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It is a good idea to pack your bag for the hospital in the final phase of your pregnancy. Week 36 of your pregnancy would be the ideal time to pack your bag, just in case you need to go to the hospital earlier than the given due date.
Things to consider before packing
- What the hospital provides - Most hospitals have a set list of things they provide for patients. It is advisable to get this information from your hospital in advance. It will be wise to find out if the hospital is going to charge for any of the things that they provide so that you have the option to make alternative arrangements.
- What the hospital allows - Some hospitals are very strict about what they allow you to carry from home. So find out and pack your bags accordingly.
- The season or weather at the time of delivery – Keep in mind the weather or season and pack clothes accordingly … woollens, warm clothes, light clothes, in-betweens etc.
You may want to pack two bags for the hospital but this depends on how much space is available in the room that you’d be staying in. So take a look at the room beforehand and decide.
Hospital bag checklist for Mom
- Medical reports: Arrange all the reports in a file or folder and prioritize it
- Medical insurance papers (if any)
- Night gowns or nighties: Opt for front-buttoned ones that can also serve as nursing gowns
- Slippers
- Cotton socks: Keep a pair that you can wear in the delivery room to combat cold feet
- Lip balm and moisturizing lotion
- Pack snacks if the hospital allows outside food for you and your partner or attendant
- Toiletries: remember essentials like toothbrush and comb
- Hair clips or bands
- Nursing bras
- Breast pads
- Maternity sanitary pads: Necessary after delivery or a caesarean section.
- Comfortable panties: Preferably cotton
- Clothes for going home: Choose loose and comfortable clothing, considering your post-birth tummy
- A shawl, stole or 'dupatta’ for discreet breastfeeding,
- Mobile charger
Hospital bag checklist for Baby
- Clothes - Rompers, sleep suits, T-shirts, shorts or leggings, all depending on the weather at that time.
- Socks or booties - At least two pairs.
- Cap or bonnet
- Vests - As innerwear for your baby, in case it is winter.
- Diapers or nappies - Calculate, approximately 12 diapers per day. But since carrying too many will be problematic, keep enough for the first day after delivery and later on your partner or attendant can get more.
- One rubber sheet or water-proof sheet to keep the bed dry.
- Soft cotton sheets for your baby's bed; keep a couple of them at least.
- A soft, warm blanket or a soft cotton draw sheet; choose as per weather.
- One soft cotton towel
- 2/3 small squares of soft cotton cloth or small cotton hand towels to wipe baby's spit-up and spill-over while breast feeding.
- Baby's toiletries - A baby cleanser, mild baby shampoo, massage oil, very soft hairbrush, wet wipes. Keep these in a small pouch so that they are easy to find.
- Baby blanket. Babies need to be kept warm so you will definitely need this.
- Sweater or jacket, depending on the weather outside.
- Swaddle cloth. A cotton or light-weight wrap cloth with an attached cap can be packed too. But this is optional.
Optional things you can pack in your hospital bag
- Extra cushions or pillows to make you feel more comfortable and which can be of help when breastfeeding your baby.
- Things that relax you, like your favourite music, magazines, books and so on.
- Water spray bottle and wet wipes to freshen up.
- Digital camera or camcorder if you or your partner want to capture the first moments of your baby. Check if the hospital allows such recording equipment.
You might want to keep a print-out of this checklist for easy reference.
Once your bag for the hospital is packed, relax and focus on a smooth labour and delivery.
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The information published herein is intended and strictly only for informational, educational, purposes and the same shall not be misconstrued as medical advice. If you are worried about your own health, or your child’s well being, seek immediate medical advice. You should never delay seeking medical advice, disregard medical advice, or discontinue medical treatment because of information on this website. Kimberly-Clark and/ or its subsidiaries assumes no liability for the interpretation and/or use of the information contained in this article. Further, while due care and caution has been taken to ensure that the content here is free from mistakes or omissions, Kimberly-Clark and/ or its subsidiaries makes no claims, promises or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness or adequacy of the information here, and to the extent permitted by law, Kimberly-Clark and/ or its subsidiaries do not accept any liability or responsibility for claims, errors or omissions.
