Key Takeaways
- Packing the hospital bag for delivery well in advance, ideally by week 37, can be very helpful in reducing stress and making sure that you are ready when labour begins.
- From medical reports to baby swaddles, a complete maternity bag checklist will make sure that you do not miss anything important for your delivery and hospital stay.
In This Article
When is the best time to pack the hospital bag?
A Complete Maternity Hospital Bag Checklist for Moms to be: -
List of Items Which Are Required For a Baby
What Hospitals Usually Provide
When it comes to childbirth, preparation is everything. No matter if you are days away from childbirth or just starting your third trimester, having a hospital bag for delivery, packed and ready, can ease a lot of last-minute stress.
From mama essentials to baby must-haves, a maternity bag list includes everything. In this blog, we've put together a complete delivery hospital bag checklist for all the amazing mamas-to-be out there.
When is the best time to pack the hospital bag?
The timings to consider regarding your pregnancy and expected labour days are quite important, as they vary from one lady to another. If you have a high pregnancy risk, or you might go into labour early, or you’re expecting twins, then it's high time you should pack your bags around 35 weeks. Apart from that, 37 to 38 weeks is the perfect time for determining your pregnancy hospital bag checklist as well as organizing your baby's clothes. However, do not wait until 38 weeks because your bag should be ready to go once the baby decides to surprise you all of a sudden.
So, our soon-to-be mommies, you need to understand that there are two types of deliveries: one is the normal delivery (the vaginal delivery) and the other is the C-section delivery. So, if you are planning for a C-section or whether there are chances for the same, then you must expect a stay of 4 to 5 days in the hospital. Considering the length of stay in the hospital, you must pack your bag accordingly, but at the same time, you must ask your hospital about the things they will provide for you and your bab,y and you can strike off those things from the list.
However, let’s have a look at your maternity bag list.
1. Medical Documents
Right before the delivery, it is necessary to go through the past medical history to avoid any complications. Hence, all the medical documents, along with identification documents as well as the insurance documents, should be readily available with you in your bag.
2. Gowns
Hospitals may provide you with gowns. But, you can carry your own gowns of your desired length and style to comfortably feed your baby in case the hospital doesn’t provide the same. Also, your gowns will be more comfortable for you.
3. Moisturiser
A moisturiser or body oils provide an amazing massage to your body, especially while labour. Well, this is the case with some, and if it is with you, then you must keep a bottle of moisturiser or body oil handy in your bag for a relaxing time before giving birth to the baby.
4. Undergarments
You will be needing a proper set of clean, washed & sanitised pairs of undergarments. Always keep an extra pair, as you may need to wear sanitary pads, which might leak.
5. Sanitary Pads
Post-birth, you might experience blood similar to periods coming out from your vagina. To some, this might happen for some hours, while to some, it might continue for a few days. Thus, good quality sanitary pads, along with adult diapers, must be another essential in your bag.
6. Phone charger
How about you being without your phone inside the hospital room just because your phone is dead? Well, we understand the pain; thus, it is important to keep the charger next to you just in case your phone is going to be dead, and you need someone’s presence.
7. Extra clothes
When you return home, you will need some comfortable clothes. Keep 1-2 pairs of comfortable clothes in your maternity bag in advance to avoid last-minute hassle.
8. Glasses or any other accessories
If you wear any accessories, such as glasses that are a need for you, then definitely keep them, but avoid any accessory that might cause harm to your baby while handling or feeding him.
9. Slippers
Post-birth, to keep the body in movement, it is very necessary to walk for a few minutes. It also ensures proper passing of the body gases, which means that your body is now fit from the inside. So, keep an extra pair of comfortable slippers with you.
10. Toiletries
All the additional toiletries, such as a toothbrush, hairbrush, toothpaste, lotion, and other stuff must always be in your bag in case of emergencies, just like a travel kit.
11. Maternity Bras
Keeping around 2 to 3 non-wired maternity bras is a must, as it will make feeding easier and comfortable for you.
List of Items Which Are Required For a Baby
1. A pair of clothes
Having fresh pairs of clothes for your little bundle of joy is absolutely imperative, not just from the standpoint of hygiene but also for that priceless first impression. It is always advised to have 3-4 pairs of clothes for your baby handy in your hospital bag. Always opt for organic baby clothes as these are very soft and do not irritate the baby’s delicate skin.
2. Cloth nappies
For newborns, try to avoid hard diapers for a few days as they may cause infections and rash. Thus, try to go for cloth nappies as they are soft on the skin, thin and easy to remove too.
3. Swaddle
A muslin swaddle for the baby will protect them from the outer weather conditions, which might affect his health and also make handling the baby easier. The swaddle will give a warm feeling to the baby.
4. Cap
The muslin bonnet cap will protect the baby from early infection, which he might catch from the head, as other caps are quite harsh on the skin.
5. Diaper rash cream
Infant skin is prone to infections, and the baby might get diaper rash because of high sensitivity. So, in case he catches an infection, keep a diaper rash cream for the baby in your bag, as you can use it as soon as you feel your baby is in need.
6. Face Towel/Wash Cloth
To sponge the baby's skin gently with water, a washcloth or a soft face towel is a must.
7. Going home outfit
After the first few days of cries and cuddles in the hospital, it is finally time to head home with your tiny bundle of joy in your arms. A going-home outfit is basically your first family memory in motion. Comfortable and season-appropriate clothes for you and your baby are a must-have in your maternity bag list.
