This is the last of the three "packing your hospital bags" posts. 

Check out part 1: the delivery bag and part 2: the overnight bag too!

Diaper Bag: All the things baby needs during your stay.

What you need in your diaper bag will vary depending on what time of year your baby will be born in. It's also a good idea to check with your doctor to see what items your hospital supplies you with. Some hospitals provide everything for the baby, and others provide squat. I was surprised to see a pack of newborn diapers, wipes and newborn "soothie" binkies provided for us last time. 

1. The bag. This is obvious...moving on.
2. Nursing cover. It will take you a while to get the hang of things (you will be awkward and fumbly) unless you want your plethora of visitors to see your girls, a cover is a good idea.
3. Nursing paraphanalia. Nursing pads, soothies, breast shells, etc. Your milk will most likely not come in while you are at the hospital, but it's always good to be prepared.
4. Nail clippers, scissors and a file. Babies are usually born with long fingernails, so to keep them from scratching themselves bring an assortment of nail tools because newborn nails are tough to cut so you may need a few different ones to get the job done.
5. Diaper changing pad. Newborns won't need many diaper changes in their first couple of days, but you definitely will want something to put under them when you do change them, because it will most likely be taking place where one of you sleep and there is a good chance it will get quite messy!
6. Sensitive wipes. Bennett had very sensitive skin in the beginning so I'm bringing my own baby wipes for sensitive skin. Look for unscented!
7. Burp cloth. Once again, your milk supply will most likely not be established yet, which means that baby won't be getting enough to even spit up but a good burp cloth is your best friend and it doesn't hurt to be prepared.
8. Calendula cream (or some other natural ointment for baby). For irritated spots, baby acne, dry skin, eczema, etc. This stuff is awesome.
9. A couple kinds of binkies (you never know what they will like). My lactation consultant stressed that nipple confusion wasn't real and that binkies are actually a good thing because they help your baby establish the sucking reflex that is so important in breastfeeding. They also help you keep your sanity when you feel like you're going to rip your hair out. You aren't a failure if you newborn uses a binky, embrace it. Bennett took a binkie from his first day and never had any problems with getting confused (even when we threw bottles into the mix a month or two later). He also had no problems with being too attached to it, and got rid of it cold turkey once he turned 10 months old. Lifesaver I tell you! These are my favorite ones (hello it has a cap to keep it clean, and they are clear so they won't obstruct pictures!)
10. Hats and socks. Newborns aren't able to regulate their body temperature so it's good to pack a few of these things.
11. A toy. No your baby won't be into playing with it, but it good for eye stimulation and at the very least cute photo ops.
12. Newborn clothes. You would think that 0-3 would incorporate newborns, but for some reason that's not how it works. Bennett was 8lbs 8oz. and stayed in newborn clothes for at least a week or two.
13. A sweater. This is mostly for the ride home and the split second they will be outside. I'm sure they would be fine if you just covered them with a blanket, but you need to start being an overly protective parent sometime right?!
14. Gowns. These are priceless in the first few weeks. Newborns sleep a lot, and poop a lot which means that you don't want to be waking them up all the time to change them. In a gown you just simply lift it up while they are still sleeping...genius!