The Ultimate Delivery Hospital Bag Checklist for Mom and Baby

  • postauthorOnsurity Editorial
  • postdateMarch 28, 2024
  • postreadtime8 min read
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Delivery Hospital Bag Checklist

As a new mother, you spend months and days waiting for the day you get to hold your baby. You set up the nursery, strap in the car seat, and stock up on formula and diapers, preparing for the birth of your little bundle of joy. Wait, have you forgotten something? What about your maternity hospital bag?

But what should you pack is the real question! Most experienced parents will tell you to pack everything you will need, but then you do run the risk of packing too many items. So, let’s take a look at the top maternity hospital bag checklist to get ready for all expecting mothers.

Also, Read: Pregnancy Planning for Healthy Baby

When to Pack Your Hospital Bag for Maternity?

When it comes to delivering a baby, time is quite critical. You can always choose when to pack your hospital bags so that you have the freedom to repack or add more items. Your hospital bag checklist will include goods you desire based on your taste and preferences.

However, it’s important to pack early if you’re a woman with a high-risk pregnancy – possibly as early as 35 weeks. In other cases, you can pack between 37-38 weeks.

Again, there are no such rules as to when you can pack your hospital bag. You can get a jump start on things and even pack earlier than 35 weeks. But remember not to leave it for later than 38 weeks.

Related Read: Maternity Leave in India

Hospital Bag Checklist for Mom (Labour and Delivery):

Mothers who give birth vaginally or known as “Normal Delivery” typically must spend one or two days in the hospital. You may need to remain for three or four days if you are having a c-section. Depending on the length of your stay, you will need to make your hospital bag checklist.

Pro tip: For all mothers, here’s a good packing tip: Ask your hospital what they will be providing you and take those things off your maternity hospital bag checklist.

Things to Pack for Your Delivery (Mom):

  • Photo ID, hospital form, insurance details, birthing plan (if you have one).
  • Eyeglasses (if you do wear them).
  • Charger and cell phone: Bring your normal USB charger cable and a portable power bank.
  • 2-3 pairs of non-skid socks: These are useful while walking the halls before and after delivery.
  • A warm sweater or robe: Make sure that you have one that you do not need at home.
  • Sugar-free candy: To help keep your mouth moist during labor.
  • Non-perishable snacks: This is based entirely on your preferences.
  • Maternity bras: Buy maternity bras without an underwire for this occasion. It’ll give you the necessary support and leak prevention even when you’re not nursing.
  • Toiletries: A toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, lip balm, face wash, headband or rubber bands, moisturizer, shampoo, and conditioner should be included.
  • Clothes: Pack lightweight clothes and some comfortable maternity clothes to wear in the hospital.

Suggested Read: What is C-section Delivery and What to Expect?

Optional Hospital Bag Checklist for Delivery in India

Once you have all the essentials packed as per your maternity hospital bag checklist, you might have some more space to pack some optional items.

Here are some other things you must consider carrying:

  • Magazines and newspapers to read while you wait.
  • Headphones or earbuds to listen to your favourite playlist.
  • Hairdryer and bath towel to help make your first bath post-delivery easier.
  • A diffuser with your favorite essential oils.
  • A couple of pairs of maternity underwear.
  • Pillows – one to help you feel comfortable while breastfeeding.

Hospital Bag Checklist for Mom (After Delivery):

Once you have the baby, you will want to feel as comfortable as possible, even when it is in the hospital. So, here are some must-haves that you can pack in your hospital bag for post-delivery.

What to Pack in Your Post-Delivery Bag (Mom):

  • Sleepwear: you will need some comfortable sleepwear during your stay in the hospital. Choose soft, loose nightwear with a front open style in case you choose to breastfeed.
  • Maternity pads: Hospitals will provide you with some of it but you will need to carry some maternity pads as well. You might bleed a lot after the delivery, and maternity pads absorb better than normal ones.
  • Extra innerwear: Hospitals might give you innerwear, but you will need to pack multiple pairs. Also, add some nursing bras that are front open.
  • Handouts and reference books: You can have some handouts from your prenatal classes or reference books to read for post-delivery care. You will also receive guidance from doctors and nurses in the hospital as well.

Also, Read: 6 Tips for Going Back to Work After Baby

Hospital Bag Checklist for Your Baby:

Now that you have your own bag packed, it’s time to figure out what to pack for your baby. While they might not need much, you must add items for your baby to your hospital bag checklist:

Things to Pack for Your Baby:

  • Clothes and hats: Pick multiple sets of clothes and hats in different sizes to make sure that they fit your baby.
  • Approved car seat: Choose a car seat in advance and set it up in your car.
  • Warm blankets: While having a monogrammed blanket is not essential, you can buy a few soft ones to cover your baby when coming back from the hospital.
  • Diapers: The hospital will be providing you with diapers, but it is best to buy a few more and keep them ready just in case.

