The ultimate checklist for hospital bag essentials

Ready for your big day? Have you packed your hospital bag yet? This is the question you will start hearing once your delivery date approaches. As and when the day arrives the excitement takes over. And you are so overwhelmed at times, that you forget to prepare the essentials for the big day. Yes, I am talking about the hospital bag essentials. We will get into the details soon but first let us start off with some basics.

When should you start packing your hospital bag?

It is better to start packing your hospital bag (or bags) by the end of eighth month. I would suggest carrying the hospital bag with you during your physical examinations too. Because sometimes you might go into labour during one of those sessions. It is better to be prepared and to avoid last minute panics. I have had two physical examinations done before my delivery. And every time I headed out for my appointment, I thought I might come back home with my baby :)

Keeping your hospital bag ready in advance can help you feel prepared and at ease. I kept my hospital bag in my car right after I completed the 36 weeks mark. Also, I made a checklist and stuck it onto my almirah, so I can have a quick check before leaving for the hospital. I also highlighted the last-minute essentials (toothbrush, soaps etc.) so either me or my partner can pack that up before we left.

Hospital bag essentials for Moms

1.       Photo Ids and documents -Keep your government photo id proof and insurance documents in a separate pouch. Also, carry your medical history file.

2.       Phone Charger – This was one of the last-minute items, as I used it till the final day. Make sure to keep a long cable charger so you won’t have to struggle for space to keep your phone.

3.       Note pad/ pen – You can keep a notepad and pen for writing down questions, which you want to ask. You can also use it to keep a record of baby’s feeding schedule.

4.       Sanitary napkins - The hospital does provide maternity napkins. They are the thick ones, which I don’t like much. I used those for the first day (post-delivery). Once I was able to move around and change myself, I switched to the ones I took. You can take any sanitary napkin you like just remember to take the big size ones (the ones meant for heavy flow).

5.       Feeding gowns – Keep at least two pairs of feeding gowns or tops. In case of vaginal delivery, you will be in the hospital for a day. But in Caesarean delivery you might have to stay for a couple of days. So, pack accordingly. You can also keep button down tops or shirts instead of gowns.

6.       Nursing bra – Nursing bra is a must if you are planning to breastfeed. Keep a pair of nursing bras and go for two sizes up from your regular (pre pregnancy) bra.

7.       Old/Disposable panties – You are going to bleed for a couple of weeks post-delivery. Initially it is difficult to keep a track and change your undies. So, it is better to keep old or disposable panties, which can be easily discarded if soiled. Since I am not a fan of the disposable ones, I took some old panties with me. Also, this was way too economical.

8.       Toiletries – This is something which is a part of last-minute packing. So, keep a separate small pouch for toiletries. Keep your toothbrush, toothpaste, comb, face wash, moisturisers, lotions etc. You can also keep some body wash and make up if that is something you like.

9.       Socks – Keep a pair of socks to keep you warm. Postpartum body is weak and tends to feel the weather too much. It is always better to keep yourself covered and warm. This will also help in a faster recovery postpartum.

10.   Towels – Take a bath towel along with a couple of hand towels. The hospital will usually not have those.

11.   Woollens – Some people feel chills and cold post-delivery. Being warm helps in postpartum recovery and saves you from cold. Pack a sweater or a hoodie and shawl along with woollen caps and hand gloves. It is advised to keep your head and ear covered and protect them as much as possible.

12.   Slippers – Carry a pair of comfortable slippers, for you will have to move around a lot before the actual delivery. I was admitted at around 12 pm on Monday and was wheeled in for a C-section at 8:45 the next day. The entire time in between (when I was not undergoing any tests) I paced back and forth in my hospital room.

13.   Water bottle – Hydration is very important. I have had boiled water (cooled down to room temperature) during my entire pregnancy. So, I took a couple of flasks with me in my hospital bag. Carry your own water bottle and keep sipping.

 

Hospital bag essentials for baby

1.       Diapers/cloth diapers – The hospital provides you with baby diapers but in limited quantity. And you will have to make a run to the pharmacy every time it is used out. I carried baby diapers in my hospital bag to avoid frequent pharmacy runs. I used Pampers.

You can also use cloth diapers (langoti) but that will require frequent nappy changes. I prefer the regular cotton ones, as they are soft on baby’s skin. Make sure there is someone to keep a constant check, in case of cloth langoti.

2.       Baby Wipes – Again, you will get baby wipes from the hospital. But it is better to carry one in your hospital bag too. I used the Babyhug baby wipes. You can carry any as per your choice.

3.       Quick dry sheet – Even if you are using diapers, it is better to keep a quick dry sheet, to avoid accidental leakage. I carried Luvlap Quick dry sheet with me. It is easy to use and clean, as well.

4.       Baby clothes – Other than a homecoming dress I kept a few sets of clothes for the baby. The hospital did give us a set of clothe along with a swaddle. But since we were to stay for a couple of days, I carried clothes for the baby too. I also carried a few sets of cotton caps, socks, and mittens.

5.       Woollen set – Other than the regular baby clothes, carry two sets of woollens for baby. It should include a sweater, lower, cap, and socks.

6.       Towels – Keep either a cotton towel or a microfibre towel for the baby.

7.       Wash clothes – Keep a bunch of soft wash clothes. They come in handy during burping and for cleaning baby’s mouth post feed.

8.       Swaddle blanket – Baby’s love being swaddled. Keep a swaddle blanket in your hospital bag. There are readymade swaddle blankets available in the market. I opted for one of those but never got to use them, since my baby was way too chubby to fit in those 😊.

9.       Blanket – A soft baby blanket is a must. Do not carry a oversized blanket for the baby. Also, refrain from buying the cotton mixed ones. They tend to rub against the baby’s skin making it sore.

10.   Grooming kit – It’s completely optional. I never really got to use my baby grooming kit, at the hospital. The hospital will give you the kit which includes – baby soap, lotion, shampoo etc. Other than this, you can keep a baby nail clipper.

11.   Rash cream – I packed the Himalaya Diaper Rash Cream in my hospital bag.

Quick Tips

• Make a quick checklist and stick it in a place where you can see it before leaving for the hospital.
•  Highlight the items in the list which are to be packed at the last minute. For example – toiletries, mobile charger etc.
• Pack your things in separate packets and write the contents on top. I used zip lock pouches (medium size) to pack my things. I mentioned the belongings with a marker on top. For example – I kept the cotton caps, socks, and mittens in one pouch and marked them accordingly. It makes it easier for your partner to take things out when you can’t. 
• Do not forget to pack a pair of clothes and toiletries for your partner too. 

Pack minimal number of things and nothing extra. This will save you from carrying extra stuff on your way back and you will have less laundry to do once you are back home. I hope the ultimate checklist for hospital bag essentials, will be helpful to you. Do check out my other blogs on postpartum care. Happy parenting! 😊