When you are about to enter the ninth month, you never know when your baby decides to show up. Once the water break, there is no time to get into packing a maternity hospital bag for the hospital, where you are going to have to stay for a while. There are many things that will be required for you and your baby so it’s better to keep your Maternity Hospital Bag ready in time. You can even opt to carry two separate bags, one for yourself and another for the baby.
When to Pack Your Maternity Hospital Bag?
By the time you complete 36 weeks, you can go into labor anytime unexpectedly. By this time you are considered full term. Since your baby is mature enough by that time and is ready to come out. Most babies are born between 37 and 40 weeks. Hence, before entering the 37th week you must have all the things you need nicely packed in your bag. The sooner you start will leave less chance of missing out anything. It is also important to make a handy checklist so you don’t miss out on a thing. To make sure you don’t forget a thing, here is a list of all the essentials that you will be needing at the hospital.
Maternity Hospital Bag Checklist (Maternity Bag for Mom)
- Comfy clothes
- Toiletries
- Snacks and Drinks
1. Comfy Clothes
when in labor, you will always need comfortable clothes. A slouchy t-shirt, comfy robe or a vest top is what is best suitable. Make sure whatever you choose to pack is extremely comfortable and easy. Don’t pack synthetic clothes. Make sure you carry an ample amount of under-garments. They should be fresh and not too tight to make you uncomfortable. Socks and a Woolen cap is also recommended if the weather is cold. Also don’t miss out on a stole or shawl to cover you and baby at the time of breastfeeding. Make sure to pack a going-home outfit. When you return home there might be many to meet you so you should look good.
2. Toiletries
A hairbrush, toothbrush, tooth-paste, shower gel or soap, shampoo, hair accessory, deodorant, wet-wipes, and some clean bathing and hand towels. Massaging oil or lotion can also be added if you will be needing a massage during labor. A good pair of comfy flat slippers will also be required. Maternity sanitary pads which are thicker than the usual ones are a must. Do add a cushion or maternity pillow for breastfeeding.
3. Snacks and Drinks
if permitted by the doctor, you can add your favorite eatables and light juices or drinks for yourself. Medical file- the most important thing is your doctor’s file. Your pregnancy tenure record is important at the time of maternity. In case of any complication, your doctor should have your case history.
What to Pack in Hospital Bag for Baby?
Make sure to pack clothes according to season. There should be an ample amount of clothes and if you don’t know if you are having a girl or a boy, always shop for unisex clothes. If you are having your baby in winters, don’t forget sweaters, baby blanket, cap, gloves, and socks to carry in your maternity hospital bag. Two soft cotton sheets along with a waterproof sheet for the baby’s bed are also going to go in the bag. Add a good number of diapers and nappies in the bag. A fresh soft towel for the baby’s wiping and changing. Baby wipes and oil for cleaning.
Hospital BagMiscellaneous
The things mentioned below are completely optional. If you need them, do add them:
- Books to read
- Mp3
- Camera to record your precious moments
- Eye mask
- Earplugs
- Any source of entertainment
Giving birth to a baby is the most precious feeling in the world. So surely you will not be wanting to miss out on anything in your Maternity Hospital Bag. Everything should be perfect and in place for your special day.
