Are you all set for the big day?
Your baby might arrive earlier than expected, so it’s worth having your baby hospital bag packed during the third trimester – at about week 36.
This checklist will help you pack your pregnancy hospital bag so you’ll be sure to have everything you need for yourself, your new baby. If you have a minute, check what your hospital has on hand or provides so you won’t need to take those items. Then, once your maternity bag is packed, keep it handy, either in the car or by the door, so you’ll be ready to go at a moment’s notice.
Maternity Hospital Checklist :
For Mom - To Be
What will I need?
- Couple of night gowns or tops with front openings ( as they are helpful for breastfeeding and for the examination by the doctor).
- Comfortable slippers
- Maternity lingerie – pack several underwear as they might get stain ( disposable panties are too available and highly recommended at this stage.
- Feeding pillows
- Nursing bras: Be prepared with a few nursing bras or any other comfortable, well-fitting bra
- Maternity pads – Although the hospital may provide some, pack plenty of heavy-duty maternity-pads, just in case. It’s normal to bleed a lot after the birth, and maternity pads are softer and more absorbent than standard ones. Initially you may need to change pads every one to two hours, but within a few days the flow will start to decrease.
- Glasses – if u use, contact lenses might be removed at the time of the birth.
- Cosmetics – Moisturiser, lip balms or any other cosmetic you use on daily basis.
- Toletieries – Don’t forget towels, tissues, hairbrush, deodorant, toothbrush, toothpaste, face wash, body wash, shampoo, conditioner, hairdryer, hair clips, and hair ties. Pack a plastic bag to pop dirty clothes in.
- Books or magazines – To read if you feel bored.
- Phone and charger – Unless you opt for a little digital detox during this special time, don’t forget your phone and charger. That way you can stay in touch with loved ones, you can use it to take those first few pictures, and post your special news on social media.
- Any prenatal reports, insurance information, and papers related to your stay at the hospital.
Hospital bag for baby
- Set of new born diapers
- A pack of baby wipes – as the baby’s skin is very sensitive so it is advisable to only use cotton balls and water or special water based wipes.
- Comfy, soft clothes for baby
- Blanket – While the hospital will likely provide blankets, a blanket of your own is always good to have on hand to use during skin-to-skin contact. It can also be used to keep your baby warm in the car seat on the way home.
- Dry sheets – to be placed below the baby
- Socks and Mittens – As the newborn nails are big when born, and can scratch their skin.
- A soft towel for the baby
- Cloth nappies for that extra comfort to the baby .
- Baby toiletries – Baby soap, baby shampoo, baby lotion
