Hospital bag packaging should start on time; It’s not possible to predict your exact needs for the upcoming birth of your baby, but with a little extra time you can add elements. There are items that can be placed in the bag in preparation; this can form the base, and other elements can be added if time permits at checkout.
Maternity hospital bag essentials
Nightgown – something old and comfortable, it can get stained and worn, ideally loose with buttons down the front. If you are going to be in the hospital for a couple of days, another nightgown for visitors will help you feel better, with access for the baby to suckle, or for the baby to snuggle close and get used to the smell of ‘breast’. .
Slippers – these are a must, you may be doing a lot of walking during labor, the non-slip soles will allow you to squat and maneuver into comfortable positions, possibly using a birthing ball.
Socks – Two pairs of warm socks
Bras: Two nursing bras will be needed along with soft, comfortable breast pads; if you don’t plan to breastfeed, you will still need 2 bras and breast pads.
Address book and list of phone numbers: Many hospitals don’t allow cell phones to be turned on, so write down the numbers you’ll need and keep them in spare change for the pay phone, you’ll want to spread the news about your baby. also.
Disposable camera: Even if you plan to bring the family camera, putting a disposable camera in the bag can prevent panic, when you realize that the camera was removed for a quick photo the night before, or the battery is dead!
Cosmetic Items
Toiletries: Mild unscented soap, shampoo, and deodorant: Baby will recognize the smell of “mama” long before they recognize it on sight, keeping perfumes to a minimum will help keep baby calm and happy.
Toothbrush and toothpaste: A regular toothbrush should be put in the bag, even if you plan to remember the electric one in the bathroom.
Eyeglasses or Contacts – Top it off with a selection of your favorite magazines or books, including something for your birthmate.
Cosmetics and makeup – Remember that you will appear in a large number of photos!
Pads and old briefs: A pack of pads and plenty of old pants or 2 packs of Emma Jane disposable briefs, this will cut down on the laundry sent home, used and thrown away.
Hairbrush – Scrunches and ties to keep hair away from the face during labor.
Other useful items for the birth
Watch – A watch to time contractions
Sponge, flannel, and hand towel: Use with cool water to help cool your face during contractions.
Favorite Pillow: Hugging a family pillow is so much more relaxing than a hospital pillow, it will smell like home too, if you can’t handle a pillow, throw in a couple of old but freshly washed pillowcases, for the same effect (you may lose them in the hospital laundry).
Swimsuits for couples: If you are planning a water birth or just relaxing in a pool before giving birth, your partner will need swimsuits to be able to support their body in the water.
Music player: Battery-operated radio or CD player will help you relax, a personal system may be uncomfortable on your ears as CDs relax you.
Snacks: put some snacks in the bottom of the bag in case you don’t have time to make sandwiches and grab fresh fruit when you have to leave the house, dried fruit, lollipops, cereal bars and juice cartons can be packed ahead of time .
go out from the hospital
Clothes to go home: a loose and comfortable outfit to go home from the hospital; chances are you won’t wear your pre-pregnancy jeans again, possibly items bought during the early stages of pregnancy, it takes a while for the body to get back into shape.
Baby clothes: the baby will require simple and comfortable clothes for the first days, pack 3 t-shirts, 3 pajamas, scratching gloves, socks, a pack of disposable diapers (even if you plan to use cloth diapers), baby wipes and a simple cream for diapers good start.
For the baby to go home – The baby will need a baby safety seat, – Most hospitals will not discharge the baby without a seat, in addition to the clothes worn in the hospital, the baby will need a hat , a coat and a blanket.
This may seem like enough to fill a bag carrying Mary Poppins, but it’s a busy day and it’s better to have everything in its place, rather than your partner disappearing to get a small but vital item like the camera and miss the occasion.
Many plan, and go home within hours of the baby’s birth, for others a C-section or other complication may keep them in the hospital a little longer, having a second bag ready with more supplies of sleepwear, underwear, baby clothes, sanitary ware. pads, breast pads, squash, etc. it will mean that your partner can show up at the hospital with the right items, if not needed it can be easily put back in the drawers, reminding you how lucky you are to be home so soon safe and sound.
Additions to the bag on the day of departure:
-Sandwiches
-Video camera
-Drink bottle
-Electric toothbrush
-Fruit
-Ice cubes/frozen drinks
-Tens machine or other items to relieve pain.