For months, you’ve been dreaming about the day you will finally meet your little one, and now it’s almost time! In the days leading up to your due date, there’s a crucial trimester to-do that you should take care of: packing a hospital bag. Having one ensures that you have one less thing to worry about when your baby is ready to make its way into the world.
But what should you pack in your hospital bag? If you’re not sure where to start, you’re in luck. We have compiled a few essentials that you should pack to give you a head start.
We all know the saying that luck favors the prepared, and when it comes to being ready for labor, and after, the phrase never rang truer. There is no designated day for when you should have your hospital bag ready, but experts like Pampers recommend having your bag ready by the time you’re around 35 to 38 weeks pregnant (3rd trimester). This is so that you’re prepared in case you go into labor early. Did you know? Only five percent of babies are born on their actual due date.
If you have a high-risk pregnancy, having your hospital bag ready around 32 to 35 weeks is also an option. However, there is nothing wrong with having most of your bag packed as early as 28 weeks. Just be sure to run through your hospital bag checklist as you inch closer to your due date. You can keep your “go bag” near the front door or even keep it in your car.
Some mothers pack a hospital bag for themselves and the baby and encourage their partner to pack one as well. But how many bags are needed varies by household. The important detail is that your hospital bag should feature a combination of essential items and things that comfort you and remind you of home. If you’re still drawing a blank on what those items can be, let our list inform you below.
Technically this item won’t fit in your hospital bag, but it is a necessary to have it with you when it’s go time. You would be surprised how many families think about everything except the car seat. Besides keeping your little one safe and comfortable, many hospitals won’t let you take your baby home without one.
Tip: make sure you and your partner know how to use the car seat before giving birth.
A key player in successful delivery is that everyone is on the same page. The best way to accomplish that is for everyone involved to be aware of your birth plan if you took the time to create one. Print out multiple copies and pack them in your bag so that you can add them to your chart and give a few to labor nurses. It is good to have a reference in case any last-minute questions arise.
Anyone who has stayed in the hospital can testify; sometimes, it’s nice to keep a bit of your daily routine with you, even when you’re enjoying something as awe-inspiring as giving birth. Having toiletries allows you to make your hospital room a little more comforting and peaceful, making them a necessity on our what to pack in your hospital bag list. A few examples of toiletries include:
Other than finally meeting their baby, there’s one other thing new mothers look forward to, and that’s a post-labor shower with comfy clothes to recover in. What you pack in your hospital bag should include dark-colored tank tops, lounge pants, a bathrobe, and any maternity apparel that offers relief to sensitive areas.
When it comes to footwear, be sure to pack fuzzy socks, no-slip socks, and slippers to keep your feet warm in the chilly hospital rooms. Flip-flops, slide on shoes, and crocs, on the other hand, are a godsend, as your feet can get swollen from pregnancy and IV fluids.
Hospital pillows are often scratchy and thin, making it difficult to get comfortable throughout your delivery. That’s why many moms recommend packing a comfy pillow or two to keep you as comfortable as possible during labor and support you and the baby when you start breastfeeding.
Tip: put a colored casing on your pillows so you can tell yours from the hospital’s pillows.
This one is an optional item to pack in your hospital bag, as some mothers prefer to go braless after giving birth, and others decide not to breastfeed. However, nursing bras and pads can protect you from having to do laundry as soon as you get home and even offer comfort for your nipples should you opt for breastfeeding.
One detail some expectant mothers aren’t aware of is that many mothers experience bleeding after birth. Pads, diapers, and underwear are a vital thing to pack in your hospital bag. Some mothers look to high-waisted underwear or adult diapers for support and overall comfort. If you forget to pack these, don’t worry; hospitals often supply you with pads and diapers as needed.
If you plan on breastfeeding, your nipples will thank you for being proactive. A common cream mothers use is lanolin, which is baby-safe, soothes sore nipples, and protects them as you and your bundle of joy get accustomed to breastfeeding.
A small but essential item to pack in your hospital bag is a phone charger. Even though your water has broken, it doesn’t quite mean your baby will be born immediately. You could be waiting a few hours while your cervix dilates to 10 cm, so you’ll want to distract yourself during labor. You also want to keep friends and family updated and, of course, take tons of photos when your baby arrives. Each birth is a once in a lifetime experience, so make sure you have a phone charger, preferably a long one.
Believe it or not, childbirth can make you hungry, and your food cravings and aversions don’t go away the moment your baby is in your arms. Plus, people aren’t really raving about hospital food. It’s just not a thing. To curb your cravings, pack snacks like granola bars, trail mix, and other favorites that don’t require refrigeration.
When the day finally comes that you all can head home, you want to have an outfit picked out for you and your baby. For you, loose and comfortable maternity clothes may be the best option, whereas, for your baby, it’s all about protecting them from the elements. You should have a onesie, blanket, hat, and swaddle to keep your baby warm, protected, and comfortable on their journey.
Preparing for your baby’s arrival is an exciting time, and you must have as much ready as possible before you go into labor. We hope our list of what to pack in your hospital bag gives you an idea of where to start. And we can further help you prepare.
At 2Me Healthcare, we offer concierge obstetrician care in the privacy and safety of your own home, so you don’t have to rush to the doctor or stress about your appointment. Every high-touch service needed to make your extraordinary 9-month journey a stress-free experience is offered in our packages.
As a client, you will have direct 24/7 access to your certified nurse’s midwives, who will also be present during your labor and delivery experience.
If you’re looking for a dedicated, passionate, and attentive OB/GYN team, contact us at 2Me Healthcare or (833) 692-6342.