The time has come! You have probably spent the past several weeks eagerly awaiting the day you finally get to meet your little one, and you have spent months planning and waiting for this moment. 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.
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 the hospital. Let’s get ready together, for a more comfortable labour, delivery and recovery!
Hospital Bag 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.
Let’s make a list of the things you need in your hospital bag for yourself, for a comfier time spent at the hospital:
- Clothes: 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!
If you plan on delivering in water, dark-coloured sports bras or bathing suit tops can come in handy. Remember to pack extra underwear!
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.
- A robe: A comfortable robe is one of the best and the most important items to include in your hospital bag, useful under any circumstance.
- A Birth Plan: If you have one, print and keep a few copies in your bag to be able to highlight some key points for quick reference when needed.
- Adult nappies, maternity pads and other postpartum products: 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.
- Toiletries: You’ll want your toothbrush, hairbrush, shampoo and deodorant, lotion, face wipes and hair ties in the hospital room. 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.
- An extra long phone charger: We could not recommend this enough! Most hospital beds are notoriously away from electrical outlets, and you’ll want your phone charged for all the heartwarming moments waiting to be captured.
- Nipple cream: Your breasts and nipples might hurt, or go dry during breastfeeding, and having extra protection would be helpful for a comfier experience.
- Bath towel: Hospital towels can be thin and scratchy, and having your own towel might bring extra comfort.
- Snacks: Labour can take long, and having your favourite snacks by you can make the process comfier and easier.
- Entertainment: So much time will be spent in the hospital, and it is nice to have something to do when waiting.
Hospital Bag for Your 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.
The following list might be helpful for you to get everything ready before the arrival of your little ball of sunshine:
- A car seat: The right car seat should be installed in your car so that it is ready when you leave the hospital.
- Bodysuits, socks, booties, hats, mittens: Usually most hospitals provide you with clothing, but policies may vary so it is always a good idea to have spares 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.
- A receiving blanket: 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.
- Muslins: 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.
- Going-home outfit: When packing for leaving the hospital, consider the weather conditions to not over or under-pack for going home.
Hospital Bag for Your Partner, or 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. 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.
What NOT to Pack in Your Hospital Bag?
It is always good to be prepared, but packing too much 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. What should we not pack? Let’s see.
- Too many clothes
- Valuables
- Electronic devices
- Too much food
- Nappies and wipes: Most hospitals provide nappies and wipes during your stay, so double-check this with your hospital before packing nappies or cotton wools.
If you have any further doubts or questions, we have a baby registry checklist tailored just for you! For more information about preparing for your little one, please refer to our Baby Registry Checklist.
