If you are an extremely disorganized person like I am, who likes to pack the hospital bag for delivery on the last day, then this list is for you. I can check multiple posts with the titles “The Ultimate hospital bag checklist for labor for mom and baby” and I’d be overwhelmed just by reading those lists.
It can be useful to see what other people needed, but after all, it’s up to you whether you take all the items suggested on their list or just half of them. I’m not inclined to pack extra stuff just in case I might need it. Maybe that’s because I moved so many times in my life, and left so much stuff behind. Believe me, in just a year living in a new place, you become as much loaded with the new things as you were before moving. When I travel, I do the same, I can go on a 2-week vacation with a bag under 8 kg, which is allowed to take with you onboard. Because I usually don’t need that much stuff to enjoy life.
Now, obviously labor is different than vacations, I can’t just go shopping for the stuff which I need urgently while in the hospital. This is why even as much I am disorganized, I think having a checklist for this occasion is really necessary. I’ll share with you my list, let’s call it “The Hospital Bag Checklist Essentials” because it includes things that are really necessary.
Hospital Bag for Delivery Essentials for Mom
- Water bottle with straw like the ones you use in a gym (this one is a great option). You don’t want to get up every time to get some more water in a cup every time you need to drink. And you will need to drink a lot! Even if you have someone to help you and bring the water, why bother people if you can just have a big bottle of water right next to you.
- Lip balm. You will need it because when you are breathing deep during the labor, your lips dry out really fast.
- Stuff for your basic hygiene: toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo, moisturizer, and deodorant.
- Hair ties, ponytail holders. If you have long hair, you don’t want it to get in the way during labor.
Things which are medically necessary, such as painkillers, underwear, pads, diapers, wipes, bum cream are mostly provided by the hospital. You can ask to confirm this in advance though.
Some extra stuff which you will need to take from home might include:
- Warm socks (could be socks which you don’t mind throwing away if needed).
- Comfortable shirts with front opening and pants (2-3 pairs). It’s better if all the clothes you take with you are dark because during the postpartum period blood stains can happen at any time – when you are coming out the shower or leaving the bathroom, etc.
- You might want to take some extra postpartum underwear. The hospital should provide you some, but you never know if this amount will be sufficient.
- A comfy maternity robe – when you need to cover up quickly, or if you feel cold, it’s always the best idea, even after you get back from the hospital.
- If you pack well in advance, it’s a great idea to order this spray to ease the discomfort of postpartum vaginal soreness.
Baby Hospital Bag Checklist
Usually, hospitals provide everything that’s really necessary for the baby. You might want to bring additionally your own:
Blankets for baby (I haven’t seen better ones).
Car seat properly installed in your car. You will not be allowed to leave the hospital without having this arranged, so better have it done in advance.
A coming-home outfit – the weather conditions can be harsh for a baby, especially in the winter. You might need to bring clothes, socks, and booties to keep baby warm.
Pacifiers. You might need a pacifier, and the hospital can sell it but they charge a little higher than the normal price.
Save THIS PIN to the hospital checklist to confirm you have everything when you need to go to the hospital?
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