Maternity Hospital Bag Checklist, What To Carry?

Packing your maternity hospital bag is an important part of getting ready for your baby's arrival. After a long awaited wait, the time welcomes the little one. You have all the decorations done and the nursery ready for him or her. But, hey! Prepare your hospital bag with all the items to keep handy by packing all the essentials in an organized way, you can make your hospital stay more comfortable and less stressful. This checklist will guide you through the essential items to pack.

When to pack You Hospital Bag:

We recommend it to pack all the essential items for your hospital stay between 35 and 38 weeks of pregnancy, as delivery can happen. This will help to avoid any last-minute stress or scrambling.

Check out: Printed Feeding Pyjama Set

Hospital Bag Checklist for Birth: Essential Items to Pack Before Delivery

• Photo IDs and Important Documents: All picture identification, insurance cards, and any reports and hospital records should be taken along. Ideas such as these would facilitate the admission processes.
  

• Phone and Chargers: Never forget to pack your phone, charger and at least an extra power bank. It is good to be in touch with your family and friends and also to make some moments during your stay in the hospital.
  
  
• Warm Socks: Best to pack 2-3 sets of thick and warm socks that reach up to the ankle. These are helpful mostly in ensuring that your feet are comfortable while you are moving around the hospital before and after the birth of your baby.
  
  
• Shawl and Robe: It should also be possible to put on a warm shawl and a robe. Hospitals can be cold and these will help to warm you up and make you comfortable knowing that skin sensitivity is rife during this time.
  
  
• Lip Balm: Hospitals are generally dry places of work. A clear lip balm, for instance the Vaseline petroleum jelly, will ensure your lips remain moist.
  
  
• Headbands and Hair Ties: Carry some headbands and hair ponytail holders for purposes of fixing your hair.
  
  
• Lozenges or Candy: It is advisable to have a couple of unsweetened lozenges or candies with you as you may need to constantly moist your mouth during labour.
  
  
• Light Snacks: Small snacks, which do not spoil such as oatmeal cookies, or nut bars should be taken when one is between meals.
  
  
• Basic Toiletries: Never leave out simple items like a toothbrush, toothpaste, hairbrushes, hair combs and even towels.
  
  
• Comfortable Clothing: Bring casual and light fabrics especially for the times that you will be embracing the outdoors and for your nightwear.
  

• Footwear: Take a couple of sets of shoes, for instance, slipper for the bathroom or shower and some flip flops.

Items To Pack In Your Hospital Bag After Delivery

• Maternity Bras: Two maternity bras will help for lactating and will be helpful for support purpose.
  
  
• Nightwear: A pyjama set to be worn at night with hidden zippers for lactation as well as a night dress with feeding facilities will help in the process.
  
  
• Lactating Pillow: A cute lactating pillow will assist in feeding your baby and also sleeping with him or her.
  
  
• Maternity Pads: Carry thick maternity pads since there is likelihood of having a lot of blood after giving birth.
  
  
• Nutritive Snacks: It is recommended to bring some food items which are good for consumption after the delivery of the baby.
  
  

Must See: Navy Graphic Feeding Nightie

Items to Pack in Bag for Your Partner

      

This time is also important for the partner and his or her comfort as well as needs. Doing their packing can assist them in reducing their stress levels, and help you more in the process.

• Favorite Snacks: Bring their best-known food items to avoid instances where they get hungry and become frustrated.
  
  
• Toiletries and Clothing: This means they had their toiletries, spare clothing and so on.
  
  
• Small Pillow: A small cushion can be helpful for your partner to support his/her back or head while he/she is in labor.

Items to Pack in Bag for Your Baby:

• Finally, your little one has arrived into the world! A cute pair of mittens and a baby cap are essential items to keep your baby warm and comfortable.
• You can also pack bodysuits and diapers for your baby. A blanket is also helpful for wrapping your baby up and keeping them warm.

What Not To Pack In Your Hospital Bag:

• Leave your valuables at home, such as gold and chunky jewelry.
• Bring only a small amount of cash, as you won't need much in the hospital.
• The hospital will provide diapers for your baby, so you don't need to pack many.
• If you're having a C-section, avoid packing tight-fitting bottoms, as they can be uncomfortable after surgery.

Time to Throw In The Snacks:

Including snacks in your hospital bag can be a lifesaver. Here’s what to pack for a quick energy boost: 

• Nuts and Crackers:A handful of nuts, apples, and crackers are great for quick snacks.
• Cereals: Pack cereals such as oats and multigrains that are low in sugar for a nutritious option.
  
  
• Dates: Dates are beneficial due to their high iron content, making them a great addition to your snacks.
  
  
• Homemade Soup Packets: Consider packing a few homemade soup packets for a nutritious option if you need more fluids.

Here are a few things you’ll need once the little one comes home for them to remain comfortable.

• Baby Mittens and Cap: A cute pair of mittens and a baby cap are some of the things that will make your baby warm.
  
  
• Bodysuits and Diapers: Take many bodysuits and diapers for baby’s first days or first week in the hospital and away from home.
  
  
• Baby Blanket: It will be helpful to have a soft blanket in order to swaddle your baby and keep him or her warm.
  
  
• Valuables: Avoid the use of gold and other chunky kind of jewelries.
  
  
• Cash: Carry little money because you won’t need much in the hospital especially if it is a government facility.
  
  
• Diapers: Diapers for your baby, this is something that you are likely to find in the hospital, so do not bother to carry many.
  
  
• Tight-Fitting Bottoms: In case you are preparing for a C-section, do not pack skinny pants because they are uncomfortable after surgery.

Additional Items to Consider for Your Maternity Hospital Bag

• Birth Plan: If you have a birth plan, put one together and discuss it with your healthcare team. This can help ensure everyone is on the same page about what you want.
  
  
• Comfort items for effort: Consider packing things like stress pills, essential oils, or soothing music. These can help create a calm environment and manage fertility problems.
  
  
• Postpartum care products: Include basic postpartum care products such as breast pads, soothing lubricants, and emollients. These can help you feel better after giving birth.
  
  
• Cash and payment options: While you don’t need a lot of cash, it can be helpful to have a few extra cash or vending machines.
  
  
• Extra phone charger: Bringing an extra phone charger or charging cable keeps your battery from running out, especially if you use your phone frequently.
  
  
• Straw water bottle: A straw water bottle can make it easier to drink water without having to get up during labor.
  
  
• Birth belt or support: Having a birth belt helps with comfort during labor.
  
  
• Small medical supplies: A small kit with things like a thermometer, disinfectants, and basic medications (approved by your doctor) can be useful
  
  
• Comfortable underwear: Pack a few comfortable and breathable underwear. Consider those with high thighs to solve any postpartum problems.
  
  
• Personal keepsakes: If you want to keep a memento of the event, consider packing a special item like a baby blanket or a personal item for the baby.
  
  
• Hospital Contact Information: Having hospital contact information, including labor and delivery department, can be useful for emergency referrals