Pregnancy is once in a lifetime experience so it’s expected to have lots of excitement when going to the hospital for delivery. Given unpredictability of the labor, it’s advised to have a hospital bag ready as you never know when you will need it. Now here comes the big question – what should be packed in this hospital bag? Following is the hospital bag checklist based on my experience -
For your baby
1. Shirts
Babies are delicate and so should be their clothes. Make sure to buy front open type of clothes for them, similar to “Jhabla”. It’s easier to put them on infants in comparison to regular t-shirts. If its winter then go for full sleeves clothes and if its summer then go for sleeveless. Given that most of the hospital now a days have air-conditioner, I would recommend going for full sleeves t-shirts. Also, given that the baby will be wearing diaper, the bottom wear is not necessary.Few babies have a habit of scratching themselves so pack one or two set of mittens as well.
2. Towels
Babies miss womb’s atmosphere after birth, so nurses are trained to wrap in in the towel in such a way so that they always feel warm. Make sure to pack couple of towels in your hospital bag.
3. Diapers
This includes diaper and Vaseline. It’s good to rub Vaseline on baby’s bumpy before putting on diaper as it avoids baby’s skin being wet. Make sure buy a diaper in which it’s easier to identify whether the baby peed or not. According to the Pediatricians the baby should pee at least 6 times in 24 hrs, if it’s peeing less than 6 times then its dehydrated (means you are not feeding it well). There are diapers available which change color when wet, I would recommend to go for such diapers, at least for initial one week as the pee will hardly be few drops and it’s very hard to know whether the baby peed when using regular diapers.
This Huggies Newborn Diaper has wetness indicator in the form of yellow stars that turn blue to indicate urination.
4. Going home wrap
These are similar to soft towels, but these are in the shape of wraps i.e. just put your baby inside it and the baby will be wrapped. Make sure to buy one and pack in your hospital bag as putting your baby in it will help in reduced vehicle jerks while going home.
This is one which I bought, its not exactly the wrap in traditional sense but it serves the purpose, you can explore more on Amazon.
For you (The Mother)
1. Clothes
Remember that mother needs to feed the baby post birth, so mother’s dress should be convenient enough to help in feeding. There are various feeding gowns available in market, you can choose and buy them based on your preference. Duration of the stay is normally 3-4 days so make sure to pack 3-4 gowns.
2. Maternity bra
Maternity bra helps in feeding so buy couple of bras too and pack in your hospital bag. Bra pads are normally not necessary as for initial 3 days milk production is very less. You might need the bra-pads if your stay is more than 3 days.
3. Set of your favorite toiletries
Doctors ask to take dry bath for initial two days if it’s a C-section, post that they allow to take full bath. Make sure to pack full set of your fav toiletries so that you feel relaxed during your hospital stay.
Do not forget to pack lip balm as air-conditioner makes the lips dry.
4. Slippers – socks
You have to walk on hospital floor in your room so make sure to pack a pair of comfortable clean slippers which you can wear in your room. Also, pack couple of pair of socks as its recommended to cover your legs post-delivery.
5. Maternity pads and pad fixator
Enormous bleeding happens post-delivery, no matter whether its normal or C-section. Normal pads can’t handle the flow. Special big size pads come to handle it, these are called Maternity pads. These pads also need to be changed in 2-3 hours for couple of days, so make sure to pack enough of them.
Also, there is something called pad-fixator, its similar to underpants but its of use and throw types. I would recommend to go for it for obvious reasons. Pad fixators come in various sizes like S,M,L,XL etc, buy based on your body type.
Other Generic stuff
1. Hospital file and other insurance related documents if you have insurance.
2. Mobile and Charger
3. Wallet
4. Id - Card
5. Snacks
You might feel the urge to eat something while you are waiting for the delivery, so make sure to pack your favorite snacks in your hospital bag.
6. Couple of extra bags
Expect guests with gifts during your hospital stay as everyone is eager to meet your newborn. Pack couple of extra bags for suck gifts and goodies.
These are the recommendations based on my experience, please feel free to drop a comment if I missed something, I will be more than happy to add that here.
Also, feel free to comment if you have any doubt or need any suggestions, I will respond with best of my knowledge.
