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10 Hudson Valley Parent Q 2013 Baby Guide Y ou've read all the parenting books on the market and are ready to have your baby. The only thing missing, your overnight bag! It's important to pack your overnight bag several weeks before your due date and stash it in a convenient location. Not sure what to take along to the hospital? Here are the top ten things every mom should bring to the hospital: Bring a Nightgown After you give birth you will probably stay in the hospital gown for a while, but once the doctor is done and you're all cleaned up, most hospitals will let you change into a gown of your own. You might prefer pajamas with shorts or pants as a bottom but it might be easier to wear a nightgown. Socks are a Must Hospital rooms are generally kept quite, cool and your feet don't get much circulation during or after birth. So having some warm, comfy socks will be a benefit. Plus you'll be walking around trying to help labor, or trying to get to the bathroom after labor, and you will not want to walk barefoot on the hospital linoleum! Baby Outfit The hospital will provide most everything you need for your baby; diapers, wipes, soap, pacifier, even a shirt to wear during his stay. You will want to be sure to bring an outfit to bring baby home in and for pictures. Make sure the outfit includes a shirt, pants, socks and a hat. Receiving blanket These are the only other things you'll need for baby. The hospital will provide you with plenty of blankets during your stay, but once you are ready to leave, the blankets are not allowed to go with you. It's a good idea to bring at least five receiving blankets because you'll want to stuff them around your baby's head in the car seat. Don't Forget the Camera This is definitely essential as you'll want to capture every moment! Decide ahead of time what moments you want to capture (signing admission papers, getting an IV, holding the newborn, etc) so you'll be sure to get the pictures you want. Some hospitals do not allow a personal video camera so you might want to check on that ahead of time. Bring a Boppy This can be one of the best things for you and your baby, if used properly. A "Boppy" is a C- shaped pillow that has many different uses, the most common one being to aid in nursing. The pillow goes around mommy's tummy and baby lays on the pillow with mommy's arm supporting the baby. With this pillow you don't have to stuff pillows all around you and under baby to get the right support, it's already there. This is definitely GET PACKING! BY LAURA CARTER 10 things you'll need at the hospital