Hospital bag for delivery checklist

The importance of preparing the hospital bag for delivery

Preparing the hospital bag is one of the first and most important steps in preparing for delivery. It is a step that brings the expecting mother great joy and excitement. It is a delightful ritual to prepare and celebrate this wonderful event.

When to prepare the hospital bag?

The bag should be ready with all its items from the first day in the final month of pregnancy. If the pregnant lady is expecting to have her baby earlier than predicted, then the bag should be ready earlier. It is crucial to have the hospital bag in a known and easy-to-reach place, to grab it once labor starts.

Before preparing the hospital bag a new mom must:

• Visit the hospital to find out what the mom and baby items are provided there.
• Find out the procedure for issuing the newborn birth documents and the official papers needed to complete this step.
• Learn if any items don’t need to be packed.
• Inquire about the supplements provided by the hospital and inquire whether she can bring her own.
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Mother’s essentials

1 - Underwear

Underwear is essential, the mom-to-be can choose disposable or reusable panties, it only matters that whatever she chooses is comfortable for her.

2 - Sleepwear

It doesn’t matter if the mom wants to wear a sleeping gown or a pajama, again what matters is her comfort. Whatever she chooses needs to be easily opened from the front to make breastfeeding easier for her and for the baby.

3 - Sanitary pads

I advise expecting moms to pack sanitary pads that are long, thick, and highly absorbent. Although all hospitals provide pads after delivery, it wouldn’t hurt to bring some of the brands she prefers and feels most comfortable with. These pads are used after delivery for two or three days, and she can use regular sanitary pads.

4 - Feminine wash

Unless the doctor is prescribing a medical-grade feminine wash like betadine, the pregnant lady can pack in her hospital bag, her favorite feminine wash that she has been used to.

5 - Camera

Although we rely mostly on our phones to take pictures, some families prefer an instant camera for the hospital, to have copies of these precious moments right away.

6 - Breast pads

Moms might not need those during the first few days post-delivery, as there won’t be an excessive amount of breast milk at first. But they can be useful in case the hospital stay is longer than expected.

7 - Official documents

Each hospital has its protocol for registering newborn babies, with different required documents. These documents that the hospital will need should be in the hospital bag for delivery.

8 - Personal care products

The expecting mom should pack her personal care products and some makeup, to take care of herself and look nice postpartum to feel positive and refreshed.

Baby essentials

1 - Onesies

These onesies must be of a suitable size for newborn babies, they should be made of cotton to guarantee the baby’s comfort.

2 - Overalls

It is useful to have some baby overalls in the hospital bag in case the hospital doesn’t provide any.

3 - Hat and baby mittens

4 - Diapers

5 - Swaddle

6 - Blanket

Items that are not advised to have in the hospital bag for delivery

- Baby bottles

- Formula

We encourage moms to breastfeed and not rely on formula early on. In case the baby requires formula for any reason, the hospital will provide that.

- Nipple cream

The use of nipple cream can be avoided with the proper latching, and by rubbing breastmilk on the nipples to ease any discomfort or potential infections.

- Pacifier

The use of pacifiers is not advisable with newborn babies.

- Medications and painkillers

The medical protocol applied in hospitals forbids the use of any medications from outside the hospital. So, if the expecting mom needs to take certain medications, she needs to alert the hospital to provide them.