Partner’s Essentials
While all eyes are on the mom-to-be, let's not forget your co-pilot on this wild yet wonderful ride. Your partner is going to be your biggest support in the delivery room and beyond, so they need their own hospital bag for delivery too.
1. 1–2 change of clothes
The birthing process is unpredictable and long. A fresh change of clothes for you, your partner, and your little one can make you feel nice as you navigate sleepless nights.
2. Power bank
For urgent messages and precious photo opportunities, a charged phone is a must.
3. Light snacks (dry fruits, energy bars)
Parents, hospital food might not always hit the mark. A quick, tasty bite works wonders for keeping your energy and mood up.
4. Toiletries
Brush, face wash, deodorant, etc. A tiny kit of toiletries can go a long way when it comes to comfort.
5. Slippers or Crocs
Keep comfortable and hospital floor-friendly slippers or Crocs. As you might have to frequently visit the pediatrician, gynecologist, and the hospital admin staff.
6. Aadhaar card copy or hospital paperwork
Make sure that you keep all important documentation handy, so that you don't have to dig for it when needed.
What Hospitals Usually Provide
What to carry in a hospital bag for delivery is one of the most searched questions by new moms, and rightly so. Most hospitals do provide basic postnatal care essentials, but having the maternity bag checklist will still become a reliable source for you for comfort and the availability of necessary things.
Having said that, let us take a look at what many hospitals provide;
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Diapers
Tiny in size, but they're very important. Most hospitals provide a few disposable diapers for your little one. Having said that, if you prefer cloth nappies, you can pack those in your pregnancy bag list.
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Sanitary pads
Postpartum bleeding is real and absolutely natural. Hospitals usually provide thick absorbent sanitary pads to help you manage those first few days after delivery. Still, moms might feel more comfortable carrying their own brand in their maternity bag checklist. This is especially true for those who have certain preferences and brand favourites.
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Baby wipes
Those early hours after delivery are sure to be filled with a lot of cuddles, but even more clean-ups. Hospitals generally have unscented baby-safe wipes, but if you prefer something organic or sensitive-skin friendly, don't forget to write that in your maternity shopping list.
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Swaddle cloths
Newborns love the snug and womb-like warmth of a swaddle. Hospitals may or may not provide a few muslin or cotton swaddles; that is why it is important for moms to carry their own soft and baby-safe swaddles from Cocoon Care to give the best care and comfort to their little one.
Extras you might want
While your maternity bag checklist is going to cover all the essentials, a few thoughtful add-ons will definitely make your hospital stay more comfortable.
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Mosquito repellent
A travel-safe mosquito repellent is a smart addition to your delivery bag list, especially in the monsoon season.
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Hot Water Flask
A hot water flask is a very comforting item on your maternity kit list. You can use it for warm water or herbal teas.
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Sanitiser
This is a must-have on your maternity shopping list. It is going to help you, and anyone who visits you can keep their hands germ-free before handling the newborn.
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An extra bag for laundry
A small laundry bag in your pregnancy bag checklist will let you keep used clothes or towels separately.
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Fruit knife
If you are carrying fresh fruits, a fruit knife can be very handy and therefore deserves a place in your maternity bag list.
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Spoon
No matter if you use it for snacks or feeding post-delivery, a spoon is a thoughtful addition to your delivery hospital bag checklist.
Conclusion
With Cocoon Care, as soon as you have gone through the checklist and packed all the necessary items in your maternity hospital bag, you’re ready to go to the hospital and welcome your baby into this beautiful world.
FAQs on Maternity Bag List
1. When should I start packing my hospital bag for birth?
The hospital bag for mums should be handy and ready for taking in the 37th or 38th week of pregnancy. However, don’t leave it for the last day because the baby may surprise you anytime with this entry, leaving no time for packing.
2. What will I need for my hospital bag for delivery?
We have added a bunch of items above to the checklist. You may go through it, and if you wish to add more kinds of stuff, you definitely can. After all, it will go similarly to what our mom-to-be would like to do.
3. What to carry in a hospital bag for delivery?
Your hospital bag for delivery should include medical documents, comfortable clothes, maternity bras, undergarments, toiletries, sanitary pads, moisturizer, phone chargers, charger slippers, extra clothes, 3-4 pairs of soft organic clothes for a little one, muslin swaddles, diaper rash cream, a going-home outfit, etc.
4. How long do you stay in hospital after birth?
The duration of your hospital stay is going to depend on the type of delivery you've had and your individual recovery. Typically, for normal delivery, most moms stay for about one to two days, while for a C-section delivery, their stay can extend to four to five days. This is why a well-prepared maternity bag checklist is important so that you're ready for any scenario.
Related blogs
- Self-care tips for busy moms
- Breastfeeding vs formula feeding
- Sleep-deprived parents
- Guide for newborn care
- Ultimate baby sleep guide
With Love, from Cocoon Care
Dear Parent,
No matter where you are, your baby deserves gentle beginnings and comforting care. At Cocoon Care, we pour love into every stitch. From soft muslin baby swaddles to cozy sleep pods and thoughtfully made newborn clothing, our essentials hold your baby with the same tenderness as you do. You can find baby essentials on our website and also on Amazon, Firstcry, Myntra, Nykaa Fashion and DuckDuck baby.
Because every baby deserves to be cocooned in care.
About the Author: The Cocoon Care Editorial Team works with pediatric consultants and experienced parents to bring you baby care tips you can trust.
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