Essentials for your baby hospital bag checklist: Mother and Child
Do you have a baby on the way? Congratulations! You are about to embark on an adorable journey. Preparing for a new baby is exciting, but it can also be overwhelming. One of the best ways to get ready for your new bundle of joy is to make a hospital bag checklist with all the essentials. In this blog post, we will go over everything that you need to pack your hospital bag and be completely prepared for when that special day comes.
WHEN SHOULD YOU START PACKING YOUR BABY HOSPITAL BAG?
Packing your baby hospital bag can be a daunting task, and you may start to worry about forgetting something. The best thing is to always be prepared, especially when it comes to your baby's safety.
Why not start packing around 36-37 weeks until 38-39 weeks? This way, you have plenty of time if anything isn't packed or in case you need another outfit for the baby or maybe an extra pair of socks, etc.
Who knows and who can predict the circumstances when you go into labor? It is best to take nothing for granted!
WHAT TO PACK FOR YOURSELF (MOM)
You may feel a little overwhelmed when it comes to packing your baby hospital bag. But, just remember that you need to pack for yourself [the mother] as well.
Check out our baby hospital bag checklist for Moms:
• Important documents: Ensure that you bring your birth plan (if any), ID, health insurance, etc.
• Comfortable clothing: You have to pack and wear comfortable clothing. It is best not to wear any of the regular bras as they can get in your way when you are breastfeeding. You may want to pack a sports bra that can be worn underneath other clothing or one that gives adequate support without too much padding.
But, do remember that you should be able to easily feed your baby; therefore, it is better to have a couple of nursing gowns for nighttime feeds.
How about leggings? They are fashionable AND comfortable! You can wear it beneath a tunic top with fun accessories to create an accent for your baby's first picture. Make sure that all of the clothing in your hospital bag is wearable and comfortable, as you will probably spend long hours in the hospital.
• A robe: You will want something soft and light to put on before getting into bed, so make sure to pack a robe for yourself.
• Remember to wear comfortable, easy-to-put on shoes: Here are a few suggestions: Crocs, Birkenstocks; flip flops; and animal slippers like our zebra print ones and panda slippers. Whatever you choose, make sure that they are comfortable and easy to take on and off.
Pack a pair of clean and freshly washed socks for yourself. They can be worn inside your Birkenstock sandals on the way to the hospital.
• Toiletries: It is better to keep it simple and travel light when it comes to toiletries - enough so that they fit inside of a small pouch and don't take up much space in your baby bag. So, do try and cut down. Your hospital bag checklist can include toiletries like deodorant, shampoo, toothpaste, toothbrush, towel, hairbrush, wipes, etc.
• Nipple cream: It is an absolute must to have nipple cream packed in your hospital bag. If you get sore nipples, the last thing you want is burning and itching. And so, make sure to pack some of that in your baby hospital bag along with a few extra nursing pads.
• Nursing pillow: It is a must to include a nursing pillow in your baby hospital bag checklist if you intend to breastfeed. This will help ease discomfort from engorgement. It can also be used later for propping your baby up when making tummy time easier.
• Long charging cord: As a new mother, you will always need to be connected with the world. It is best to have a long charging cord packed in your bag so that you can have your phone, iPad, or camera within reach and fully charged. You don't want to miss out on any of those precious moments.
• Snacks: If you are on strict bed rest, then your hospital bag checklist should include some snacks with you for the hospital. You may feel a little peckish, especially if there are no visiting hours or you don't want to disturb anyone by ordering room service.
• Grooming essentials: Obviously, there are certain things that you will need to put on when going out of the house. And so, keep it light with just a lip balm and concealer along with eyeliner and mascara if you want to look nice and presentable.
• Adult diapers: Well, I know it is not something cute to include in your baby hospital bag checklist. But you never know when they might come in handy!
• Water bottle: It is advisable to increase your intake of water during pregnancy and postpartum. Make sure to take a bottle along with you so that you can drink plenty of fluids while in the hospital.
• Journal and pen: You want to remember every single thing about your baby's first days and weeks, so make sure to pack a journal or notebook along with a pen for writing down important details or just keeping track of day-to-day activities.
WHAT TO PACK FOR YOUR BABY
Bringing a new baby into the world is an exciting yet nerve-wracking moment for parents. It can be a little overwhelming to have to deal with the baby hospital bag checklist. So here is a comprehensive guide on what you should pack for your little one.
• Diapers: The hospital will provide you with diapers. But, it is better to include an extra 15 to 20 diapers in your baby hospital bag checklist. Although your baby will need only about 6 or 7 diaper changes a day, you want to make sure that you have enough packed away just in case your baby is more active than expected.
• Bottle: If you are breastfeeding, then you will need to pack a bottle with pre-sterilized milk and a measuring cup.
• Cozy blanket: A soft, cuddly blankie can be very helpful in soothing, calming, and even helping your baby sleep. This can be used after the hospital to help the baby feel comfortable in a new environment. The blanket should have an animal print or something soft and furry with contrasting colors that will not only look cute but also make it easy for you to spot if your baby puts the blankie down somewhere.
• Going home outfit: You would want to get a cute outfit for the baby's first few outings. Add it to your hospital bag checklist so that you don't have to worry about finding clothes after the delivery.
• Swaddle: It is best to have a soft swaddle for your baby, especially if you are nervous about the baby getting cold in the hospital. Make sure to include a muslin swaddle blanket in your hospital bag checklist.
• Baby booties: Baby booties protect delicate feet from getting cold and also protect against germs on floors. Even better when bunny or owl-shaped!
• Cotton socks: Cotton is the best material for their feet as it helps in circulation, so make sure to bring a couple of pairs along with you.
• Onesies: Your baby will be kept in the hospital for some time, so it is best to keep them comfortable and cool. That's why it is advisable to pack a couple of short/long sleeve onesies for your little one.
• Baby hat: Hats are an absolute necessity for your little bundle of joy as they keep the head from getting cold. So, add one to your baby hospital bag checklist.
• Bib: Babies drool a lot so make sure to bring plenty of bibs so that you don't have to wash them too often.
• Infant Car seat: Infant car seats are required by law, so make sure to get one ready when it's time to take the baby home.
CONCLUSION
Congratulations on your soon-to-be new bundle of joy! Now that you have a baby hospital bag checklist with all the essentials, it should be easier to prepare for their arrival. We hope this blog post has been helpful in giving you some ideas of what might go into your own list; remember, there is no one-size-fits-all answer because everyone's needs differ based on personal preferences or family traditions.
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