To prepare for the arrival of a new baby, you’ll need to buy some essentials for mom and baby as stated in this comprehensive guide on what you need as a know about maternity essentials.
Table of Contents
Essential items for the hospital bag
Clothing and practical items
– Comfortable shirts or loose t-shirts for during labor and after delivery.
– Blouse and slippers
– Maternity bra and nursing pads
– Comfortable underwear and sanitary towels
– Household linen (don’t forget your belly is growing).
Personal hygiene
– Personal hygiene items such as toothbrush, hairbrush and lip balm
– Towels for the bathroom
– Refreshing spray or fan for the hands
Documentation and entertainment
– Birth plan and hospital documents
– Phone and charger
– Books, magazines or tablets for entertainment.
For the baby
Clothes
– Sweaters, cardigans and pajamas (at least 5 pieces).
– Hat, gloves and socks
– Clothes for the house
Household items
– Diapers and wet wipes
– Blanket or scarf
– Car seat for the return journey
Cupboard for storage
Multipurpose items
– Jeans and leggings for pregnant women
– Stretchy T-shirts and shirts
– Maternity clothes that you can put on and take off
Underwear
– Maternity bras
– Comfortable underwear
Indispensable after the birth
Products to support your sleep
– Ultra-absorbent pads for the delivery room
– Nipple cream for breastfeeding mothers
– Comfortable and supportive pillows
Basic items for breastfeeding
– Nursing bras and tops
– Pillows for breastfeeding
Preparing for a home birth
If you are planning a home birth, you should consider the following things:
– Fresh bedding and towels.
– Extra wet wipes.
It is important to be well prepared, but taking too many things with you is not necessary. Focus on comfortable and practical items and things that will help you during and immediately after work.
Packing your maternity essentials bag at least three weeks before your due date is also a good idea, as only about 5% of newborns make it to delivery.
Clothes and accessories
Clothing and accessories make mothers feel comfortable during labor and postpartum recovery. Nightgowns or loose shirts are important so that the mother can move easily and be easily accessible during labor and postpartum nursing.
A bathrobe and slippers will ensure that you stay warm and are not hindered when moving around the hospital. Breastfeeding mothers need nursing bras and pads to support them and prevent leakage.
Comfortable underwear and a nursing pillow are important for postpartum and recovery. Finally, home clothes that fit your baby bump are important to help you feel comfortable when you leave the hospital.
Toiletries
Toiletries are necessary for your hygiene and well-being during your hospital stay. Hygiene items such as toothbrushes, hairbrushes, and lip balm help mothers feel fresh and keep their mouths healthy.
Towels are important for personal use, as the towels provided by the hospital are sometimes small or incomplete.
A cooling spray or hand fan can provide relief for the mother during labor, especially if she is experiencing hot flashes. Maternity essentials contribute to the comfort of the mother.
Documentation and entertainment
Documentation and entertainment are important during the hospital stay for practical and personal reasons. The birth plan and medical records contain important information about the mother’s preferences and medical history so that caregivers are aware of any special needs and requests.
A cell phone and charger are essential for keeping in touch with family and friends and capturing the precious moments after the baby arrives.
Books, magazines or a tablet for entertainment can be a good distraction during early labor or quiet moments and can help the mother stay calm.
These items support both the practical aspects of childbirth and the mother’s emotional well-being during the hospital stay.
How can you make sure my hospital bag is easily accessible
To make sure your hospital bag is easily accessible, you can use the following strategies:
Get organized with clear storage solutions
Use clear, labeled storage solutions in your bag:
- Use clear zip-lock bags to sort items (e.g. “underwear”, “toiletries”).
- Use compartments or small trays to separate the different categories.
This method will help you and your partner to find things quickly when you are in hospital.
Prioritize
Pack strategically:
- Place the most important work items at the top of your main bag so you can access them quickly.
- Prioritize according to when you need them (e.g. items for the postpartum period at the bottom and items for the birth at the top).
- Keep important documents (e.g. birth plan and hospital notes) in an easily accessible pocket.
Use several bags
Divide your belongings into several bags to keep them better organized:
- a small bag for the most important things during the birth
- a main bag for after the birth
- a bag for the most important things for your newborn.
This way you can easily access certain things when you need them[3][6].
Take a diaper bag with you
Put a diaper bag in your hospital bag with the following items
- Hand sanitizer
- face mask
- Diapers and wipes
- Nursing pads
- Nursing pads for mothers
- Headband
- Snacks and water bottle
This way, frequently needed items are organized in one place and easy to reach.
With these organization strategies, you can make sure your hospital bag is well prepared and easy to handle during labor.
How can I make sure my hospital bag is easy to carry?
To make sure your hospital bag is easy to carry, you can consider the following strategies:
Choose the right bag
Choose a bag with wheels instead of a normal bag. A bag with wheels is more practical and functional, especially if you’re having a C-section. It makes it easier to move around the hospital hallways and you can better organize your belongings.
Use organizational tools
Use clear, labeled storage solutions in your bag:
- Use clear zip-lock bags to sort your belongings (e.g. “underwear”, “toiletries”).
- Use compartments or small trays to separate the different categories.
This way you and your partner can find things quickly when you are in hospital.
Pack strategically
Organize your belongings in an efficient way:
- Pack your suitcase according to a step-by-step plan: Start with the things you absolutely need and add things at the last minute as you get closer to the appointment.
- Pack the most important items at the top of your suitcase so that you can reach them quickly.
- Layer up as needed (e.g. maternity items at the bottom and maternity items at the top).
Think of several bags
Spread your things over several bags so that they are better organized:
- a small bag for your maternity things.
- a main bag for your postnatal stay
- a bag for the most important things for your newborn baby.
This way, you can easily access certain things when you need them and the overall load becomes manageable.
Pack light and smart
- Use travel-sized toiletries to save space
- Pack items that you can use for different purposes.
- Find out what the hospital offers so you don’t overpack.
With these strategies, you can make sure your hospital bag is well organized, easy to carry and contains everything you need for a comfortable stay during labor.