Preparing your hospital bag is one of the essential steps during pregnancy. It is usually done a few weeks before your due date. Many experts recommend packing your bag as soon as you enter your third trimester. The bag needs to include all the essentials for both mum and baby. But what exactly should your hospital bag contain? What are the must-haves you shouldn't forget? Here’s our comprehensive guide to help you pack your hospital bag for mum and baby.
What Should Mum’s Hospital Bag Contain?
Packing your hospital bag is crucial to avoid last-minute stress and to ensure you don’t forget anything important. Around the seventh month of pregnancy, it’s a good idea to start organising the essentials for delivery day. So, what should mum’s hospital bag include? Here’s everything you need to pack:
Important Documents
Your hospital bag should first and foremost contain all the necessary paperwork. Make sure to include the following:
- Your ID card or passport,
- Your insurance card if coverage is required,
- Your family record book,
- Your maternity notes, including ultrasound scans and previous test results.
Clothing for Your Hospital Stay
Mum’s bag should include comfortable clothing for the stay at the hospital:
- A dressing gown, slippers, and socks,
- Underwear,
- 3 to 4 nightgowns, preferably with buttons at the front for breastfeeding,
- A comfortable outfit for going home. Choose loose-fitting clothes to ensure maximum comfort.
Toiletries and Personal Care Products
Pack all your essential toiletries, such as:
- Gentle soap, shampoo, toothpaste, toothbrush, moisturiser, wipes,
- Postnatal sanitary pads specifically designed for after childbirth,
- A bath towel and a hand towel.
Additional Accessories
The hospital stay can last between 3 and 6 days, depending on your recovery. Bring along a book or some magazines to keep you entertained. Don’t forget your phone charger.
A somewhat unconventional but highly practical item is a smart kettle. It allows you to easily prepare hot water for tea or other beverages. The kettle can also be used to warm baby bottles and sterilise pacifiers.
What Should Baby’s Hospital Bag Contain?
Your hospital bag also includes everything your newborn will need. Baby’s bag should contain the following essentials:
- 6 to 7 cotton bodysuits (both short and long-sleeved),
- 5 baby pyjamas made from soft cotton,
- 2 to 3 hats to keep baby’s head warm,
- 2 pairs of socks and mittens,
- A sleeping bag, swaddle, or cosy nest for baby’s first journey home,
- A pack of newborn diapers,
- Hypoallergenic baby wipes,
- A gentle baby wash and a washcloth,
- A baby blanket,
- A baby towel.
Tips for Packing and Organising Your Hospital Bag
To make packing easier and ensure everything is in place, follow these simple tips:
- Fold and organise clothes neatly before placing them in the bag,
- Use separate bags for mum’s and baby’s items,
- Create a checklist of essentials and tick off each item as you pack.
Packing your hospital bag doesn’t have to be complicated. It just requires a bit of time and planning. Don’t hesitate to ask for help from family or friends to ensure everything is ready for both mum and baby.
