Everything you need for kids, pregnancy and parenthood

Pregnancy is amazing but at times stressful. As your due date approaches your anxiety builds and you start to wonder is everything ready? Do I have everything I need? Am I prepared mentally, physically and emotionally? As a first time mom you have no idea because every single minute and experience is brand new uncharted territory but women just like you do it every single day so there is no reason to fret.

One major concern for new moms is what you need in your hospital bag for the big day of delivery. There are necessities and then there are niceties.

Necessities:

• Your insurance card

• Your birth plan if you have one

• Your paperwork for delivery

• Your car seat for your baby-the hospital will not let you leave with your baby unless you have one.

• Ponytail holder, bobby pins or headband to keep your hair out of your face during delivery.

• Slippers if you want to walk around in the early stages of labor.

• Clothes for your baby to leave the hospital. Usually include a hat, socks and mittens. The mittens will protect their face from their long nails.

• A distraction. For some women it is a book, movies, photograph or music. This will help you stay calm and focused for delivery.

• Baby book so you can write down who came to visit, the important information like height, weight and time of delivery. You also put the hand and footprints away for same keeping in the book so they do not get bent or damaged.

• Diaper bag filled with diapers, wipes and extra clothes in case your baby has a bowel movement on the way home. Your diaper bag will be attached to your hip so you might as well start carrying it from the get-go.

• Camera or video camera so you can capture the first moments and days of your child's life. You will cherish those memories for years.

Niceties:

• Shampoo/conditioner/hair brush/makeup to clean up and feel like a woman again after delivery

• Pajamas, sweats or gown to wear after delivery so you do not have to stay in the hospital gown they provide.

Don't forget your partner!

• Your significant other will also need a change of clothes if staying overnight with you and your new baby.

• His/Her toiletries for brushing teeth,etc

• Money for the cafeteria or vending machine because mom might be starving after giving birth