Let’s look at packing your hospital a bag with everything you think you’ll need at the hospital so that you’re ready to go as soon as your baby’s ready to arrive.

Your hospital bag checklist:

1. Cell phone and charger. List of names and phone numbers that your partner or family member should call after the birth.
2. Camera and video camera. Don’t forget the batteries or charger!
3. Essential Medical Papers and documents.
4. Cash and change for snacks and things at the hospital.
5. 2-3 pairs of warm non-skid socks and a pair of slippers to walk around in before and after labor. You may want to bring some flip-flops as well for the shower (remember your feet will likely be swollen).
6. A warm robe or sweater you don’t mind getting stained and a night suit you don’t care ruining either.
7. Maternity bras (avoid under-wires) and nursing pads for support and leak protection.
8. Breast pump if you plan to use one. The nurses will show you how.
9. Your Babycell – Cord Blood Collection Kit Box. Be sure to handover the cord blood collection kit to the Doctor or Staff Nurse to collect your baby’s cord blood in time
10. Maternity underwear and sanitary pads.
11. Toiletries and makeup essentials such as ChapStick or tinted lip balm, hairbrush, barrettes, bobby pins, headband or pony tail holder, toothbrush, toothpaste, mouthwash, deodorant face wash or makeup wipes. Mascara, blush and eyeliner, concealer, hand held mirror, tweezers, body lotion and face moisturizer, shampoo, conditioner, body wash/soap, contacts, lens case and solution, and eye glasses (if you wear them). Travel sized products are the best, so you don’t have a bag that’s too heavy.
12. Soft, warm, thick, fluffy towels and pillows. Hospital towels are very thin and often uncomfortable. Having your favorite pillow(s) will make a world of difference, too.
13. A positive book or magazines, an iPod to listen to music and some DVDs and a computer to watch movies on.
14. Bring pictures of your other kids for your hospital room to inspire you and ward off any jealousy they may have when meeting your newborn for the first time.
15. Your birth partner should have a bag with basic hygiene products and a change of clothes (or two) as well.
16. Last, but not least, you’ll want to be comfortable and yet look fabulous in the pictures of you and your baby coming home.Bring some cute and comfy change of “going home” clothes, attractive flat shoes to match and sunglasses. Make sure your partner has something appropriate to wear for the occasion as well. Your new baby will need a cute outfit, too!
17. Anything else you can’t live without for a couple of days.

What to bring for baby coming home:

1. Car seat.
2. A soft carrier for hands-free use when you can’t put your baby down (be warned: this will happen).
3. A stroller.
4. An extra bag to bring home what you accumulated in the hospital like diapers, wipes, creams, bottles, formula, papers, etc.
5. A nursing pillow and bib.
6. Warm blankets.
7. An adorable, classic and seasonally appropriate coming home outfit for photographs. If it is a cold time of year, bring a hat, jacket and warm booties for your little one.
8. Have all the other essentials you need at home ready to go.
9. A smile, patience, and love!

About Mummy ki Paathshaala

‘Mummy ki Paathshaala’ has been initiated by Babycell for all to-be-parents. The experts can enlighten you with valuable information related to pregnancy diet, pregnancy yoga and exercises, labour and delivery tips. They also hold interesting discussions on Do’s and Don’ts that cover all the pregnancy related questions you may be asking yourselves.

If you have any issues related to pregnancy, make sure to ask the experts and get your doubts cleared. On the overall, ‘Mummy ki Paathshaala’ not only enlightens you with issues related to pregnancy but will also teach you to be an awesome parent.

What better way to enjoy your pregnancy and have some fun with it? Register today and see for yourself how it helps you make good choices for you, your baby and your family!