21 hospital bag must-haves for expectant moms
For many pregnant women, packing a hospital bag is a daunting task.
Everyone knows to bring toiletries, phone chargers and a few favorite snacks, but a few things are a little trickier. Want to dry your hair? Throw a hair dryer into your bag. Do you shave every day? Pack a razor!
For those who might be feeling overwhelmed, "Good Morning America" has compiled a list of must-haves to make your hospital stay as comfortable as possible.
Good luck, and congratulations!
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For Mom
1. Pajamas: If you're planning to breastfeed, the buttons make these sets must-haves. And for those women who are having c-sections, a nightshirt option, which won't aggravate your incision, may be preferable.
2. A bathrobe: Feel instantly prettier when you slip into one post-delivery.
3. Slippers: Hospital floors are cold, but your feet don't have to be.
4. Nursing bras: Nursing mothers will want to live in these.
5. Nursing camisoles: All the perks of a nursing bra -- but in shirt form!
6. Hand lotion: On top of hospitals being dry, you'll be using a lot of hand sanitizer, which can wreak havoc on your skin. Be sure to bring moisturizer! Lip balm couldn't hurt, either.
7. Underwear: The hospital will likely provide uber-comfortable mesh underwear for new moms, but why not pack a few of your own just in case you prefer it?
8. Pillows: Hospitals aren't known for their excellent bedding. Stay comfortable by bringing your own pillows, and make sure to bring colorful pillowcases to distinguish them from the hospital's.
9. Towels: Yours are bigger and fluffier than the ones you'll get at the hospital, we promise.
10. Flip-flops: Your shower will likely be clean (you'll be in a hospital, after all!) but flip-flops will make any germaphobe feel better.
11. A breastfeeding pillow: If you're hoping to breastfeed, having your props with you from the beginning is helpful. Don't forget to ask for nipple cream, too!
12. Sleep mask: If you want to sleep, this is a necessity.
13. A speaker: Create a playlist and bring a speaker to make your hospital room feel more like home.
14. A going-home outfit: You won't want to put on jeans immediately postpartum. Bring a dress or something easy to go home in, and don't forget to size up! You're no longer pregnant, but nobody's stomach flattens out that quickly.
15. A yoga ball: It can be helpful for labor.
16. Totes: Many hospitals will send new parents home with plenty of goodies, from diapers to receiving blankets. Bring bags to take 'em home.
17. Gifts for nurses: Labor and delivery nurses, as well as those in postpartum, will work hard to take care of you and your baby. Do what you can to make them feel appreciated.
For Baby
1. Swaddles: Nurses will teach new parents how to swaddle a newborn, but Velcro swaddles take out the guesswork.
2. A going-home outfit: Make sure your little one heads out into the world in style!
3. Car seat: If you only bring one thing with you, it needs to be a car seat.
4. A receiving blanket: The car can be chilly!
