HOSPITAL BAG CHECKLIST. THE ESSENTIALS
I remember a few weeks to my due date, preparing for the birth of my little one I had packed a bag so big that my husband had to ask how long I was planning to stay at the hospital (hahaha). I very easily overpacked because I kept thinking, what if I need this and that and I didn’t have it? Isn’t it better to have a lot than not at all? These questions came from not knowing exactly what I needed.
You don’t have to be me,
unpack that huge bag and pack up only the essentials using this guide.
What to take with you to hospital in your maternity bag when you give birth, including an easy-to-follow hospital bag list to download and print.
WHEN TO PACK A HOSPITAL BAG
Do it now so there’s no last-minute running around. But seriously its best to be prepared. if possible have a packed bag close to the door, so you know where exactly it is when labor begins. Ideally, you should have a bag ready to go at 36 weeks or 37 weeks, just in case you go into labor before your due date.
You’ll need to pack items for yourself, your partner and your little one.
YOUR HOSPITAL BAG ESSENTIALS
- Birth plan
- Medical notes/ photo ID , Insurance information
- Maternity bra
- Comfortable, loose maternity clothing for labor.
- Snacks, water, or change for the vending machine
- Toiletries, including lip balm, hair bands, hairbrush and face wipes, makeup.
- Towels
- Underwear, either very comfy old ones or disposable paper ones
- 1 pack maternity pads ( the hospital usually gives this, but I also liked that I packed mine)
- Nursing bra preferably no underwire, the ones without underwire felt a lot more comfortable for me. Especially if you start breastfeeding, the last thing you want is a very uncomfortable bra.
- Breast pads
- Smart-looking, comfortable, loose maternity clothing or nightwear for after birth
- Nightwear or large top, front-opening options will make breastfeeding easier
- A robe/ Dressing gown
- Slippers
- Cell phone chargers
- Antiseptic cleaning wipes, for the shared toilets, if you’re worried about the quality of hospital cleanliness.
WHAT TO PACK FOR YOUR BIRTH PARTNER
- Snacks and drinks
- Change of clothes
- Blanket
- Magazines/book
- Toiletries, such as deodorant, toothbrush, toothpaste
- Money
- Change for the hospital car park and vending machine
- Camera/ Mobile phone
- Chargers for the camera and mobile phones
- List of phone numbers, in case you can’t use mobile
WHAT TO PACK FOR YOUR BABY
- A car seat. This is very important, as you won’t be allowed to go home from the hospital without a car seat, and it should be installed.
- A going-home outfit: pack three different outfits so you have choices.Pack in newborn sizes as well as 0-3 months. Also, add the following; 2-3 bodysuits, 2-3 vests, Hat, Scratch mittens, socks and receiving a blanket.
- Your pediatrician’s contact information: it is good to have this for the seamless transfer of your baby’s medical records.
- Bottles, If you plan to bottle feed from the get-go, make sure to pack at least two for the hospital.
- Diapers or wipes: The hospital has all the diapers and wipes you’ll need, but you can always pack just a few.
With these, you are good to go. There will be no need to haul a heavy bag with a lot of items that you will never get to use.
