Hospital rooms can be quite cramped, but with the help of the Hospital Bag Checklist you will be well prepared for childbirth and your first days with your newborn baby. An efficient way to organize your maternity hospital bag is to pack separate bags for yourself and your baby. Forget all those other (excessive) checklists -- this is the only one you’ll need, we promise.

A tip for the thrifty: Ask your hospital what they provide for babies and mothers, and take those items off your list.

Keep a notepad handy with the contact details of all your near and dear ones, so that you can reach out to them to share the good news.

If you are carrying your mobile phone into the labor room, make sure you have saved all the numbers in it. And yes, don’t forget to carry the charger!

A handy cam will not take up much space in case you plan to record every moment of your journey!

A pair of loose and comfortable night gowns and feeding bra are advisable additions to your labor bag, if you might not want to wear the hospital robes all the time. Make sure the dresses are loose and do not restrict your movement. 

To take care of post delivery menstruation, don’t forget to carry a pack of super absorbent sanitary napkins. 4-5 pairs of old/disposable underwear (or any underwear that you don't feel sorry for), slippers and dressing gowns are must-carries too!

Keep ample space for toiletries, you should carry a toothbrush, hairbrush, flannel, soap, body wash, lotion, napkins and a face cream. Wrap the toiletry bag in a towel which will save you space.

Get some good books / magazines that will keep you going outside the visiting hours, besides your iPhone or the regular MP3 player, if you’re quite a music buff. 

For the new arrival pack in some nappies, flannel slacks, shawl, soft baby quilt, mosquito net, baby cream, lotion and powder, baby soap, diapers, baby hand gloves, socks and a couple of caps for your baby for the time when you bring him/her home.

Childbirth can be exhausting and rest is needed. Carry ear plugs, in case you end up in a noisy ward. Carrying an eye mask would also help you sleep in case your ward is brightly lit. 

Do not forget to carry a going home outfit for yourself and your little bundle of joy.

Packing the perfect labor bag sets your life to the perfect tune and makes the happiest moment of your life picture perfect!

Courtesy: Radhika Jumani, Co-founder and Head of Category, hoopos.com.