Do you feel like it’s time to pack your hospital bag?
When I started packing my bag, I started to think what is it that I actually need?
I had no clue at first.
Here I have collected ideas for you, based on my experience and other moms’ experience.
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When to Pack?
You want your bag to be ready before your due date.
You can ask your family, especially mom, if you were born early or overdue or maybe on time, to give you some idea.
If you feel like you need to pack your bag like week 24, go for it!
It will be just there ready!
I think I packed my bag the week 35 when I was expecting.
But I knew our family women have our babies overdue, so I had time.
But I wanted to be ready.
Some items are easy, like your toiletries, what you usually pack for any of your trips.
Let’s jump to the list of everything you may need to include in the hospital bag.
What to Pack for yourself
You can write your own plan see here how to do it, or you can buy a birth planner book to make your birth plan.
You really want to be comfortable above all else! if you do not own a robe, check out this really cute pink robe.
Toiletries
Your essentials! toothbrush, hairbrush, toothpaste, shampoo, deodorant, lip balm, I also included daily intimate wash gel.
Depends on your way of delivery, if you have a c-section I would recommend intimate wash gel, but if you had just natural delivery, you probably want to use some cooling ice pads or spray!
Remember to ask if your hospital provides ice pads for you!
Clothes
Do you plan to breastfeed? You might want to check out a nursing bra!
Made my life so much easier and comfortable!
Loose pants, pajama, t-shirt, flip-flops are all very nice, especially if you experience any swelling.
Drink and Snacks
Depends really what you like! I took ginger ale (alcohol-free of course!) and sparkling water with me!
Some people recommend taking coconut water and electrolyte water to stay hydrated!
Snacks also, I don’t know about you! But I graved for chocolate my whole pregnancy!
I took like 10! really 10! chocolate bars with me! Haha!
I love these natural choco bars because they do not create that mucus in my throat, after eating them.
Just pack any of your favorites!
What is good to know is that during Covid-19, many hospitals do not allow people to leave and come back, so the more you have the better!
Extra-long cell phone charging cord
If you haven’t been in a hospital for a while, you might not remember that outlets are usually far away from the bed.
You will really need your phone charged to keep you entertained as well as taking all the important first photos!
You might also want to video call with your friends and family!
Stay charged!
If you want to breastfeed, this is a must and your nipple savior!
You will be thankful for it!
Trust me! I know!
Bath towel
You might want to consider taking your own towel instead of those thin and small hospital towels.
Diapers
I got really big diapers from my hospital after the delivery, and I took some home with me.
It is good to check if the hospital provides the diapers, or if you have to bring your own.
Anything else that might make you feel more comfortable.
What to Pack for Baby
I didn’t even think about this first!
Well, I never had to think about it before, so!
I had with me breastmilk bags that I had started to pump from week 37 of pregnancy, I was told these could be handy if the milk flow does not start right away.
I had frozen the milk and I transported them in the cooler bag with ice packs.
It usually takes 2-5 days before your milk comes in, if you want to breastfeed, so I could use my pre pumped milk to feed my baby!
Of course, it is not a lot! Small amounts!
Going-home outfit
consider what the weather will be like, usually a body, pants, and socks are a good combo!
It is good to get a body that has closed sleeves, babies tend to accidentally scratch themselves and it is better to keep their face and eyes safe!
Car seat
In my hospital, they do not let you leave unless you have the car seat with you for safety reasons.
I think this is a common practice that you should know about!
Install the seat before going to the hospital!
It will be much easier for you!
Bottles
If you do not want to breastfeed and you are planning to bottle-feed, pack some bottles for the hospital.
You should also take some baby formula with you!
Ask in advance if the hospital has some formula samples for you!
Something you do not need!
Hospitals should have diapers and wipes, I think you can take some extra with you to bring home with the baby.
What to pack for support person
If you have a support person coming with you, remind them to pack something also,
Like a toothbrush and deodorant would probably be very nice for them too.
Snacks and Drinks!
Having extra treats is important, because if you suddenly want to have some, then you probably are not allowed to leave the hospital because of covid-19 rules.
So you can’t leave and come back.
If you leave, you can’t get back.
Entertainment!
Anything that keeps you entertained, as things can get boring and there might be a lot of waiting to do.
podcasts, movies, music, you name it…
Now you are ready to go, whenever the baby decides to come!
Checklist
WANT TO LEARN MORE?
If you have any other questions about the hospital bag, let me know in the comments section below.
Or if you have a video idea that you would like me to create, you can send me a DM on Instagram @marika.anneli.kim
And don’t forget to subscribe to my channel!
I’ll see you back here for more helpful tips soon.
XO, Marika Kim
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