{"id":1107,"date":"2021-01-07T11:51:35","date_gmt":"2021-01-07T16:51:35","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/2mehealthcare.com\/ob2me\/?p=1107"},"modified":"2023-08-19T14:15:42","modified_gmt":"2023-08-19T18:15:42","slug":"what-to-pack-in-your-hospital-bag","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/2mehealthcare.com\/ob2me\/what-to-pack-in-your-hospital-bag\/","title":{"rendered":"What to Pack in Your Hospital Bag"},"content":{"rendered":"

For months, you\u2019ve been dreaming about the day you will finally meet your little one, and now it\u2019s almost time! In the days leading up to your due date, there\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n

But what should you pack in your hospital bag? If you\u2019re not sure where to start, you\u2019re in luck. We have compiled a few essentials that you should pack to give you a head start.<\/p>\n

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When to Pack<\/strong><\/h2>\n

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\u2019re around 35 to 38 weeks pregnant (3rd<\/sup> trimester). This is so that you\u2019re prepared in case you go into labor early. Did you know? Only five percent of babies are born on their actual due date<\/a>.<\/p>\n

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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 \u201cgo bag\u201d near the front door or even keep it in your car.<\/p>\n

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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\u2019re still drawing a blank on what those items can be, let our list inform you below.<\/p>\n

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Credit: Aditya Romansa<\/p><\/div>\n

What to Pack: The Checklist<\/strong><\/h2>\n

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A Car Seat<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Technically this item won\u2019t fit in your hospital bag, but it is a necessary to have it with you when it\u2019s 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\u2019t let you take your baby home without one.<\/p>\n

Tip: make sure you and your partner know how to use the car seat before giving birth.<\/p>\n

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Birth Plan (If You Have One)<\/strong><\/h3>\n

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.<\/p>\n

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Toiletries<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Anyone who has stayed in the hospital can testify; sometimes, it\u2019s nice to keep a bit of your daily routine with you, even when you\u2019re 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:<\/p>\n

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