6 things to pack in your hospital bag before your due date

As you approach your due date, it’s a good idea to pack the bag you’re going to bring with you to the hospital. Don’t forget to pack these key items.

With your due date around the corner, it’s time to think about what to include when you prepare your hospital bag. And best to do this as soon as possible, because you definitely don’t want to be stuck looking for your camera between contractions.

When you prepare your hospital bag, here are six things you’ll be happy you packed:

You can’t plan exactly how the birth will go. But you can make your wishes known to the healthcare professionals involved by preparing a birth plan. Don’t forget to pack this birth plan in your hospital bag. After all, a birth plan document sitting on your kitchen counter isn’t much use if you’re at the hospital.

Even if you don’t want your actual labour and birth to be captured on camera, surely you will want to capture those first few precious moments with your newborn.

• Having a new baby is such a special time that you'll want to cherish those very first snapshots from the hospital.

You have probably been thinking about the names you like. It’s a good idea to make a list of those names and bring it to the hospital.

• Giving birth can be exhausting physically, emotionally and mentally, so you may be very happy you have that list of names on hand to help you remember.

Let’s face it — hospitals are not the cleanest of places, so you probably won’t want to walk around barefoot during your stay. And, having to take your shoes off and put them back on every time you get in and out of bed is cumbersome.

• Flip flops are the perfect solution, so throw them in your hospital bag. You’ll be glad you did.

For a lot of people, the feeling of changing into clean clothes after giving birth is a great one.

• Even though the hospital will likely provide you with a gown or something to wear while giving birth, you'll be thankful you brought fresh clothes to wear at the end of your labour and birthing experience.

Your baby has been warm for months hanging out and growing in your belly, but it’s cold out there in the world!

• Don’t forget to pack newborn clothes to dress your baby when you’re ready to take him or her home. If it’s cold outside, remember to bring lots of warm baby blankets, too.