What to Pack for Your Baby’s Arrival: A Checklist for Expectant Mothers

Are you ready for the big day? Because your baby may arrive earlier than expected, you shouldn’t wait until your due date to prepare for your trip to the hospital. Packing your bags around the eighth month of your pregnancy is ideal as it gives you ample time to complete everything you need to prepare for the day you deliver your baby. Below is a checklist of what your hospital bag should contain: 

What to Pack for Your Baby’s Arrival: A Checklist for Expectant Mothers
[image: pexels by amina filkins]

Documents

Once you’ve decided to have a hospital delivery, you need to make sure that you have all the necessary documents for your child’s care and your own. Here are a few things to get you started: 

1. Birth plan

If you have a birth plan, make sure that you put it in your hospital bag. Even if you have already spoken to your medical team about it, it is a good idea to have several copies printed out. This will make it easier for your healthcare providers to deal with any concerns that may arise at the last minute while you are giving birth. 

2. Identification, insurance, and hospital paperwork

Besides your birth plan, other documents you need to bring for your hospitalisation include your ID, insurance papers, and medical cards, if any. It is also important to plan ahead for your baby's identification, here is a guide from Mominformed on choosing a name for your baby.

Bring copies of your medical history in case your doctor and medical team might need it, too. Do not forget your medicines list, which the information desk is highly likely to ask for.

Remember that while you may know the answer to everything related to your medical history, it will be easier to have written copies ready to avoid hassles when you’re already in labour. 

Items for You

You can bring a couple of things that could make your stay at the hospital much more comfortable. Below are a few essentials: 

3. Hospital gown

While hospitals provide gowns for their patients, you can also bring your own if that makes you more comfortable. Choose dark-coloured ones that give easy access to monitors during labour. You can also use it after delivery instead of a nightgown to make nursing your baby easier. 

4. Bathrobe

Aside from a hospital gown, a soft bathrobe can also be a great attire when you’re pacing around during labour. You can also use it afterwards while you recover. 

5. Non-skid slippers

If you’re not a fan of hospital socks, you can bring non-skid slippers for comfort and safety. This is because you’re bound to do a bit of pacing in the delivery room as you wait for the moment your little one is ready to meet you. 

6. Comfortable pillows

You’ll have pillows in the hospital, but they may not be the kind that can make you feel most comfortable. Remember that you’ll want to be in your most relaxed state during labour, so it would be best to bring your favourite pillow. 

7. Toiletries

Pack your hairbrush, comb, toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo, conditioner, hair clips and ties, hairdryer, deodorant, and tissue, too. And don’t forget plastic bags to pop your used clothes in. 

8. Clothing

When packing extra clothing, choose the most comfortable ones from your closet. And don’t forget your going-home outfit – a loose top and a bottom that has an elastic waist should work. 

Items for Your Baby

As you welcome your little bundle of joy, you have to make sure you have everything he or she needs. Begin with the basics, such as: 

9. Blanket

Again, the hospital will provide blankets for your baby, but it would be best to bring some bamboo baby blanket. Your baby can also use these on the way home. 

10. Bodysuit

Bring a few bodysuits for your little one to wear. However, you have to remember that foetal medicine centre policies may vary in terms of what infants can be dressed in, so don’t forget to consult the healthcare facility in advance.

If bodysuits are okay, choose those that are fastened at the front for easy dressing. 

11. Booties, socks, and a cap

Socks, booties, and a cap help keep your baby warm as babies can get cold quite easily. Even during skin-to-skin contact, your baby will be wearing socks and a hat. 

12. Car seat

This obviously goes in your car and not your bag, but you have to make sure it’s installed at least a month before your due date. You’ll need it to travel home once your baby is born. 

Plan Ahead

Get ready for the most magical experience in your life, and make sure you plan for the future as well. Upon welcoming your little bundle of joy, don’t forget to follow through with you and your baby’s scheduled check-ups to ensure that both of you are healthy.