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Easy Guide on packing your Hospital Bag

Pack your Hospital Bag Right

Imagine: You are into your ninth month and in the middle of the night one day, you wake up to relieve yourself and then suddenly your water breaks. It is your first pregnancy and there is nobody around except your partner. He calls up an ambulance and you rush to the hospital. But only after things settle down there do you realize that you have come to the hospital empty-handed; you didn’t get your bag!

You will realize the importance of a hospital bag when you would actually need it. Therefore, do not wait until the last minute, keep it ready in time well before your due dates. Also keep your partner or anyone else in home aware about the bag. Also the stuff inside the bag, so that they can help you out at the time of delivery.

If you aren’t sure what to pack, don’t worry. Go through the below list that you must pack in the bag for yourself, your partner. And the ofcourse for the newborn.

When To Pack A Hospital Bag?

The best time to start packing your “hospital bag” for delivery is around 34 weeks. As you can expect the labor at any time from the 37th week. Or you may talk to your doctor. Based on your ultrasound reports and LPM she may suggest your expected due date. Ideally, you should keep your Hospital bag ready at least 3-4 weeks prior to your due dates.

Also, don’t forget to ask your hospital if they have any list. As most of the reputed hospitals do provide most of the things. You may want to also have a look into the maternity ward so that you can assess what you may need. This shall help you comfortable there. The key is to Pack your bag in advance so that you do not miss anything. Also, keep someone else also informed about it.

What To Carry For Yourself?

 If you have a vaginal delivery, then you might need to stay for around three days in the hospital. However, if you undergo a C-section, then you might have to stay for a few more days.

Here are the things you must carry in your Hospital bag:

  1. Medical Documents: Neatly file all your hospital papers, your test reports, latest ultrasound, details of any allergies (if any) and your valid ID proof, insurance card and papers (if applying for insurance claims), hospital forms – keep them handy in separate files.
  2. Clothes change for you. Most of the good hospitals do provide a change. In case you would want to wear your clothes, then Pack loose, comfortable maternity clothes to wear in the hospital. While going to the hospital, wear an old, loose-fitting dress. Do not buy new ones for this because the dress would get stained with blood and fluids during labour. Also, get dresses with front buttons to unbutton them easily for breastfeeding the baby after delivery.
  3. Footwear for yourself: Pack slip-ons as they are comfortable to wear during the hospital stay. Take a pair of socks too, to keep your feet warm.
  4. Lip balm: During labor, the warm condition inside the labor room can make your lips dry out. Post delivery, you may use the lip balm to moisten your lips.
  5. Massage oil: It is good to carry a massage lotion or oil, which your partner or a caregiver may use to massage your back and legs during contraction pains. This does help comfort at times.
  6. Snacks and drinks: Keep sugar-free candies handy. This will help prevent your mouth from drying out. You may also keep some juice or drinks too, can keep you going during the labor.
  7. Birth ball: It is a great birth tool to support labor. Check with your hospital as they may or may not allow you to carry one. In case they do carry it along with the pump so that your partner can inflate it and help you use it.
  8. Undergarments and sanitary pads/Adult Diapers: Pack extra pairs of undergarments and packs of sanitary pads or adult diapers, as you would need them in plenty during your stay in the hospital post delivery.
  9. Nursing aids: Carry nursing bras and pads that make breastfeeding comfortable for you. The nursing bras have an opening in the front of each breast, while the pads prevent the breastmilk from leaking. Maternity or breastfeeding pillows- they make you feel comfortable while relaxing between contractions and while breastfeeding baby.
  10. Accessories: These are items such as hair clips, hair bands, bath towel, and moisturizers that you need every day. Add eye masks and earplugs to the list as they help you sleep while waiting for your delivery.  If you have glasses or lenses, then do leave a spare pair in the bag, as you might miss those at the last minute.
  11. Toiletries: Keep toothbrush, toothpaste, and soap in your bag. Place all these items in a box that is easily accessible.
  12. Some Books/Kindle/: If you like reading books, keep an interesting one in the bag. Reading the book can help you divert yourself from the pain.
  13. Gadgets: Keep your mobile and charger in the bag. You can also take your tablet and/or portable MP3 player.

The one person who will surely accompany you to the hospital is your partner. Therefore, he, too, needs to keep his bags ready.

What to Pack for Your Partner?

While you get admitted for delivery, your partner also needs to carry the essentials items that he will require during his stay in the hospital. Here is the list of things that he may need:

14. Clothes: He may pack some casual wears, in which he is comfortable to stay in the hospital.

15. Footwear: As he will be making many rounds in the hospital, it is good to pack footwear that can be easily worn and removed.

