8 items to pack in your hospital ‘go bag’
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If you are about to become a new mother, you are probably in major prep mode. Getting the nursery set up, making sure you have all the necessary baby items, binge eating Price’s fried chicken, you know, the important things…
But when those contractions start and you are screaming at your S.O. to step on it and head to the closest of eight hospital maternity centers in the Charlotte area, there’s one thing you definitely don’t want to forget to have ready – your hospital ‘go bag.’
Not sure what you need? Luckily Carolinas HealthCare System put together a list for you. Think of it like your pregnancy ‘bug out bag.’
(1) Address Book/Phone List
Chances are, you keep this info in your phone, but if you’re old school, local stores like Paper Source and Swoozies have really cute planners and address books. A planner will be helpful once the baby comes, so you don’t miss any check-ups or mommy and me yoga classes.
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(2) Camera/iPhone
Obviously you need to document this momentous occasion. Equally important – don’t forget your camera or phone charger. You don’t want to run out of battery when you are picking the perfect filter of your baby’s first Instagram photo.
(3) Going home clothes for mom & baby
A photo posted by Destination Maternity (@destination_maternity) on
Like Kate Middleton and Baby George, you’ve gotta look fly when you leave the hospital. Luckily, there are tons of amazing maternity and baby stores for you to hit up. Side note: 704 Shop needs to start making onesies. Here’s a list of stores to check out:
Shower Me with Love
4845 Ashley Park Ln., Charlotte, NC 28210
704-302-1555
The Milky Way
1419 East Blvd., Charlotte, NC 28203
704-374-9200
Destination Maternity
4716 Sharon Rd., Charlotte, NC 28210
704-552-8190
One Hott Mamma
8145 Ardrey Kell Rd. Suite 102, Charlotte, NC 28277
704-421-5610
Katie Baby
124 Main St., Fort Mill, SC 29715
803-547-2900
(4) Hairbrush, hair dryer & hair ties
Maybe you won’t have a glam squad on standby, but you’ll at least want a few hair necessities. Emi Jay hair ties are the best and they come in tons of different colors and patterns. When it’s time to push, you’ll want your hair out of your face and off your neck.
(5) Infant car seat
There’s nothing more exciting than bringing home your new bundle of joy but you need the proper car seat to do so. Shower Me With Love says the Nuna infant car seat shown below is one of their bestsellers. Before you buy, check out a few car seat buying pro tips from local pediatrician, Dr. Andrew Gunter. He knows his stuff.
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(6) Handbook from childbirth class
Time to put those child birthing class lessons to use. This is what you’ve trained for (cue Eye of the Tiger). Bring along your handbook in case you need a refresher. Check out CHS’s list of maternity and childbirth classes here. They even offer post-birth classes.
(7) Nightgown or pajamas & slippers
While you’re at the hospital, comfort is key. Make sure you pack some loose fitting PJs and some slippers for walking around. The Milky Way, located in Dilworth, has a selection of nursing bras, pajamas and gowns.
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(8) Toiletries & cosmetics
From lotion to lip balm, make sure to pack all your go-to products. As far as cosmetics, you can probably leave the heavy stuff at home but you might want something light, like a tinted moisturizer for all those photos.
(Note: This content was co-created with Carolinas HealthCare System.)
Cover photo taken at Shower Me With Love