The time has come to greet the little one! You have probably spent the past several weeks eagerly awaiting the day you finally get to meet your baby, and you have spent months planning and waiting for this moment. But are you all set for the big day?
It is fine to throw some items in at the last minute, like your charger and toothbrush, but you’ll want to have your bag mostly packed and easily accessible by this point in your pregnancy. Some items are essential, while some will help you feel comfy and remind you of the comfort of home.
Here is an extensive list of everything you may need in your hospital bag. Let’s get ready together, for a more comfortable labour, delivery and recovery!
For Mum
What you prepare for yourself is just as important as what you have for your baby. During the time you spend at the hospital, it is important that you are comfy and cosy. On average, mums who choose to deliver with a vaginal birth stay in the hospital for one to two days. If you deliver with a c-section, your stay might be around three or four days. Keep the potential length of stay in your mind as you select a bag, and what to pack in it. Having a bag big enough to fit everything in with some free space allowed might be your best choice. Before packing, you can also ask your hospital what they provide for mums, and prepare yourself considering those as well.
Other than support bras, it is good to avoid anything too restrictive. When packing, keep in mind to include soft and stretchy clothes with breathable fabrics. It is also important to pack a few nursing bras or tanks for your comfort. Other options for nursing bras are nursing-friendly pyjama sets or nightgowns. Nightgowns can come in so handy! Loose, one-piece clothing makes life so much easier, especially postpartum. Nightgowns with buttons on the front, or any kind that allows easy access for breastfeeding are lifesavers, approved by many mums! For footwear, grippy socks are great for keeping warm and cosy and handling slippy hospital floors. Along with socks, slip-on shoes make hospital life and discharge easier. Your feet might swell postpartum as well, which makes slip-on shoes a lifesaver.
If you plan on delivering in water, dark-coloured sports bras or bathing suit tops can come in handy. Remember to pack extra underwear!
A comfortable robe is one of the best and the most important items to include in your hospital bag, useful under any circumstance.
The hospital will provide you with some products but not every product might not work for everyone. Choose the best brand for yourself, and add them to your bag just in case. Along with nappies and pads, you can also pack a perineal spray, and vitamins suitable for postpartum. You’ll want your toothbrush, hairbrush, shampoo and deodorant, lotion, face wipes and hair ties in the hospital room. Your breasts and nipples might hurt, or go dry during breastfeeding, and having extra protection would be helpful for a comfier experience. Having your own cosmetic bag will make you feel like you are at home. If you use glasses or contact lenses, keep in mind them and their utensils as well.
Labour can take long, and having your favourite snacks by you can make the process comfier and easier.
For Baby
The long-awaited arrival is around the corner! For this grand entrance, it is important to be prepared while not over-exerting yourself. While you may not know what exactly you’ll need, you know what you will likely need. But good news! In most cases, you do not need all that much when you are just starting in life. Before packing for your baby, it is also important to consider what the hospital will provide for your baby during labour, and pack according to that.
Usually, most hospitals provide you with clothing, but policies may vary so it is always a good idea to have spares of bodysuits, socks, booties, hats and mittens in your bag. You may need to add to what the hospital provides in terms of layers. When choosing bodysuits, it is a good idea to keep in mind that those that fasten up at the front provide the most comfort when changing.
The hospital will likely provide blankets, but having a blanket on your own is always good to have on hand to use for skin-to-skin contact.
The muslins are soft, light, multifunctional, and do not take up so much space. They can come in so handy, so it is always nice to have one or two by your side.
When packing to leave the hospital, consider the weather conditions to not over or under-pack for going home.
For Partner/Support Person
If you will have your partner or a support person like a relative or a friend staying in the hospital with you, remind them to pack some things as well. The comfort of everyone is what matters the most.
In addition to clothes and toiletries to keep them comfortable during their stay, they can also pack books, their laptop, or general entertainment to keep them company in case there is some downtime. Additionally, they can also pack a lightweight blanket and a pillow just in case the ones that they provide at the hospital for them are scratchy and thin. During this stay, it is important that everyone is as comfortable as possible for the best experience.
General
But are you all set for the big day? After around 36 weeks of pregnancy, you might want to have your pregnancy hospital bag ready just in case your baby decides to be an early bird.
Hospital policies vary, and not every hospital provides the same essentials. While doing your research for the hospital where you want to welcome your baby, it is important to ask what they will be providing and pack your hospital bag accordingly.
Too many clothes, valuables, electronic devices, too much food and nappies and wipes can be a hassle to handle later on. Additionally, there are some things that the hospitals do not allow, so it is a good idea to check beforehand and pack accordingly.
