Don’t Forget to Pack These Essential Items in Your Hospital Bag for You and Your Baby

Are you all set for the big day? Your baby might arrive earlier than expected, so it’s worth having your baby hospital bag packed during the third trimester – at about week 36 − just in case.This checklist will help you pack your pregnancy hospital bag so you’ll be sure to have everything you need for yourself, your new baby, and your birth partner. If you have a minute, check what your hospital has on hand or provides so you won't need to take those items. Then, once your maternity bag is packed, keep it handy, either in the car or by the door, so you'll be ready to go at a moment's notice.

Hospital Bag for Mum: Labour and Delivery Essentials

Here are some essentials an expecting mother will require during labor and delivery process:

1. Hospital file, ID and Insurance Papers

Have your medical records handy, so that your doctors can easily see your medical history. Your hospital may require some form of ID, any medical cards, and insurance documents up front, so make sure you have a copy of these readily available.

2. Dressing gown

A soft dressing gown or maternity maxi is useful for pacing around during labour, or afterward, if you spend some time in the hospital.

3. Socks

Many mums pop on some warm socks if their feet get cold during labour.

4. Slippers or flip-flops

You’ll want slippers that are comfortable and easy to slip in and out of to wear as you walk around the hospital ward. Pack some flip-flops for using in the shower.

5. Lip balm

Your lips can get chapped during labour. Having some lip balm on hand will help hydrate your lips.

6. Body lotion or massage oil

Some mums-to-be find a little massage during labour relaxing. If this could be you, pop some moisturizing lotion or massage oil in your hospital bag.

7. Comfortable pillow(s)

Your hospital will provide you with pillows, but they might not be the right kind for you. If you have a favourite pillow or a pregnancy pillow, then it can’t hurt to take it along as well.

8. Relaxing pass-times

Pack some things to help you pass the time like a book, magazines, a tablet with movies or shows downloaded on it, or a music player.

9. Snacks and drinks

Labour can sometimes be very long, so you could consider packing some snacks and drinks. However, speak to your medical team about whether or not you will be allowed to eat or drink anything during labour.

Hospital Bag for Mum: Post Delivery Essentials

Delivery will most likely leave you exhausted, so be sure to pack these post-delivery essentials in your hospital bag:

1. Nightdresses

You’ll need something comfortable to sleep in during your hospital stay. Pack at least one soft nightdress. Choose a front-opening one or a maternity dress with concealed zippers if you plan to breastfeed.

2. Heavy-duty maternity pads

Although the hospital may provide some, pack plenty of heavy-duty maternity-pads, just in case. It’s normal to experience bleeding after the birth, and maternity pads are softer and more absorbent than standard ones. Initially you may need to change pads every one to two hours, but within a few days the flow will start to decrease.

3. Underwear

Pack several pairs of maternity panties that you won’t mind getting messy, and that are large enough for those maternity pads.

4. Bras

Be prepared with a few nursing bras or any other comfortable, well-fitting bras. Maternity bras which provide an easy breastfeeding access can be a useful addition.

5. Toiletries

Don’t forget towels, tissues, hairbrush, deodorant, toothbrush, toothpaste, face wash, body wash, shampoo, conditioner, hairdryer, hair clips, and hair ties. And pack a laundry bag to pop dirty clothes in.

6. Phone and charger

Unless you opt for a little digital detox during this special time, don’t forget your phone and charger. That way you can stay in touch with loved ones, you can use it to take those first few pictures, and post your special news on social media.

7. Soothing products for vagina and tummy

You should always follow the advice of your medical team, but you might consider packing an ice pack for your vagina (if you’re having a vaginal birth); haemorrhoid cream (again, for potential use after a vaginal birth) etc.

8. Eye mask and earplugs

To help you get rest in a busy and bright maternity ward, an eye mask or earplugs could be just what you need for your well-deserved rest following the delivery.

Hospital Bag Essentials for Your Birth Partner

Your husband or a family member will probably be with you throughout the delivery process, so don't forget to pack some essentials for your birth partner:

1. Snacks and water

Labour can be thirsty work for supportive partners. Pack some snacks and water, as well as change for the hospital vending machines.

2. Digital accessories

As your partner waits along with you for delivery, a phone, camera and/or video camera plus chargers and batteries can help them pass time and/or record this experience.

3. Clothes

Labour is an unpredictable process, a change of clothes is always a good idea as you never know how long the stay will be.

4. Toiletries and towel

After a long labour, even your partner may need to freshen up in the shower. Most hospitals are fine with this, but you could confirm this beforehand.

5. Small pillow

Believe it or not, your partner might also need a rest while assisting during a long labour.

Hospital Bag Essentials for Your Baby

Your baby has finally arrived in your life and world and its time to look after their every possible need. So here are some essentials to help your little one:

1. Bodysuits

Hospital policies can vary on what newborns can be dressed in so consult with your doctor in advance about what to pack. You may need to add to what the hospital provides in terms of accessories and layers. Remember, with bodysuits it’s a good idea to choose those that fasten up at the front.

2. Socks and booties

Newborns can get cold easily, and you may want to add to what the hospital provides in terms of accessories and layers. Even during skin-to-skin contact, your newborn can wear a hat and antibacterial socks.

3. Blanket

While the hospital will likely provide blankets, a blanket of your own is always good to have on hand to use during skin-to-skin contact. It can also be used to keep your baby warm in the car seat on the way home.

4. Diapers

About 20 to 30 diapers made especially for newborns is a must-have in your hospital bag. Your newborn might get through 10-12 diapers each day, so start stocking up.

5. Baby wipes

Newborns’ skin is particularly sensitive, so it’s best to use only cotton wool balls and water or gentle baby wipes in the first weeks.

6. Muslin squares

These can be draped on your shoulder or placed underneath the baby to prevent dribbles from getting on your clothes. You could also pack some bibs for this purpose too.

7. Going-home outfit

Consider the weather conditions and pack baby clothes: a bodysuit, booties and cap could be fine during the warmer months, but in winter pack mittens and a jacket or snow suit as well.

What's more, you can find most of these items in Mylo’s Hospital Bag Essentials Kit. This mom and baby kit is your perfect companion for the ‘D’ day to help ensure that your delivery experience is smooth.