What to bring to the hospital is on the minds of many mothers to be in that last stretch, the third trimester. Packing your hospital bag for birth is a pretty important element when that week 35 starts to come about. The last thing you want is to have forgotten important needs for your big day to come!
Many factors go into preparing for the birth of your baby, from stocking up on supplies to reading parenting books. One practical task is packing a bag that has all of the essentials that you and your baby need during your hospital stay.
Smart packing maximizes your comfort during your stay and ensures you have the supplies you need to thrive during those first few days of motherhood. Follow this handy guide when packing your hospital bag. We will be focusing mostly on the must haves, while adding in a few optional comfort items.
The Essentials for Mom
Soon after you give birth, you'll be ready to slip out of that hospital gown, take a hot shower and wear your own clothes again. Packing comfortable clothes is a must for postpartum mothers. However, many other items are also essential and will come in handy during your stay. Don't forget to add these items to your hospital bag:
- Nursing tanks and nursing shirts, with easy snaps and openings like the robertwilsonassociates ribbed tank or Cozy Hoodie, to simplify breastfeeding and skin to skin with your new baby
- Paperwork including health insurance card and driver's license or other identification
- Chargers for electronic devices, including smartphones, tablets, and laptops (you'll want those first pics!)
- Toiletries, including toothpaste and toothbrush, face wash and body wash, moisturizer, shampoo and conditioner (trust...fresh breath will make you feel refreshed)
- Nursing bra and pads in case your milk comes in during your stay
- Feminine napkins and maternity underwear (disposable maternity undies are great)
- Glasses, contact lens solution and contact lens case
- Lanolin for application after breastfeeding to minimize any discomfort
- pocket money
The Essentials for Baby
Don't forget to pack for your newborn before you head to the hospital. The hospital will likely provide some basics, including diapers, wipes, receiving blankets, pacifiers and shirts or onesies. However, you might want to bring some special clothes for your little one to wear soon after his or her birth. Add these items to your hospital bag:
- Onesies, sleepers and a going-home outfit
- Socks and mittens
- Hats for warmth, or headbands for those first family pictures
- Baby fingernail trimmers for those often-sharp baby fingernails
- Breastfeeding pillow for mom and baby's comfort
- and have that CAR SEAT good to go
Comfort Items
While the essentials might be your focus, comfort items ensure that you feel relaxed during your hospital stay. After all, you'll likely be there for at least two nights, so you want to settle in. Consider these items for use during labor and after the baby is born:
- Your favorite pillow or blanket
- Music player with a personalized playlist to help you relax during labor
- Lip balm, mints and hair ties
- Camera to document special moments
- Cozy socks or slippers
- Laptop or tablet to communicate with family and friends during your stay
- Healthy, energizing snacks, such as trail mix, granola bars or dried fruit
Preparing for Your Hospital Stay
A smartly packed hospital bag ensures that you have everything you might need during your stay. Get ready for your little one's arrival and pack your bag with this list by your side. Recruit hubby or a partner to go over the list with you. You'll be in your fourth trimester in no time, and feeling much more at ease knowing you're set.
Keep going mama! You're doing great!
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