Preparing a hospital bag for birth is an important task for expectant mothers. Here is a list of items to consider packing based on the search results:

For Mom:

• Comfortable clothes for postpartum
• A robe
• Toiletries (toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo, conditioner, deodorant, hairbrush, hair ties, etc.)
• Nursing bras and pads
• Underwear (disposable or comfortable)
• Socks or slippers
• Phone charger
• Pillow and blanket
• Snacks and drinks
• Diversions like a book or magazine
• Optional items: diffuser, portable fan, bath towel, hairdryer, earbuds, a comfy pillow from home, etc.

For Baby:

• Infant car seat with instructions
• Going-home outfit
• Hat
• Booties or socks
• Receiving blankets
• Newborn diapers (if they do not have the umbilical cord area cut out, make sure you fold them down)
• Wipes
• Mittens

Nice-to-haves:

• Bottles (if you plan to bottle-feed from the get-go)
• Swaddles
• Portable fan
• A cooler filled with drinks and sandwiches
• Quarters for the vending machine and/or payphone

It is recommended to have the hospital bag ready to go by 36-37 weeks pregnant, just in case you go into labor before your due date. While timing is important, you do have some flexibility in deciding when to pack your hospital bag.