The hospital bag contains the essential items that you will bring with you when going to the hospital for the delivery. It should be a small bag that you are able to carry yourself, especially if you need to rush to the hospital in case of emergency. You should prepare it in advance few weeks before the delivery (just in case the baby decides to come earlier) and leave it at a place where you can quickly grab it when the time for delivery comes.
Keep it small and light
Hospital bag should contain only the essential items that you will need during and shortly after the delivery. Everything else you can get later when your partner and family visits you.
If you are wondering what to pack inside, here are few useful tips from us. They will help you to pack what is important and also to avoid taking things that you won’t need.
Yes, we know you were waiting for this moment for a long time and want to be prepared and everything to be perfect. You probably already read a few other articles as well, that recommended you to pack half of the house in your suitcase. (Oh yes, we have seen such huge suitcases – Right Kathy? Did you even open your second suitcase?).
Here we want to help other fellow mothers, so we will try to be objective and provide you good advice.
What to pack for you?
Let’s start with the essentials for the mother:
- Slippers
- Pyjamas or other comfortable clothes for the hospital stay
- Towel
- Toothbrush, toothpaste and soap/shampoo
- Breastfeeding bra
- Phone charger
- Documents – passport/ID card, insurance card, papers relevant for the delivery (you can ask the hospital if they require some).
- Small snacks – chocolate, biscuits, nuts…
What do you need for the baby?
Depending on the hospital you may need to take also baby clothes. There are hospitals that provide them for you and don’t allow you to use your own. Others may require that you bring them yourself. Therefore, ask the hospital before you pack following for the baby:
- 2 Bodies (size 50/56)
- 2 Rompers (size 50/56)
- 1 pair of socks
- Hat
- Diapers (size 0) and wet wipes
Hospitals are different across countries, so we recommend you to ask your hospital for any recommendation or requirements they may have to ensure you are well prepared.
What is important is that you keep your hospital bag light and full only with the essential items that you need during delivery and shortly after that.
This is the bag that you will grab when running to the hospital so the lighter it is, the easier for you. This is especially true if the baby surprises you at a time when you are alone at home.
What if I need more things?
In case you are from the people that like to be prepared for everything and you want to have all your favorite items around, you can still prepare separate bigger suitcase with everything that is not essential but you like to take with you. This suitcase can be delivered later to you. It can also come with you if you are not in a rush and there is somebody with you to carry it.
Don’t worry if you forget something. Somebody can always bring it later. The most important thing is the delivery and that you and the baby are in good hands.
