You’ve undoubtedly been looking forward to your child’s arrival for the last few months. By now, you should have also looked at baby room ideas to design the ideal space for your little one and stocked up on all necessary baby supplies.
When you reach the third trimester of your pregnancy and feel like your due date is approaching, you may be wondering how to pack a maternity hospital bag. Since your hospital stay will likely be one of the most significant and transformative experiences of your life, it seems sensible to pack maternity hospital bags essentials timely to ensure your comfort. A maternity hospital bag checklist will help ensure a more seamless and stress-free labour and delivery experience, so as your due date draws nearer, you should give it extra attention.
Therefore, it’s quite simple to overpack and bring a ton of unneeded items with you in the name of being prepared. Don’t worry; this blog will help you pack your maternity bags efficiently.
A Bag for Mothers for Delivery and Labour
Let’s check out what maternity bags should be necessary for the delivery.
- ID, insurance, and hospital files: To make it easier for your doctors to view your medical history, keep your medical records close to hand. Make sure you have added these documents in the maternity hospital bag list such as a copy of any identification, insurance documents, and any medical cards on hand because your hospital could need these up front.
- A pillow that is comfy: You will be given pillows by your hospital, but they may not be the proper type for you. It can’t hurt to bring your favourite cushion with you if you have one.
- Dressing gown: Whether you’re in the hospital for a while after giving birth or even throughout labour, a cosy dressing gown comes in handy for walking around.
- Socks: During labour, many mothers put on warm socks if they start to feel cold on their feet.
- Flip-flops or slippers: Wearing slippers that are easy to get on and off while moving around the medical ward is what you should look for. Bring along some flip-flops for the shower.
- Lip balm: Chapped lips can occur during childbirth. Keeping lip balm handy will help moisturise your lips.
- Massage oil or body lotion: Some expectant mothers find a little massage during labour soothing. If you think you could be this person, put some oil or lotion in your hospital bag.
A Bag for Mothers After Delivery
Mothers will also need a bag to pack things that will be needed after delivery. Let’s check out what you should pack there.
- Nightgowns: It will be necessary for you to have a comfortable place to sleep while at the hospital. But don’t forget to add at least one comfy nightgown in the maternity hospital bag list. Select one that opens from the front if you intend to breastfeed.
- Sturdy maternity pads: Even though the hospital could supply some, bring extra sturdy pregnancy pads in case you need them. After giving delivery, bleeding is common, and maternity pads are softer and more absorbent than regular pads.
- Undergarments: Bring along many pairs of comfy underwear that can accommodate those pregnancy pads and that you don’t mind getting messy.
- Personal hygiene products: Try to bring tissues, hairbrush, toothpaste, toothbrush, deodorant, face and body wash, hairdryer, shampoo, and hair ties. Fill a plastic bag with used clothes.
- cosmetics and items for skin care: Remember to bring your cosmetics if applying makeup is a regular part of your regimen. Additionally, as your skin can seem drier than usual, make sure to bring some moisturisers.
- Charger and phone: Keep your phone and charger during this special time unless you decide to take a little digital detox. You can use it to capture those initial photos, post your special news on social media
- Clothing: You may decide to bring along some comfy clothing in addition to your nightgown for the duration of your hospital stay. Bring an extra change of clothes for the house.
- Beverages and snacks: As labour can often last for a very long time, you might want to bring some snacks and beverages. Consider bringing along a few of your favourite foods since you might crave some comfort food while in the hospital.
A Bag for Your Baby Needs
And! There must be a separate bag for the newest little member of your family. It should include all the essential things that your newborn baby might need. Let’s check them out below.
- Bodysuits: As newborns are prone to cold, you might want to bring extra clothing and accessories. Consult your doctor in advance about how to pack a maternity hospital bag for your infant because hospital restrictions can differ on what can be worn.
- Coverage: Even though the hospital will probably supply blankets, it’s always a good idea to have your own handy for skin-to-skin contact.
- Disposable diapers: Pack around twenty to thirty newborn-specific diapers. This is going to be one of the most vital things after your baby’s birth.
- Baby wipes. Because newborns’ skin is so delicate, it’s recommended to limit your cleaning supplies to cotton wool balls and water or baby wipes during the first few weeks after birth.
- Getting ready for home. Consider the weather. In summer, a bodysuit, boots, and hat would be appropriate; in the winter, bring a sweater, jacket, muffler, and something to cover the head.
Every expectant mother should have a maternity hospital bag checklist that is organised and ready to go. While everyone’s demands are different, the above-described checklist gives you a general idea of what you’ll need during your hospital stay. As you pack your backpack, think about your own special needs and preferences. Also, ask your spouse or other support person for assistance to make sure nothing is overlooked.
At Kangaroo Kids International Preschool, we encourage overall growth in babies and prepare our curriculum accordingly. To learn more, contact us today!