Baby is set to arrive in just a few months. You've read all the pregnancy books, stocked your maternity wardrobe and have been keeping regular appointments with your obstetrician or midwife. Next, your focus can turn to birth and Baby. How should you prepare?

Deciding what to bring to the hospital can be tricky. You don't want to arrive toting four pieces of luggage, but you don't want to forget an essential item, either. Before packing your bag, ask friends or visit PregnancyToday.com for advice.

What did other moms find most useful at the hospital? A few essentials include entertainment for Dad (cards, videos, books), as well as a change of clothes and toiletries, snacks for both of you, comfort items like a favorite pillow, nightgown or robe, and a camera. Don't forget to add a list of phone numbers if you will be calling family and friends to spread the news. If you have a birth plan, bring that, too. Pack your bag – or at least make a list of what to bring – a month or more before Baby is expected.

Choosing a pediatrician before your baby is born is an important step. This doctor will give a baby his first checkup, and be available to answer the many questions you'll have in those first few days and weeks. Both you and your spouse should feel comfortable with not only asking the pediatrician anything, but taking the advice and choices he or she presents to you.

For instance, what are the doctor's policies on routine immunizations? Does he support breastfeeding? Does he provide after-hours answers and care? Interview a number of doctors, weigh the importance of each answer and allow plenty of time deciding which doctor is right for your family.

Will you circumcise? Immunize? Parents face difficult decisions about a baby's health even before he is born, so you should settle these important issues long before you leave for the hospital. After your baby is born, he may be given routine immunizations and you'll probably be asked if you want to circumcise him. If you, or your spouse, are not prepared to make these decisions on the spot, you could rush into something you won't be happy about later.

Spend time researching in advance the medical decisions you'll face at the hospital, sit down with your spouse to discuss what you learn and go into the birth experience knowing what's in store for your baby.

Which car seat is best for your family? Safest? Which one is easiest to install and does it have a separate base or carry handle? How about strollers? So many products are targeted at new parents, it's hard to decide which items – not to mention which models – are essential and what you can skip. Again, rely on other parents to tell you what they used most and what stayed in the closet. Try wheeling strollers around the baby goods store and read up on the safety ratings of car seats. Be sure you check for recalls before buying any used items.

If you haven't signed up for a childbirth education class, do it now before classes fill up. A childbirth course that teaches such popular methods as Lamaze or Bradley can give you an idea of what to expect during labor and how to cope with the various challenges of giving birth. These classes can also help your partner get an idea of what his role will be when the big day arrives. Aside from taking a course, you can also check out books about the birth experience or visit BirthStories.com for the birth stories of moms who've been there.

Besides needing something to eat and a place to sleep, your baby is going to need something to wear. You might get some clothing for your baby's layette as gifts or hand-me-downs, but remember that babies also grow very quickly in the early months – so go easy on the number of newborn outfits you buy. A modest supply of gowns, sleepers, caps and booties should get you started, as well as plenty of undershirts and socks in newborn and 3- to 6-month sizes.

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