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PLAYING: Your hospital bag checklist

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Your hospital bag checklist

Not sure what to pack in your hospital bag? We have put together a simple hospital bag checklist with all the essentials. Forget packing light, it’s about packing right. If there was ever a time to be prepared, giving birth to a new human is it.

3 mins to read Nov 6, 2020
  • Pack a cozy dressing gown and socks. Ideal for wandering the ward.
  • Pack slippers or flip flops for trips to the restroom.
  • Pack comfortable, loose maternity clothing or old t-shirts. Take some spares in case things get messy.
  • Pack towels as it might be nice to have your own ones from home.
  • Pack nighties or open shirts that give easy access to baby, for skin-to-skin contact and breastfeeding.
  • Pack plenty of maternity pads. There can be a lot of bleeding after birth—vaginal or C-section.
  • Pack a few pairs of big panties. High-waisted and cotton will be comfiest. 8. Pack a couple of nursing bras and lots of breast pads. For more Breastfeeding essentials, see our checklist.
  • Don’t forget contact details of a lactation consultant or breastfeeding support service in case you don’t get the hang of breastfeeding straightaway.
  • If you’re planning a water birth you might want to bring something to wear in the pool to begin with. 11. Pack healthy snacks. The vending machine can be the back-up plan.
  • Pack comfy going-home clothes. And a bag for dirty washing.
  • Pack miniature toiletries, face wipes, lip balm, hairbands, dry shampoo, washcloths, and a toothbrush.
  • Bring your own feeding cushion or pillow, a bright colored one that won’t get lost!
  • Pack eye patches and earplugs, and water spray or a pocket fan if it’s summer.
  • Don’t forget your phone and camera. To tell all your friends and family the good news and capture those precious first moments together.
  • Pack some makeup, if it makes you feel good.
  • Consider music. Some hospitals still have CD players. If not, prepare a pocket playlist.
  • Consider books and magazines to keep you occupied during down-time.
  • Pack a notebook and pen. Helpful for jotting down feeding times.
  • Don’t forget your maternity notes, they contain your birth plan and medical information. This is when it’ll really come in handy.
  • Pack a few baby outfits (2-3 bodysuits and 2-3 t-shirts depending on the season), socks, booties, coat and hat for going home if it’s winter, cellular blanket, 1-2 packs of diapers, baby wipes, cotton balls, burping cloths (sometimes known as muslins), and scratch mitts. Pack an extra-long charger cable or a power bank, in case the sockets are far away.
  • Bring a baby car seat for the trip home from the hospital—it’s mandatory in many countries.
  • Buy a big hospital bag to put all this in!
  • With your bag on standby, you’ll need to know when you’re ready to give birth. Go to our Signs of labor checklist to find out.

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