Hospital Bag for Child Birth

You are close to your delivery due date. You are nervous, scared, anxious, happy and excited. You have lots to take care of before the baby arrives, especially if it is your first baby. You want to be thoroughly prepared for the D day and hence checking off things on your "Things to do" checklist one by one.

Does your checklist include packing a hospital bag for you, your baby and your partner? If no, then don’t panic. If yes, then have you made sure you haven’t missed anything?

WHEN TO PACK

The ideal time to pack your hospital bag is around 36 weeks. However if there is a complication in your pregnancy such as risk of premature birth of the baby or if there is a scheduled C section, you may want to pack the bag accordingly.

HOW TO PACK

A small bag pack which is easy and convenient to carry should be enough.  However you can prepare more than one bag according to your convenience and needs:

·         Before and After Birth

·         For you, baby and your partner

WHAT TO PACK

It is advisable to check with your hospital if they provide any of the items you plan to pack. This way you can save extra space for other items. The hospital may also give you a do's and don’ts list for packing, which may help you avoid packing unnecessary items.

You may stay in the hospital for about 2 to 5 days. Here is a detailed list of items you can refer to pack in your hospital bag.

PAPERWORK

·         Hospital pre registration and admission papers

·         Medical reports and birth plan

·         Hospital and other emergency contact details

·         Health insurance cards

·         Cheque book

·         Map to reach hospital

·         Personal journal, if any (optional if there is extra space in your bag)

LABOUR AND DELIVERY

·         2 to 3 comfortable nightgowns, depending if you want to use hospital gown

·         2 to 3 loose fitting garments

·         Bathrobe

·         Slippers

·         1 to 2 pairs of normal socks

·         1 to 2 pairs of warm socks

·         Maternity items such as nipple cream, nursing bras and nursing pads

·         Regular underwear or C section panties

·         Sanitary pads or maxi pads for post partum bleeding

·         Personal care items such as toothbrush, toothpaste, mouthwash, shampoo, shower gel, hand sanitizer, body soap, lip balm, massage oil, deodorant, comb/hair brush and hair bands

·         Medical prescription and medicines

·         Eyeglasses or contact lens/solution whatever you use

·         Towels

·         Focal point object such as a picture of your children, your favourite music CD, movie DVD, stuffed toy or anything that offers comfort to you.

·         1 comfortable going home outfit along with a comfortable pair of flat shoes

·         Favourite snacks

·         Books/Magazines

·         Cell phone and charger

LABOUR PARTNER/SPOUSE

·         At least 2 pairs of comfortable clothes

·         Basic toiletries

·         Address book

·         Snacks

·         Reading material

·         Cell phone and charger

·         Video Camera/ CD Player/ Laptop

·         Extra Batteries (make sure they are fully charged)

·         Cash

BABY

·         1 going home outfit

·         Blanket

·         Cap

·         Socks

·         Mittens

·         Woollen clothes /jacket for the cold weather

·         Pacifier

·         Nursing pillow

·         Bottle feeding items like formula milk, bottles and extra nipples

·         Nappy bag comprising of diapers, wet wipes, nappy disposal bags, diaper rash cream, hand sanitiser, changing pad and an extra pair of clothes

·         Infant car seat

This list will take off burden from your shoulders and will keep you focused for the birth.