16. Gadgets: The mobile phone and charger are a must-have as he will need to contact several people. Also, a camera recorder will be useful if you are interested in shooting the delivery in the birthing room, or take your newborn’s pictures.

17. Gent’s Accessories: He would need his shaving kit, deo etc. Also, ask him to pack a hand-held fan or water spray to keep you cool and refreshed while in labor.

18. Snacks and drinks: He wouldn’t get much time to take a break to eat something. Let him pack some snacks and drinks to keep himself from hunger and dehydration.

So, you have packed your bag and your partner has done his. But are you forgetting somebody?

What To Pack For Your New Born Baby?

The VVIP person of your family is arriving and he/she needs to be taken care of well. Here is the list of items you need to pack for your baby:

19. Full Sleeve Tees/Jhabla and/or bodysuits. – You would need at least 5-6 body suits, and a few Tees for your newborn, Prefer Full sleeves and front open suits as they are easier to make them wear on or off and keep them warm and cosy.

20. A stash of Diapers –  Your baby will need them from the time they arrive.  If you are planning to use Advance Cloth Diapers, try Superbottoms newborn size, they are perfect for newborns from 15 days up to around 5 months. The age range can vary from child to child depending on height and weight. Read more about these cloth diapers here. You may also want to watch this tutorial to learn how to put on a newborn cloth diaper if you are new to cloth diapers. Trust me it’s super easy and convenient to wash them as well. Read here to know how can you wash them easily.

21. In case you are not looking for these advance cloth diapers, then you would have to buy a dozen of langots/triangulars for your baby. Also add more of swaddles, blankets and clothes, as with every pee or poo you would have to change the entire clothes and beddings. Or you may go for disposable diaper packs also check the preemie pamper diapers.

22. Muslin cloth/Baby wipes. You would need baby wipes or muslin cloth to clean and dry baby’s bum after every pee and poo. These organic wipes will not only help you clean your baby when he/she poops but can also help clean spill some undigested milk while burb. Also for newborn, you may use these wipes to sponge bath the newborn till their Umbilical cord falls off. Just ensure you keep the wipes for bum and mouth separate 😊

Note: Always wash everything which touches baby’s skin, even if its new as first of all its better for hygiene and secondly these gets softer with washes making it perfect for new born’s delicate skin.

23 Baby Swaddles and blanket. – You would need at least 3-4 swaddles and 2 blankets to keep your little one warm. Double them if you aren’t planning to use full-time diapers

24. A Baby carrier.- whether it’s a normal delivery or a c-section, post your delivery you may be in some pain or may have some discomfort walking due to stitches. And it may get difficult to carry the baby and hold yourself up, so I suggest you invest in a baby carrier early. A ring sling or a wrap could be a good option for the soft and delicate Newborn who need to be held up close. Also, it is super easy to clean and maintain them all.

25 A diaper bag- A bag with convenient pockets to keep your baby’s essential. multiple pockets will ensure everything is well organised and could be found easily once in need, do read my previous post on how to pack diaper bag light and travel easily with an infant.

Finally do remember, that keeping your hospital bag ready well in advance would give you a sense of relief that you have kept all the necessary things in place. Also, there would be one thing less to worry about while rushing to the hospital. Moreover, your partner can stay by your side when you need him the most rather than running around to gather things.

So, stay well prepared and good luck !!

Love <3

Gunjan!!

46 thoughts on “Easy Guide on packing your Hospital Bag

  • Noor Anand Chawla

    The hospital bag is such an important part of the birthing journey. Great post!

    Reply
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  • Reading this I remembered how well prepared I was too for the hospital and delivery. This checklist is great and very useful.

    Reply
  • Such essential detailed list. We often forget to keep things for ourselves and partner.. with main focus on baby. Well written .

    Reply
  • You have listed down all things possible to carry .. Very helpful for new pregos or moms.

    Reply
  • Ever aside my story books saved me a lot of boredom the night before. A very useful hospital bag check list.

    Reply
  • Wow that’s really nice and helpful post …I know how important is to preplan all and prepare your bag before delivery

    Reply
  • That’s quite a list I must admit. Well planned and comprehensive. We had to leave abruptly due to early contractions and had no time to pack the bag. If I had chance, would have packed few books for sure.

    Reply
  • This is a great list . It is well segmented into each members need. This is a great post.