Also, Read: 5 Tips on How to Avoid Stress During Pregnancy

Hospital Bag Checklist for Your Birth Partner and Support Person:

You might have the maternity hospital bag checklist for India for both you and your baby. But how about packing a small bag for your partner as well? Since you both might be spending a night or two in the hospital, pack a few essentials that they might need.

List of Essentials for Your Support Partner:

  • Change of clothes: If they plan to stay with you in the hospital, then it is best to give them a change of clothes. This should include some night clothes as well.
  • Toiletries: You can carry a face wash, shampoo, conditioner, deodorant, toothbrush, toothpaste, and even a blanket and pillow for travel.
  • Daily prescriptions: Keep these in hand for both you and your partner.

Quick Read: 6 Common Health Problems During Pregnancy

Maternity Hospital Bag Checklist

When packing your maternity hospital bag, you might forget some things. So, to help remind you, here’s our checklist of items to pack. Just print this out and tick the ones you add to your bag.

Things to Consider Before Packing Your Maternity Hospital Bag

When you start packing your hospital bag checklist for delivery in India, there are some things you need to consider before packing:

1. Check what the hospital allows

There may be multiple items that the hospital allows, such as TVs, and extra snacks. So, it is best to ask for a list of items that hospitals might allow during your delivery.

2. Make sure your bag is portable

Choose a bag that is portable and can be easily carried by other people. Make sure that it can be locked and also that it has enough compartments to carry all your items.

3. Do not carry too many snacks

You can carry snacks and water, but try not to carry too much. The hospital will provide you and your partner with food during your stay.

4. Carry your paperwork

Before you go in to deliver your baby, you will have to finish your paperwork with all your medical history and doctor’s prescriptions. But it is better to carry your paperwork as well.

Also, Read: Top 6 Nutrient-Rich Foods During Pregnancy

In Your Hospital Bag, What Should You Not Pack?

Some things you should not put in your hospital bag are listed below, even if having a maternity hospital bag checklist could help you stay organised. It is advisable to confirm before packing because hospitals have certain restrictions on some items.

Things You Do Not Need to Pack in Your Maternity Hospital Bag

1. Packing too many clothes:

Other than packing a nightgown or clothes to come back home, do not pack extra clothes. Also, do not pack jeans or anything tight; rather, choose comfortable and easy-to-put-on clothes.

2. No valuables:

Leave all your jewelry at home, as the last thing you want to worry about is losing valuable items when going to give birth.

3. Too many electronic devices:

Having your phone, tablet, and camera with you is handy, but you do not need to have larger devices such as portable TVs or laptops.

4. Too many snacks:

You can always carry your favorite snacks and water, but it is best not to carry too much food with you. Hospitals do provide you with nutritious food, and you might not even get a chance to eat all your snacks.

Also, Read: Maternity Health Insurance

Choose Onsurity as Your Maternity Insurance Partner

As a part of your maternity journey, having an insurance partner who is constantly supporting you is very important. With the right healthcare company, you can get the best hospital stay with constant medical support throughout your journey.

So, why not choose the best? Choose Onsurity! We provide multiple benefits for expecting mothers, such as telecommunication support with specialists, discounted medicine delivery services, discounted health checkups and physical and mental wellness checks as well.

Conclusion 

With your delivery hospital bag checklist ready, you are now well-prepared before you go into the hospital. In the end, what matters is what you need and your personal requirements. Try making your own list of things that you want to carry that relate to your wellness and comfort.

But, in case you forget something – do not worry – these things happen. You can always ask someone to pick it up for you or buy it from the nearest store. Just remember that whatever you need is already available in the hospital, and the biggest gift of all is your baby!

FAQs:

1. What do you put in your hospital bag?

The essentials for your hospital pack should include a toothbrush, toothpaste, hairbrush, deodorant, body lotion, hair ties, lip balm, clothes, and a few snacks.

2. What bag should I take to the hospital?

It is best to take a large open-top hold bag. These bags have lots of room and have multiple separate sections to carry everything you might need.

3. What should I pack in my bag before delivery?

Prior to delivery, you will require items such as a phone with a charger, clothes, food, hair ties, toothpaste, shampoo, and conditioner.

4. How many days should I pack for a hospital bag?

The sort of delivery you are going for will determine how many days you prepare for while packing your baggage. If you’re expecting a normal delivery, be ready for two or three days of packaging. On the other hand, you might need to stay for four or five days if you want to have a cesarean section.

5. What size bag do I need for the hospital when having a baby?

Make sure your primary hospital bag is among your bigger possessions; a weekend bag would be excellent. You also need to carry at least 3 small bags: pre-delivery, labor bag, and post-delivery bag.

6. What does mom need in a hospital bag?

As a new mother, you should bring along a few extras, including grip socks, throwaway underwear, pregnancy pads, postpartum garments, and other necessities like toothpaste and soap.

7. When should I start packing my hospital bag for birth?

Packing your bags might begin as early as week 35 or week 36. But try not to keep it for later than week 37. Because at week 37 you are at full term, and your labor can begin at any time.

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1 Comment

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