The day when you finally get to meet your little one is coming near. At this point, it is important to get ready with your hospital bag for delivery. Several things are essential for you and your baby. Packing your pregnancy hospital bag in advance makes labour, delivery, and recovery more comfortable. Here we will be talking about how to pack hospital bags for pregnancy and when to pack your hospital bag.
When should you pack your hospital bag when pregnant?
It’s a great idea to have a pregnancy hospital bag for delivery packed by the time you are about 36 weeks pregnant so that there is no last-minute rush. It is great to have 2 bags instead of 1 – one for mom and the other one for the baby. Hospitals, generally, provide you with basic amenities, one will need to take care of themselves and the baby once your little one has arrived. It is necessary to pack your pregnancy bag with all the essentials that are required to make you and the newborn feel comfortable and safe.
What should I pack in my pregnancy hospital bag?
It is important to be ready with the products that make you feel better and comfortable. Listing down some pregnancy care must-haves for the pregnancy hospital bag.
Shawl and Jacket
During the time of pregnancy a pregnant woman can feel cold and weak. It is advised to carry a jacket or shawl which can help the pregnant women to feel warm and comfortable.
Lip balm and moisturizer
Your lips can get chapped during labour. Having some lip balm on hand will help hydrate your lips. The Moms Co. Natural Lip Balm is made with nourishing ingredients like Cocoa Butter & Shea Butter, with hints of cherry. With nutrient-packed, all-natural, and plant-based ingredients like Vitamin E and Flaxseed Oil, this ultra-rich balm deeply nourishes and hydrates dry chapped lips.
Mobile phone and charger
At this special time, you must stay in touch with your loved ones and collect memories. Don’t forget to keep your mobile phone and charger so that way you can stay in touch with loved ones, you can use it to take those first few pictures, and post your special news on social media.
A hairband and a hairclip
Open hair can irritate pregnant women and can cause difficulty in labour. It is advised to carry a hairband or hair clip for tying up the hair to make the pregnant woman feel comfortable.
Nursing bras
With the changing size of breasts, you need to avoid your old inners and switch to new ones that fit appropriately and make you feel comfortable. Shop some new nursing bras and maternity gowns that will be helpful after the delivery too. Also, avoid wearing underwired or padded bras as these can make blood circulation difficult.
Breast pads
A nursing pad or breast pad is a cloth worn against the nipple and breast by the breastfeeding mother to absorb any milk that leaks between feedings. It is placed between the bra and the breast which helps in breastfeeding.
Maternity/overnight sanitary pads
It’s normal to bleed a lot after birth, and maternity pads are softer and more absorbent than standard ones. Initially, you may need to change pads every one to two hours, but within a few days, the flow will start to decrease.
Nipple cream
At this stage, the nipples can become dry, cracked, chapped, sore, itchy, or even bleed. Our Natural Nipple Butter is a Lanolin-Free and Fragrance-Free combination of oils and waxes that help soothe sore and cracked nipples. Made with completely safe and natural ingredients, you’ll never need to worry about washing it off before breastfeeding your baby. Our Nipple Butter is priced at Rs. 299.
Comfortable panties
Don’t forget to keep a few pairs of comfortable large-size panties that can make you feel comfortable and will stop the mess. Also, make sure that the panties are large enough to use maternity sanitary pads.
Comfortable clothes & Supportive shoes or slippers
Comfortable clothes can help reduce some discomfort and make the overall experience of being pregnant easier to tolerate. Wear cotton clothes that are loose and breathable. Cotton helps absorb sweat and keeps you cool. Avoid slippery footwear and heels. Wear soft-soled comfortable slippers and shoes during pregnancy.
Some Cash and ATM card
Don’t forget to keep some cash and Atm cards in your pregnancy hospital bag. At the time the pain starts, many people often forget to carry cards which causes trouble at the hospitals or clinics.
Foot massage cream
Massage before and during labour is a great relaxant for your body & mind. It improves blood flow and reduces discomfort effectively. Even a gentle foot rub with a Foot Cream can distract you from the pain. The Moms Co. Natural Foot Cream deeply nourishes & hydrates tired, swollen feet with a toxin-free combination of Shea Butter and oils like Sweet Almond, Argan and Olive Enriched with Peppermint Oil, it refreshes and provides a cooling sensation to the feet. It is priced at Rs. 249.
A comfortable pillow
Always remember to carry a small comfortable pillow which can be needed at the time of long labour for resting.
Baby’s bag essentials
Keeping baby essentials in your pregnancy hospital bag is important. Listing below some important items that you should never forget for your little one.
Four or five sets of clothes
Make sure you have packed four or five sets of outfits for your baby. Also, make sure to carry soft cotton clothes for your little one. It is probably the last thing you will end up using from the list. Have fun choosing the outfit you and the baby will wear while leaving the hospital.
Socks, caps, and mittens
Newborn babies are delicate and sensitive. They can get cold easily and to protect them from getting ill you should add socks, caps, and mittens to your pregnancy hospital bag. Even during skin-to-skin contact, your newborn can wear a cap and socks.
Soft cotton sheets
Babies have delicate skin and are prone to allergies. Don’t forget to keep soft cotton sheets in your pregnancy bag to wrap the baby and cover the baby’s bed. Cotton cloth is soft and doesn’t cause rashes or allergies to newborns.
One or more baby blankets
While the hospital will likely provide blankets, a blanket of your own is always good to have on hand to use during skin-to-skin contact. It can also be used to keep your baby warm in the car seat on the way home.
A pack of newborn diapers
Always remember to carry a pack of about 20 to 30 diapers made especially for newborns. Your newborn might get through 10-12 diapers each day, so start stocking up.
Wet wipes/Baby wipes
Baby wipes are made for delicate, sensitive baby skin, and are free from harmful irritating chemicals. Therefore, they are one of the essential items for pregnancy hospital bags. Our eco-friendly, 100% biodegradable Natural Water Wipes are specially created with 99% water for your baby’s delicate skin. Made with plant-based Viscose, our Natural Baby Water Wipes gently clean while keeping your baby’s skin moisturized & soothed, with ingredients like Aloe Vera, Calendula, Allantoin & Vitamin E. Keep it handy for diaper changes, messy fingers and mouths, sticky surfaces and toys.
Soft hand towels
Always remember to carry soft hand towels for wiping the baby’s hands and face. After breastfeeding or feeding formula, babies’ face and mouth areas are likely to get dirty. A soft cotton towel will not harm your baby’s skin.
While all these handpicked pregnancy hospital bag essential items will keep you prepared for your big day, it is important to be prepared mentally and physically as well. Reading and understanding the signs of the labour can be of great help to you. Keep some reference books and pregnancy care kits handy for some postpartum help. Lastly, it’s okay to be anxious and excited at the same time but looking at your newborn baby for the first time will be worth all the trouble. Take a look at 7 Tips To Stay Calm In Labour During Pregnancy