    Reply
  • this is a wonderful comprehensive list. i wish i had known so much when i went for my delivery

    Reply
  • This is such a detailed and helpful post for moms-to-be. I was zero prepared during my first time and the second time, I packed my hospital bags a month before. 🙂

    Reply
  • Sarah Shaikh

    That’s a load of useful information you have put in your Blog.It will be so helpful for pregnant women.List is perfectly compiled.

    Reply
  • We all need to understand that basic needs in hospital can’t be ignore and be ready for those stuffs and bags should be perfectly packed for such emergency

    Reply
  • Deepa Jaisingh

    I had an emergency C section and I wish I had these things to help me sail through those 7 days in the Hospital.

    Reply
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  • Very well explained post. It is overwhelming to realise that there is so much thought and planning which needs to happen. Very helpful list.

    Reply
  • Alexx bloom

    this will Ofcourse save my time and will make me so a proper packing so that I can have no worry about any other stuff. You’re not indeed is very helpful for me

    Reply
  • You reminded me of my delivery time. These are some great tips for a delivery packing. You have paid attention to keen details. I am going to share them to the relevant people

    Reply
  • Properly listed down each and every useful points and even handy stuff. Its an very helpful post for a new mom. Thank you for such informative post.

    Reply
  • For the first time mom’s it would be a difficult task to carry everything they need at hospital.Your long but informative checklist will always come handy.Beautiful thought put into words.

    Reply
  • jhilmildsaha

    Its natural for a new mom to be to get confused about what things to pack while going to the hospital. This article will definitely be of help.

    Reply
  • Nisha Malik

    I packed my maternity bag as I started my 9 that month of pregnancy. It was great move as I had to be taken to the hospital very soon. You have included every single item a new mum might need. Great job.

    Reply
  • That’s quite an exhaustive and comprehensive list. For the first time, you’re way too clueless as to what all things will be required and this list would be quite helpful for to be moms.

    Reply
  • Loved the way you have listed down each and every possible plus important stuff that one should keep handy, instead of just a a blog this also sounds like a checklist, I am book marking this link right away

    Reply
  • Noor Anand Chawla

    You have really captured everything a young mom might need to pack for the big day! Thanks for this comprehensive list, I will pin it for the time I plan to have my second child!

    Reply
  • Deciding what to pack in your hospital bag—for baby is very important.. Thanks for sharing such a nice info.. This definitely helps many new moms..

    Reply
  • This is such a useful and comprehensive packing guide. In many ways it is a ready reckoner for packing for soon to be moms.

    Reply
  • That’s quite an exhaustive list and accurate too. It’s very thoughtful of you to pen this down. It’ll come handy to all the mommy-to-be’s. I also carried with me my perfumes which comforted my the most during my pregnancies. Fragrances lifted up my mood almost instantly.

    Reply
  • Nayantara Hegde

    A very helpful post and I am happy to see cloth diapers here. It will surely encourage moms to be to try diapering from day 1.

    Reply
  • Tina Basu

    I was pretty lucky i had my mom around to run all these errands because for a week before delivery all i wanted was someone to take out the baby and give me some rest!! This is quite a comprehensive list for all expectant moms.

    Reply
  • Dr.Amrita Basu

    I had a semi packed bag which had 3 more books added before we left for the hospital.Very helpful list.

    Reply
  • Package for hospital is very important and tricky task . In last moment you dnt understand what to pack.perfect list for hospital package

    Reply
  • These are of great help for mom to be and pack their bags! I remember having few of these in my bag as we mostly get all here so easier.

    Reply
  • Packing hospital bag well in advance is very important. You never know when the baby want to come out and you need to rush to the hospital. By keeping the bag ready, one thing from the checklist is crossed. And that’s the most important to take care of.

    Reply
  • Shubhada Bhide

    These are some awesome and helpful tips to packing our hospital bags what we need to bring.

    Reply
  • The muslin baby wipes is a great idea. Have never heard that Superbottoms has some nice ones.. Thanks for letting me know

    Reply
  • prismaroundgurjeet

    This time you really do not understand what to pack and what not. But your tips really helpful for mom to be

    Reply
  • freemindtree

    That’s such exhaustive post for preparing the bag for delivery in the hospital. Sharing it with my friends and family members.

    Reply
  • CREATIVE LIFE STAR

    Amazing and informative post. Very useful and beneficial tips of hospital bag. Great thoughts.

    Reply
  • aritrarelivingdreams

    Well thought post, n I am sure many will be benefited.

    Reply

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