As the time of your baby’s arrival draws near, parents get a sweet rush. Especially mothers, while experiencing the excitement of the day they will go to birth, on the other hand, they think about how to prepare for that day. The most thought of is the hospital bag. So what should be kept in the hospital bag? Before we examine this subject, let’s start with how it is prepared and go to its content in order.
How to Prepare a Hospital Bag?
First of all, it is important to have someone with you while you are preparing the bag. This person may be your spouse or the person who will accompany you at the hospital. You can create a list together and jot them down one by one. The list you will make will make the preparation phase more efficient. You can add other things that come to your mind from time to time to your list.
When you prepare your hospital bag, it will make your job easier to check again with the list in your hand. Secondly, you should give importance to arranging your bag according to the length of hospital stay, which varies from 1 to 3 days after delivery. Considering the longest period of time, it would be a healthy move to put on clothes for 3 days. Finally, make sure that the bag you take with you is functional. Carefully place your belongings, your baby and the person who accompanies you, so that they do not meld with each other. You can also use separate small bags if you want.
The most important thing is the place where the bag is put. Make sure it is in a visible part of the house and within easy reach of both you and your spouse.
When Should the Birth Bag Be Prepared?
Generally, babies are born on time but things may not always happen as planned. Your baby may arrive a few weeks earlier or later than expected. For this reason, it will be useful to make the preparations at least 3-4 weeks before the birth. This preparation has a great importance in case of sudden occurrence.
What to Have in the Hospital Delivery Bag for Mother-Baby
Here are the must-haves in hospital bag for mothers:
- Always keep your ID with you for checkin and checkout procedures at the hospital.
- If you have medicines that you use or need to use, you can take them with you. In case you may forget, the hospital may also be able to assist you with the supply of your medications if they are prescribed.
- Keep cash or credit card with you for the procedures to be done at the hospital or for the needs you will receive there.
- Keep your clothes ready in your bag before you go to the birth. Clothes for during your hospital stay and for leaving from the hospital. Necessities, such as pajamas, nightgowns, socks, slippers and underwear take an important place.
- It will be useful to have your own materials in your bag that you will want to use in the sink. Basic necessities, such as shampoo, toothbrush/paste, soap, make-up, deodorant, hair band and cream are on the to-buy list.
- You may want to have your mobile phone and charger with you in order to take photos or videos, communicate with your relatives and share with your loved ones on social media. In addition, if you want to read something while your baby is sleeping, you can also put materials such as books and magazines in your bag.
- If you wear glasses or lenses, it would be beneficial to put them in your bag beforehand.
- The hospital can provide underwear to mothers after delivery. However, it would be better to have dark colored clothes in your bag that do not show stains. At the same time, it is best to put it on the pads that you will be comfortable while you are using.
- Although breast and breast pump machines are not always needed, they can be used in an unexpected situation. In case you do not have it with you, you can also supply it through the hospital.
- Loose clothes can also take their place in your bag so that your body can be comfortable during your stay in the hospital. In addition, you can put your pillow and slippers that you are used to at home.
- If you are going to have a cesarean delivery, it is recommended that you pack extra foldable underwear and loose and comfortable clothing in your delivery bag. In addition, it will be useful to have fiber-rich foods in your bag against constipation that may occur after childbirth.
What Should Be Included in the Hospital Bag for Babies?
- Newborn diapers and wipes can take their place in the bag you will prepare for your baby. You can get the package of a brand that you have decided beforehand.
- You can put additional clothes and socks, and also a seasonal cotton vest with the consideration of the possibility, which your baby would get cold.
- It will also be important to buy a diaper cream, tiny distracting toys, a pacifier, a thermometer and a baby monitor if you can provide it.
- If you gave birth in the winter season, it will be useful to put a mini blanket in your bag so that you can use it in the car while taking the baby home. It would also be useful to have swaddles, booties, hats and gloves in your bag. Gloves are an essential item. If your baby’s nails are born long, these gloves will prevent the possibility of scratches on his face.
- While taking note of what should be in the hospital bag, you should not miss the details of the car seat. A car seat is an important need for babies on their journey from the hospital to home.
- Make sure to put your baby’s clothes in your bag for the return home from the hospital. As a clothing size, it will be appropriate for your newborn to buy a 0-3 month old outfit.
- Before leaving the hospital, contact your child’s doctor one-on-one. Save the contact information on your phone so that you can both ask your doctor about the details you have in mind and contact him again.
Keeping a Baby Bag Ready at Home
Until your baby reaches a certain age, having a baby bag at home is a wonderful detail that will help you a lot. When you go out with your baby, a bag that is ready at the entrance of your house is very important for your baby’s needs. A bag containing the necessary materials for your child will be useful for you and your baby when you need to go out in an emergency. When you return home from outside, you can check the bag, replace the materials you used, and make the bag ready again.
What are the needs that the hospital where the delivery will take place can provide for the mother and the baby?
For mothers:
- Standard size pillows and covers
- Hospital gown
- Basic materials for toilet needs; soap, shampoo, toothpaste/brush
- Underwear and sanitary pads
For babies:
- Diaper for newborn
- Blanket made of a linen-wool blend
- Standard bodysuit and knit hat
- Shampoo, soap and pacifier
- In some cases, they can also provide infant formula if it is deemed necessary.
Objects for the person who will stay with you and accompany you may be; toothbrush, toothpaste, slippers, comfortable clothes, mobile phone and charger, camera, deodorant and non-perishable snacks can also take their place in your bag.
When preparing for what should be in the hospital bag, you should always prioritize comfort and convenience. After you prioritize your basic necessities for your baby, you can add the things that suit your own pleasure to your bag. Of course, make sure that the bag you carry is not too heavy. After you have finished your hospital bag preparation, check it again with the list in your hand and put it in a prominent place where you can reach it at any time. Now you can just wait for the arrival of your baby with peace of mind and excitement.
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Wishing you well!
