Here’s your handy checklist of what to put in the maternity hospital bag
During pregnancy, waiting for your li’l ones’ arrival can make you terribly moody and restless and this is when one can do the craziest things. Ideally, having a packed bag ready by week 34 of your pregnancy is great. This not only ensures you’re ready for everything earlier, but also makes sure that in those last few weeks, when you are impatient, irritable, or just plain exhausted, that’s one less thing you need to worry about doing. Keep the packed bag close to the entrance of your home, in your car, or if you still have a few more last-minute items to throw in, keep it in your bedroom.
What should you pack for your baby?
4-5 soft onesies and vests with buttons
1 or 2 organic sheets/ blankets for baby
3 or 4 SuperBottoms Newborn UNO
12 or more Dry Feel Langot. Remember that new-borns may need to be changed up to 12 times a day, so stock up on a good stash!
2-3 Waterproof baby sheet
Organic Cloth Wipes: Since a baby’s skin is so delicate, more so when it’s a newborn, being exposed to the air for the first time ever, wet wipes aren’t the best choice, given that they contain Phenoxyethanol and Sodium Benzoate among other chemicals. These can irritate the skin. If you do choose to use wipes, use Organic Cloth Wipes which are free of alcohol and fragrances. These Wipes can double up as face fresheners, or even to wipe up any spit up, which happens pretty often in the first few days after birth.
DIY natural wipes solution – To make wipes a moist cleanser you can make your own natural fresh DIY solution. Recipe for solution: a spray bottle+ 2 cups boiled water or distilled water +1 teaspoon coconut oil + 1 Tablespoon aloe vera (Optional) + 1 Tablespoon soap I used shaved bar soap or you can use Castile soap + essential oils of your choice (optional).
Some booties to keep those tiny toes warm!
Baby caps/ bonnets
A baby sweater, or woollens depending on the time of the year and where you live.
Here’s a list of all the things you may need:
Your birth plan and notes with important information, including details about medications, what to do in emergency situations and emergency contact numbers.
Make sure you have your mobile phone, charger and camera with its charger. You will want to have all these precious memories for a lifetime.
A few outfits of your own if it is allowed. After a hospital stay, there’s no feeling like the one when you get to wear your own comfy clothes, and get back home. Make sure they are loose, and very comfortable.
Organic Cloth Wipes make a great option for face wipes too! They are great for a quick ‘freshen-me-up’.
The contact details of any professionals you may need in a hurry after the birth; for example, a lactation consultant or a good paediatrician.
Three or four pairs of nursing bras- Try these before hand and make sure these are comfortable
Nursing Pads- Reusable cotton pads with waterproofing, to avoid awkward embarrassment or staining your clothes.
Highly absorbent sanitary pad for extra heavy flow- Your most comfortable choice of sanitary pads which can take care of heavy flow
High waisted panties – in case you have a c-section, being high waisted these will not irritate your c section stitches.
If you plan on breastfeeding, tops that open in front would be convenient.
Travel size packs of toiletries in a handy pouch would be convenient. When you are weak, uncomfortable, a warm shower using your favourite products will definitely make you feel better. Make sure to pack all the favourite products of shampoo, soap/ body wash, towel, toothbrush and toothpaste and lotions or oils, hair brush/ comb that you use regularly. A relaxing oil would be a must have!
Here’s wishing you a wonderful and happy pregnancy and birth. We’re thrilled to be with you on this special journey to motherhood!