although this is not exactly a packing item, per se, make sure your car's gas tank is always full. This way you won't have to stop on the way to the hospital to fill up while your wife is having contractions.

* Home quilt and pillow - Of course, the hospital will issue you a pillow and sheets, but there is nothing like having your own pillow and comfy quilt when you have to deliver. Besides, they keep the hospital room chilly, so it's always nice to have extra blankets on hand.

* Pictures - If you have taken a Lamaze course, many times they suggest taking a picture or focal object to focus on. Be sure to bring this along. Also, if it helps to make the hospital room more homey and personal, you can bring framed photos of your family and friends.

* CD and boom box - The only sounds in that hospital room will be of the equipment set up around the new mom. Bring a boom box to listen to some music or a mix CD of the new mom's favorite songs to keep her relaxed.

* Cash - Most hospital cafeterias do not yet accept checks or credit cards, so if the new daddy gets hungry, he may want to have some cash to visit either the vending machines or get something to eat or drink.

* Extra set of clothes - Once the soon-to-be mom arrives at the hospital, she will be quickly issued a hospital gown, but it would be nice to have an extra set of underwear and a separate outfit for her to wear once she leaves the hospital in a few days. The soon-to-be dad may want to pack an extra outfit as well, in case the labor turns out to be a long one.

* Jacket for the dad-to-be - As I mentioned earlier, the hospital room can be quite cold, so you may want to pack a warm jacket for the father-to-be.

* Cell phone and numbers - Most new parents-to-be won't have time before taking off to the hospital to call relatives and friends to let them know that baby is on her way, so make sure to pack your cell phone, cell phone charger and a list of phone numbers of those relatives and friends. This way, the husband can make calls before and after the delivery to alert friends about the delivery progress.

* Video camera or camera - You will definitely not want to forget these items since you will want to document this special event!

* Baby essentials - Although the hospital may provide the new baby with a hat and a t-shirt, you don't want to count on it. Pack some baby hand mittens (most babies arrive with long nails that may scratch their face), a baby hat (her little head will be cold in that room), a quilt and some baby socks. Also pack some extra newborn diapers, formula (if you choose not to breastfeed) and some burping cloths.

* Cigars - This is an old tradition for the new father to pass around cigars or gum cigars to his friends and relatives to announce the arrival of his new baby.

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