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Ideal Hospital Bag Checklist for Every Mom To Be

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  • November 20, 2020
  • MKB Team

Items you shouldn't forget while packing for your delivery

Are you looking for the ideal Hospital Bag checklist? Look No Further! Everything you could think of and more is on our list! Read More!

What to pack in the Hospital Bag

A hospital bag checklist for delivery is absolutely essential considering the fact that you could be in the hospital for a span of two to three days in the course of a normal or vaginal delivery. But keep in mind that it could take five days or even more if it’s a caesarean delivery or if any complications arise during the childbirth process. Remember that you should have your hospital bag packed after the completion of a maximum of 36 weeks as labour could begin any time after this period. Here’s an easy-to-use list that will help you during your time at the hospital.

Here are the Personal items that you will need for your hospital days.

  • Toothbrush, toothpaste and mouthwash.
  • Hairbrush.
  • Your essential toiletry items like moisturizer, shampoo, conditioner, soap or shower gel and anything else that makes you happy and comfortable.
  • Extra-absorbent maxi pads.
  • Snacks for after delivery- Carry some snacks! It is sensible not to depend on the hospital to satisfy your hunger pangs, especially in the middle of the night.
  • Clothing for you and your baby.
  • Extra pairs of underwear and a nursing bra.
  • Nightgown or PJs, socks and slippers.
  • Comfortable outfit to head home in- You will still look 6 months pregnant when you leave the hospital, so plan accordingly.
  • Going-home outfit for baby- Choose a nice outfit as your baby’s first set of clothes when he/she goes home.  

Ideal Hospital Bag Checklist

The realistic hospital bag checklist should have the following items too.

  • A pen and paper for taking notes.
  • Multiple copies of your birth plan to be available for doctors and nurses on various shifts. 
  • Your insurance card.
  • Your mobile phone and charger.
  • Your favourite pillow so you can sleep comfortably.
  • Hair clips or ties to keep your hair out of your face.
  • Sugarless candies or lollipops to keep your mouth moist.
  • Books, music, puzzles, magazines, a deck of cards, laptop, or electronic games to keep you entertained.

Other than the above, the hospital bag items for delivery that every mom-to-be should carry are comfortable footwear that are flat and with a good grip. This is to prevent slipping on the smooth hospital floor while you are taking a walk in labour. Pack slippers to wear to the washroom as well, take massage oil or lotion if you want to be massaged during labour, nursing bras, breast pads, and lip balm. For your days at the hospital, carry clothing that you’ll be comfortable in. Take two outfits per day as you might need to change once during the day. Seasonal outfits like rompers, sleep suits, cotton jhablas, T-shirts, shorts or leggings, will serve the purpose. Anything else that you are comfortable wearing is also recommended. Take four vests or onesies as inner wear. You’ll also need a going-home outfit post pregnancy as you’ll have a noticeable bump. So, bear that in mind!

The hospital bag checklist for baby must include one set of clothes for each day, and two extra as well. For winter babies ensure there are two sweaters. Pack a pair of baby gloves so baby doesn’t scratch himself as some new-borns have long nails. Take a baby cap, two soft cotton sheets for baby’s bed and a waterproof sheet protector or rubber under-sheet to prevent the bed from getting wet. A soft, warm baby blanket is a good idea if it’s cold. A light cotton cover will suffice for summer. Ensure that you also stock 12 nappies, nappy pads or diapers for each day as well as wet wipes, a soft towel and a changing mat to change your baby's diaper.

 

Items you shouldn't forget while packing for your delivery

While all of the above are important enough to be part of your hospital bag checklist, ensure that you don’t miss out on these items while packing for your delivery. 

  • Maternity sanitary pads- These are thicker than the normal sanitary pads and useful during pregnancy.
  • Your medical records.
  • A clean towel as it is safe not to use the one provided by the hospital.
  • Your ATM or credit card- You never know when you might need money.
  • Carry some cash and small change in hand, which will prove useful if you want something to be fetched from outside the hospital.
  • Your cord blood banking kit, if you're banking your baby's cord blood.
  • Carry a camera and/or a video camera if the video quality of your phone is not that great. You definitely don’t want to miss this moment!

 

What’s your ideal realistic hospital bag checklist for baby? Do you have something more to add to our list that we somehow missed out? Do write in to us and share your views and suggestions. We’d love to hear from you!

 

Some frequently asked questions have been answered below for you!

You ask and we answer!

 

Q.1 How many weeks should you be when you pack your hospital bag? (Asha Narang, New Delhi)

 You should have your hospital bag ready to go between the 32 and 35 weeks of pregnancy. You may start packing it at any time in your pregnancy, but it is important to have everything packed by your 35th week in case baby comes early.

 

Q. 2 What snacks should I pack in my hospital bag? (Sharada Ganesh, Chennai)

Here are 5 great snack ideas to pack in your hospital labour bag.

  1. Sandwiches with fillings like cheese, peanut butter or ham.
  2. Vegetable sticks or crackers.
  3. Plain rice cakes.
  4. Easy to eat fruits like grapes and Satsuma's; dried fruit is also another favourite.
  5. Boiled sweets, mints or gum to keep your mouth fresh.

 

Q. 3 How many sleepsuits do I need in my hospital bag? (Prity Patel, Navi Mumbai)

Pack at least two or three sleepsuits, vests and a cardigan or two.


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