Having a baby is overwhelming enough... panicking if you bought the right bottles, choosing between 35 different strollers and applying for the waiting list for the top nursery school. Despite all that and more, add in the nerves and anxiety about labour and delivery, plus in a matter of weeks you will be bringing home a teenie tiny infant to care for. However, at 36 weeks you find yourself needing to pack your hospital bag, but where on earth do you begin? Luckily at Marie-Chantal we have compiled the perfect list of everything you need for all your hospital bag essentials. Pro tip.... Don't forget to call ahead and ask what your hospitals provide, so you don't double up on any items.

FOR YOU

• Comfortable Loose Fitting Clothes: Don't pack anything too restrictive, think lightweight pyjamas, sweatpants, cotton nightgowns or loose shirts that button up in the front (which are great for nursing.) Also, don't forget to pack an outfit to wear home.
• Bathrobe: Perfect to keep you warm in air-conditioned maternity wards. Bathrobes are easy to wear when you're recovering from a vaginal delivery or C-section. 
• Nursing Bras: Pack two if you plan on nursing.
• Cozy Socks: Slippers or a few pairs of socks with no slip grips on the bottom for walking around your hospital room.
• Pillow and Blanket: Hospital sheets can be scratchy and uncomfortable, a nice blanket and pillow are small home comforts that go a long way.
• Eye Mask: An eyemask can help block out any harsh unwanted bright lights when you're trying to sleep.
• Toiletries: A wash bag with your shower gel, shampoo and conditioner (dry shampoo is also great if you don't want to shower right away), hairbrush, hair ties, lotion, deodorant, toothbrush and toothpaste, contact lenses or glasses, lip balm, face wipes, and any makeup you want to have.
• Towel: Hospital towels can be thin, scratchy and small. Also, don't forget sandals for the shower.
• Postpartum Care Products: Nipple cream, maternity underwear, adult diapers, perineal spray or any postpartum vitamins.
• Extra Long Cell Phone Charging Cord: Outlets are placed far away from hospital beds, so an extra-long cord will come in handy or consider bringing a portable power bank instead.
• Reusable Water Bottle: Hospitals have notoriously small cups.
• Snacks: Hospitals are also notoriously known for having terrible food, so bring your own healthy, easy to eat snacks.
• Extra: Consider packing a portable speaker to play music in your room or during your birthing experience or a diffuser with calming essential oils to add a personal touch to your room.
• Extra Bag: Your hospital will most likely hook you up with a lot of freebies (pads, mesh underwear, formula samples, etc). You might also need an extra tote bag for gifts that you may receive while in the hospital from friends and family.

FOR BABY

• Going Home Outfit: Take into consideration the weather when choosing an outfit and pack a sweater, hat, etc. if it's cold, and don't forget socks!
• Receiving Blanket: This blanket can serve to keep your baby extra warm and cozy for the ride home.
• Muslin Cloths: Perfect for swaddling and can double as a burp cloth.
• Bottles and Formula: If you plan to bottle feed, along with your preferred formula.
• Car Seat: If you plan to leave the hospital by car, the hospital won't let you leave without one (make sure it's already installed).

Adult Pink Love Heart Woven Pyjama in Pink, $179.00 at Mariechantal.com; Aristidis Hairbrush with Crest, $35.00 at Mariechantal.com; Pink Love Heart Sleepsuit, $59.00 at Mariechantal.com; Love Heart Eye Mask, $25.00 at Mariechantal.com; Angel Wing Fleece Robe in White, $145.00 at Mariechantal.com; Knitted Blanket in Pale Pink, $129.00 at Mariechantal.com; Match Your Mini Cashmere Gift Set, $1,059.00 at Mariechantal.com; Deon Angel Wing Jersey Set, $69.00 at Mariechantal.com; Set of 3 Printed Muslins in Pink, $89.00 at Mariechantal.com; Shearling Slipper, $99.00 at Mariechantal.com; Floral Angel Wing Large Wash Bag, $89.00 at Mariechantal.com; Floral Angel Wing Small Wash Bag, $89.00 at Mariechantal.com

FOR YOUR PARTNER

• Change of clothes: In case labour runs long, think sweatpants, sweatshirt or sweaters, a change of socks and underwear.
• Pillow and blanket: So your partner is comfortable as well for long nights at the hospital.
• Toiletries: Toothbrush, toothpaste and deodorant.
• iPad or Laptop with chargers: To have on hand in case there is any down time.
• Book or Magazines: To have on hand in case there is any down time.
• Headphones: In case you need to take any calls, listen to a podcast, or want to watch something without disturbing others.
• Camera: To document the journey and all those special moments with your new baby.
• Snacks: Hospitals are also notoriously known for having terrible food and vending machines aren't any better, so bring your own healthy, easy to eat snacks. 

ADMINISTRATION

• ID and Insurance Information: Make sure and have these on hand, as well as any hospital forms you need to bring.
• Birth Plan: Print out a few copies to make sure your doctor and nurses all have one (make sure they add one to your chart)
• Pediatrician’s Contact Information: You'll need this for your baby's medical chart.
• Cord Banking Kit: You'll need to bring this if you are banking your baby's cord blood.
• Gift for Nurses (optional): If you loved your staff of nurses, bring them a little thank you gift.