According to PubMed.gov, just five percent of births occur on their estimated date of delivery — while 66 percent take place within seven days of this date. And to ensure you’ll be ready for labor and delivery well before the baby is, it’s typically best to have your hospital bag packed and ready to go at least three weeks before the expected date of birth. To help you out, these tips will cover everything you’ll want and need in your hospital go-bag. Read on and let the packing begin!
Pack Essentials for the Parents-to-Be. Your birthing hospital will likely provide you with some essential items — like hospital gowns, grip socks, labor tools, basic toiletries, and sanitary pads — but you’ll feel much more comfortable if you’re familiar with the items you’ll be using before, during, and after delivery. As such, you may wish to fill your hospital go bag with the following types of items:
Your non-pregnant partner will also need a few essential items as he or she awaits the birth of your new bundle of love. A few ideas for expectant dads, for instance, include comfortable shoes and clothing, toiletries, medications, a phone charger, and a comfortable pillow and blanket.
Remember Your Health Insurance Card. Depending on the hospital you’ll be delivering at, other required documents may include pre-admission papers, your pregnancy medical file, and any birthing preferences you have. You may also need to provide the contact information of your baby’s primary health care provider.
Bring Everything Your Newborn Will Need. In addition to all the different things you and your partner will need during your hospital stay, you’ll also want to pack a few essential items for your new bundle of joy. These items include soft blankets and swaddles, socks and hats, burp cloths, a nursing pillow, an appropriate outfit for your baby to leave the hospital in. Typically, the right coming home outfit will depend on functionality, current weather conditions, and the size of your newborn.
Before leaving the hospital, you’ll also need to install an infant car seat — as doing so is mandatory in all states. You can find a National Child Passenger Safety Technician near you, however, if you need help with the installation.
Don’t Forget Your New Mom Essentials. As you prepare for the arrival of your new bundle of joy, it’s easy to forget about the things you’ll want or need after giving birth to your newborn. But fortunately, this packing list from Kindred Bravely will help to ensure that you have everything you could possibly need as you prepare for labor and delivery:
● Maternity and delivery gown
● Anti-slip socks
● Nursing bra
● Washable nursing pads
● Set of nursing pajamas
● Few pairs of postpartum panties
● Outfit to leave the hospital in
When selecting an outfit to leave the hospital in, make sure it’s stretchy and loose-fitting — and leave the stylish jeans or fitted pants at home. Some great options for postpartum mothers include drawstring yoga pants, joggers, soft nursing tees, and maternity nursing dresses.
Prepare for Delivery Day. While you may need additional items depending on your specific situation, these tips will help to guide you as you assemble your hospital go-bag and prepare for labor and delivery. Most babies arrive earlier or later than expected, so don’t put off packing: Start assembling your hospital bag today!
