Hospital bag checklist: tips for new parents
During the third trimester your due date is getting closer and closer. Now it’s time to start thinking about packing your hospital bag so that you are ready for the special day. To make sure you don't forget anything, you'll find a handy hospital bag checklist in this article. This will help you to be well prepared, even if your baby arrives earlier than expected.
What should you pack in your hospital bag?
It is best to pack your hospital bag four to six weeks before your due date, for example, between the 34th and 36th week of pregnancy. If you keep the packed bag within easy reach such as near your front door, you can quickly grab your bag and make your way to the hospital. This is a good idea in case your baby is born earlier than planned. By packing your hospital bag in advance you can avoid feeling stressed at the last minute.
What should you bring to the hospital when giving birth?
You will need comfortable clothes for giving birth, important personal items and any necessary documents. Below we have listed various recommendations that have proven to be useful for a hospital bag.
The required documentation can vary from country to country, therefore, make sure to check in advance what exactly you will need. Your hospital bag checklist should have any things on it that you think you will need for your stay in hospital. Ideally, you should have everything you need to make your stay and giving birth as comfortable as possible.
We have listed the most important points in the following checklist, which will help you to feel prepared. You can print it out and tick off any things you have already packed:
Required documents
Maternity record
If you and your partner are married, you will need your marriage certificate
If you and your partner are not married: birth certificate of both parents, acknowledgement of paternity/custody declaration (if available)
Identity cards of both parents
Health insurance card
Birthplan, if necessary
What you will need for giving birth
Lots of women wear a hospital gown which will be provided during labour, but you can also wear your own clothes. Wearing your own clothes may make you feel more comfortable. During labour it is important to wear something that is very comfortable. Loose-fitting T-shirts or shirts are recommended. It is also best to have a change of clothes with you, as it is likely that you will sweat whilst giving birth or after a long labour.
1 - 2 comfortable and loose-fitting tops and jumpers or cardigans
1 – 2 pairs of joggers or leggings
Pillows
If required, a glasses case or a case for your contact lenses
Warm socks and a cosy cardigan or jumper are recommended, as it is quite normal to feel cold whilst giving birth. Cold feet can even inhibit labour, so make sure you stay as warm as possible.
Hospital bag essentials for any mum-to-be
The time between each contraction gives you a minute to relax and recover. Everything that helps you feel good needs to be put into your hospital bag:
Your favourite book, playlists or magazines
Snacks or refreshments for a little pick-me-up, for example, cereal bars
The hormonal changes after giving birth can mean that your skin needs extra care: a lip balm or body lotion for dry or sensitive skin can be a miracle worker. In general, during the postnatal period it is recommended that you use more unscented skincare products. Perfumes and creams with strong fragrances can irritate your baby's nose and possibly make breastfeeding more difficult.
What you will need for your stay in hospital
The length of your stay in hospital after giving birth can vary. Outpatients who didn’t have any complications during or after giving birth may be able to return home the same day. After having a caesarean, you may need to stay in hospital for a bit longer. On average most women stay in hospital for around three to four days after giving birth.
You should pack the following toiletries and items of clothing in your hospital bag for your stay in hospital after giving birth:
A toiletry bag with all your necessary toiletries:
Toothbrush and toothpaste
Shower gel and shampoo
Hair comb
Deodorant
Body lotion or body oil
Lip balm
Bobbles
Comfortable, feel-good clothing: joggers, trousers with a high, stretchy waistband and loose-fitting tops or nursing tops
4 comfortable, loose-fitting nightdresses that you can button up
2 nursing bras and nursing pads
1 large pack of strong sanitary pads
4 pairs of disposable or incontinence underwear
4 pairs of socks or knee highs
Dressing gown
Towels and facecloth
Hospital bag checklist for a caesarean
If you are going to have a caesarean, you will need a couple more sets of spare clothes as your stay in hospital will usually be a bit longer. You should make sure that both your underwear and your clothes are loose-fitting and that the stretchy, loose waistband reaches above your bellybutton. This way, nothing will dig into your caesarean wound. Breathable and soft cotton clothing is highly recommended for this.
What will your baby need?
Lots of parents think about what they will need to take with them for their newborn baby. Many hospitals will provide you with baby clothes and nappies for the first few days, but some parents prefer their baby to wear their own clothes right from the start. Below we have put together a list of things that you should take with you for your baby:
Depending on the time of year, you can dress your baby in a romper and/or wrap them in a blanket for the journey home. If you are travelling by car or taxi, you will need to think about a suitable car seat or infant carrier. If you don't live far from the hospital and you are already well enough, you can also walk home with a pushchair, baby carrier or a sling.
Conclusion: get prepared by making a hospital bag checklist
It is advisable to pack your hospital bag a few weeks before your due date. This will help you to be prepared in case you give birth earlier than planned. You can use lists for your hospital bag to make sure that you don't forget anything important. However, if your baby is born earlier than expected, the hospital will provide most of the things you will need for yourself and your newborn baby. By packing in advance you can feel prepared and avoid any last-minute stress.
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The image sources in this text are in chronological order:
Cover photo: iStock.com/SeventyFour
1. – 3. Image in text: iStock.com/SeventyFour