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Are you puzzled about when to have your hospital bag ready or what to pack? Usually, it is best to have it prepared once you enter your last trimester. Keep in mind that yes, your Obstetrician gave you a due date, but sometimes babies make surprise appearances. So you wouldn’t want to leave it for the last minute because there is so much to remember in packing and to put any stress yourself is not good. I can recall my first pregnancy; I had no idea what I needed and packed things that weren’t necessary. After that experience, I took the time to learn and become better prepared for the next time. Here you will find a list of things to pack for yourself and your newborn as well.
Essential documents
Bring your ID, Insurance cards, and any documents considered vital to you and your baby during birth and stay at the hospital.
Medications
Pack your medications in a sandwich or freezer bag, so it’s easily accessible, and bring a list of any medications your doctor allowed you to take during your pregnancy. So it’s kept on file while you are there.
Pediatrician Information
Be sure to have selected a pediatrician for your baby before going to the hospital and have that information on hand because the delivery nurse will contact your baby’s doctor once he or she is born.
Phone Charger
It’s always good to have an extra one that you can pack up in your hospital bag because of the fewer chances of you forgetting to pack one up because it’s not in use daily.
Money
Be sure to bring whatever form of payment you feel comfortable using. Such as cash, debit, or a credit card to purchase something during your stay if you are up to it from vending machines, cafeteria, or at the gift shop.
Notebook and a Pen
You may need to write things down. Things you may need to get or do once released from the hospital with your baby.
Items to help with Relaxation
Pack any item you enjoy doing or even help you relax. Also, remember these items will help you kill time during labor. It can be a book, puzzle books, magazines, headphones to listen to music or watch a movie on your phone if you have movie apps downloaded on your phone, to name a few.
Items for Mom:
Toiletries
You will need your toiletries like deodorant, toothbrush, toothpaste, chapstick to keep your lips from getting dry, hairbrush and comb, scrunchies to pull your hair back. Trust me; You will need it to keep your hair out of your face. You can also bring your sanitary napkins (heavy flow or overnight), but the hospital will provide some to you. But if you don’t want to use theirs, you can get your own but bring plenty because you will need them.
Clothing
Some people will either wear the hospital gown given to them during their stay or even wear their pajamas from home. It’s your choice. If you decide to bring some, be sure they are loose-fitting pants, and the tops are easy to open if you choose to nurse. If you are going to breastfeed your baby, be sure to pack nursing bras and nursing pads. The nursing pads will help with the leaking, and you must frequently change, usually after you nurse—pack up a few non-skid socks and comfy slippers. Don’t forget to pack an outfit to wear when it comes time to go home.
Items for Your Baby:
Car Seat
You need to have one to leave the hospital with your baby. Be sure to have it properly installed ahead of time.
Outfit to Leave-In
Pack a few outfits since you don’t know which size will he or she fit in. Bring newborn and size (0 to 3 months old) clothing and a few infant hats to keep their head warm. Depending on where you live, you may need a sweater or a coat, a thin or heavy blanket for your baby.
There are a few things for the baby you don’t need to worry about packing. Such as bottles, formula, diapers, and wipes. The hospital will provide these items to you.
Thanks for reading, until next time, and please comment below if you have any tips.😊