Pregnancy is a magical journey, and being well-prepared for the day your baby arrives is essential. One of the most important things to do is to prepare your hospital bag. Your baby may arrive earlier than expected, so you should prepare your bag around week 36, the third trimester.
Packing your birth bag early will help you be more prepared. So, what should you bring in your hospital bag? This is probably a concern for many pregnant mothers, especially first-time mums. We are here to help. Here is a checklist of essential items to prepare for the arrival of your little angel.
For Labour and Delivery
First, the essentials for preparing for labor and delivery. This stage requires some administrative work, so don’t forget to prepare the following documents and records:
- Hospital file: You should prepare your medical records so that your doctor can more easily and quickly review your medical history.
- Birth plan: Although you have discussed your birth plan in advance, you should also print out a few copies of your birth plan so that your doctor and nurses can refer to it.
- Dressing gown: A soft gown will help you move more comfortably during labor preparation while at the hospital.
- Socks: Some mothers often have cold feet during labor, so socks are also necessary.
- Slippers: You will also need a pair of comfortable flip flops that are easy to put on and take off for more convenient walking.
- Body lotion or massage oil: Massage can also help you relax before labor. If possible, bring body lotion or massage oil in your hospital bag.
- Relaxing entertainment: Finally, keep your mind entertained with things like books, magazines, music players, or downloaded favorite movies.
What to Pack in the Hospital Bag for Mum: After Delivery
After your baby is born, you will still have to stay in the hospital for a while. Therefore, prepare additional necessary items to make your time in the hospital more comfortable after giving birth, such as:
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- Nightdresses: A nightgown is an essential item in your hospital bag to help you sleep more comfortably in the hospital. You should prepare a loose, soft nightgown with a wide neckline to make breastfeeding easier.
- Heavy-duty maternity pads: You will probably bleed for the first few days after giving birth, so maternity pads are a must. The hospital will provide some maternity pads, but you may want to bring extras just in case. These pads are softer and more absorbent than regular pads.
- Underwear and bras: You must also prepare soft underwear that is large enough to put maternity pads under. Don’t forget to pack a nursing bra or a comfortable, well-fitting bra.
- Breast pump: Bringing your breast pump will help you be more proactive. A breast pump may be more comfortable and familiar than the hospital-provided type. For your hospital bag, you can refer to the best breast pump for UK mums.
- Toiletries: Of course, a hospital bag cannot lack personal hygiene items such as towels, toothbrushes, hairbrushes, toothpaste, facial cleanser, shower gel, shampoo, conditioner, hair clips, etc.
- Clothes: In addition to nightgowns, you should also prepare comfortable clothes to wear during your stay at the hospital. You should choose clothes that are easy to wear, such as elastic waistbands or drawstrings. And don’t forget to prepare a set of clothes to wear home!
For mothers who have had a C-section, in addition to the above items, you also need to prepare additional items in your hospital bag, such as:
- Nursing pillow: This small pillow will help you keep your baby away from your incision and make it easier to breastfeed.
- High-waisted underwear and loose-fitting clothing: Choose underwear with a high waist that sits above your incision, and opt for loose-fitting clothing to avoid rubbing against the incision.
- Postpartum belly belt: The belly belt will help stabilize the incision, support the abdomen, and help you recover better after a cesarean section especially if C-section mums experience having C-section overhang.
What to Pack in the Hospital Bag for Baby
Besides the new mum essentials, you also need to prepare other necessary items for your baby.
- Babygrows: Each hospital will have a different policy on providing newborn clothes, so you should consult with them before packing. You should choose the babygrow type with front buttons to make it easier to change your baby.
- Socks and booties: Newborns get cold easily, so you should bring extra socks and shoes to keep your baby’s feet warm.
- Blanket: Although the hospital provides blankets, you may want to bring an extra blanket to keep your baby warm. This will also be handy to wrap your baby in when you get home.
- Nappies and wipes: You also need to prepare diapers specifically for newborns. Newborns will need about 10-12 diapers a day, so you should consider bringing enough to change for your baby. In addition, your baby’s skin will be very sensitive, so don’t forget to prepare specialized wipes to clean your baby.
- Going-home clothes: Pack extra clothes for going home. You should choose clothes that are appropriate for the weather to keep your baby warm when you get home.
- Baby car seat: Finally, although it cannot be put in a hospital bag, it is recommended that you install a baby seat in the car when preparing to go to the hospital.
Wrap Up
We hope this checklist makes packing your hospital bag easier and helps you feel more confident and prepared. Having everything ready will save you stress and help you focus on the exciting moment ahead. Wishing you a smooth, safe, and joyful delivery!