The best way to ensure you don’t forget anything important while packing for your hospital stay is to use our checklist!
Best Time To Pack
In my personal opinion, the best time to pack would be around 34-35 weeks, you never know when baby is coming. My first time was an emergency C-section at 36 weeks, I wasn’t packed but I did have my stuff ready and threw it in the bag as a precaution just before we left for the hospital!
What To Pack For Mom
- License or identity card
- Paedietrician’s details
- Any hospital paperwork
- A few copies of your birthing plan
- An extra long cellphone charger – you don’t want to get uncomfortable reaching for your phone to take calls or respond to messages
- Snacks & water
- Comfortable clothing – if you plan to breastfeed, pack a nursing bra, nursing pads & nursing pj’s.
- Postpartum underwear, maternity pads
- If you are doing a water birth, use a dark coloured sports top
- Slip on shoes that will be easy to put on and take off, in case of swelling
- A comfortable robe perfect for natural or C-section
- Toiletry bag – toothbrush, toothpaste, floss, hairbrush, deodrant, lip ice, hair ties and wet wipes, contacts/glasses, facial care, lotion – all travel size
- Nipple cream – this is a must if you’re breastfeeding
- Postpartum recovery kit – includes 4 Pairs disposable underwear, instant ice maxi pads (4 pads), perineal cooling pad liners (24 witch hazel liners), perineal healing foam, toilet-top storage caddy
- Clothing for going home
- A breast pump or Hakaa – in case of engorgement or problem with feeding
- Nipple shields
What To Pack For Baby
- Car seat – this is very important, most hospitals wont allow you to take baby home without a car seat
- Lotion, diaper cream
- Vests
- Receiver
- Burp cloths
- Clothing according to the weather
- First day and going home clothing
- Bottles – if you plan to bottle feed
- Diapers & wet wipes
