It is such a joy to bring your baby into the world. But with new parents, this may be an overwhelming experience, especially the preparation for a hospital bag. You will feel assured and peaceful to know that everything necessary is ready for whenever the big day comes. At that time, you just need to focus on welcoming your new baby into life.
BabiesParent understands that, so we bring you this “Checklist Packing A Hospital Bag”. We will guide you through all the essentials you need to pack for delivery. Those will be things for your infant, Mom, and Dad. With this good preparation, you can head to the hospital when the time comes without worrying anymore.
When Should You Pack A Hospital Bag
A well-prepared hospital bag is a key point for your delivery, and timing is very crucial. Most of the experts would recommend that you prepare your hospital bag at least one month in advance of your due date, or by the time you are 37 weeks pregnant. This is to ensure that you are ready for any sign of labour in case the baby comes earlier. In the case of multiple births or if you have been placed on high-risk pregnancy 1, you may need to pack your bag as early as 35 weeks.
And you need a checklist if you want your hospital bag to be fully stocked. Therefore, explore our checklist packing a hospital bag in the next part to make sure you don’t miss anything. With good preparation, you can lower anxiety levels so you can deal with the exciting time of waiting for your little bundle of joy.
Checklist Packing A Hospital Bag For Mom
The most important things on the checklist packing a hospital bag are for mom, of course. There are quite a lot of kinds of stuff to buy and put in your bag. To make sure you do not skip anything, you can print out the checklist we’ve prepared for you below.
Important Paper
Identity card/ Drivers’ license
Insurance card
Hospital paperwork/ forms
Birth plan – Bring it along if you have one & make it into many photocopies
Clothing
Coat or sweater – If the weather is too cold, make sure to pick up a thick and warm one
Headband or hair ties – Don’t forget to prepare some hair ties if you have long hair. The headband is great for short hair or short bangs. It is especially important not to let your hair bother your baby when you are holding them. Anyway, you should avoid using clips and pins because it can poke you or your baby.
Comfortable clothes for going home – You need to change into new clothes before leaving the hospital.
Comfortable, lightweight, and loose clothes – For changing in the hospital
Sleep clothes
Maternity bras – 2 or 3 will be enough.
Breast pads – If you plan to nurse your baby and provide leak protection
Maternity underwear
Care Products
Lip balm – You may not know, but the atmosphere in the hospital is very dry
Warm and non-slippery socks – 2 or 3 pairs
Sugar-free lozenges or hard candy – Candy with mint cents is highly recommended. They can make you feel better and boost your mood somehow.
Healthy snacks – You can buy snacks at a vending machine. But you should prepare some of your favorite snacks in case you can’t go and buy one.
Toiletries
Hairbrush
Toothbrush & Toothpaste
Mouth rinse
Facewash
Shampoo – You can consider bringing conditioner and lotion if you want. But shampoo is a must-have.
Bath towel
Personal Items
Eyeglasses/ Contact lenses – If you are wearing glasses, don’t forget them. If you wear contacts, don’t forget to pack the solution.
Cell phone, charger cable, and portable power bank – To make sure that you can make a phone call when needed or take pictures of your baby
Optional Items For Mom Hospital Bag
Depending on your needs, you can consider adding those items to your hospital bags for delivery:
Makeup kit
Massage oil
Entertaining things – Light novels, periodicals, newspapers, crossword puzzles, portable video games, etc.
Your favorite lightweight blanket or pillow – The hospital will provide you with those but if you don’t like them, you can use your own things.
Earbuds
Diffuser – If you need a soothing scent to help you relax and calm down
Hairdryer – It will be necessary if your hair is too thick.
Checklist Packing A Hospital Bag For Baby
The second checklist packing hospital bag is for the baby. There are not many things for a little one but they are must-haves. So be sure to put all in your bag so that everything is ready whenever you need it.
Clothes for coming home – The best tip here is to bring some in different sizes to ensure you can find one that fits your baby.
Hat & socks – Even when the weather is not cold, you still need to wear them for your baby. If it’s cold, a warm knit cap is a great choice.
Blankets for coming home – Wrapping the baby in a blanket will make them feel safe like in the womb.
Infant car seat – Make sure you pick one that is suitable for a newborn baby’s weight. You can get it installed a few weeks before your delivery.
Checklist Packing A Hospital Bag For Partner or Relatives
It could take a few days for labour induction and baby delivery at a hospital. And your partner or relatives will also need to bring some things along. The list of essential items is as follows:
Clothes for changing
Sweater or jacket
Underwear
Pajamas
Cellphone & charger & power bank
Toiletries – Toothbrush, hairbrush, facewash, shampoo, bath towel, deodorant, glasses, contact lenses
Pillow and blanket – For overnight stays or naps
Snacks – Ones that have a long expiration date, such as cookies or granola bars.
Entertainment – Things to pass the time such as comic books, Sudoku, electronic games, puzzles, etc.
Camera device – You can take pictures by phone. But if you want it to be more professional, the camera will do its job. Don’t forget to pack an extra memory card, charger, and batteries.
Daily medication – If you are using some daily medication, remember to bring it along.
Small change – To use at the vending machine
Practical Advice on What You Shouldn’t Bring To Hospital
You will want to get everything ready, but overdoing is not necessary. Keep scrolling down to see what you should avoid when preparing for your delivery:
Too many clothes for your babies and mom
Valuable things – Expensive watches, diamond earrings, or anything like that should not be taken to the hospital.
Diapers – The hospital will give enough diapers for the baby when you are staying there
Too much cash – Let your partner or relatives be in charge of payment.
To Sum Up
As your due date draws near, the best way to ensure you’re ready for birth is to have your “Checklist Packing A Hospital Bag” completed and ready. As everything will be organized in advance, you will have peace of mind regarding the important stuff to be taken to the hospital with you for yourself, your baby, and your partner. This will help you stay focused on meeting the new baby instead of worrying about last-minute preparation.
Source
- High-risk pregnancy: Know what to expect. (2024, January 25). Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/pregnancy-week-by-week/in-depth/high-risk-pregnancy/art-20047012 ↩︎
