It's a good idea to have your hospital bag packed and ready from around 35 weeks of pregnancy. See what to pack here. To avoid a mad rush following your first contraction, it's a good idea to pack your hospital bag at around 35 weeks.
Suggested items include: a change of clothes including warm clothes (hospitals are notoriously cold), snacks, phone charger, swimmers (in case you plan to use the shower or the bath in labour), toiletries, insulated coffee cup and a water bottle. Watch: We share our weirdest pregnancy cravings.
You should aim to take approximately twenty to thirty nappies with you to the hospital. You can purchase nappies that are specifically designed for newborns. These are soft, highly absorbent, and provide a snug fit.
Most hospitals offer complimentary items like pads and non-slip socks for mom, as well as caps, shirts and swaddles, as mentioned above, for baby. These basics are all you'll need while focusing on caring for your post-birth body and newborn.
Aim for one outfit in newborn size and one 0-3 months. Don't forget hats and/or socks, if weather-appropriate. Your pediatrician's contact information. The doctors and nurses will ask you for this information several times, so it's good to have it handy.
Partner or Dad's Hospital Bag Checklist
Sleep accessories: your own pillow and blankets from home. Toiletries: toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, shampoo, conditioner, and more. Eyewear: glasses, contact lenses, and contact solution, if needed. Healthy snacks: pack things like trail mix, fruits, veggies, and more.
something loose and comfortable to wear during labour that does not restrict you from moving around or make you too hot. 3 changes of loose, comfortable clothes. 2 or 3 comfortable and supportive bras, including nursing bras if you're planning to breastfeed – remember, your breasts will be much larger than usual.
Once upon a time, hospitals shaved pregnant women before delivery. Now, shaving isn't recommended at all.
There should be blankets available, but they're not for taking home. It's actually printed on the blankets not to! You'll need something to cover baby with for the journey home. Depending on the temperature, it can just be a muslin or two of you don't have blankets yet.
Yes! You'll need to bring nappies and wipes to the hospital. Although the hospital will have some nappies and wipes available, you'll be expected to bring enough for your baby.
You don't need to bring diapers, wipes, or bottles. Even if you choose to cloth diaper, you will prefer the ease of the hospital's disposable diapers those first few days.
Clothing. Fresh underwear, a clean shirt, and a pair of socks should be sufficient to keep you feeling clean and ready for anything. It also might be wise to include a warm sweatshirt in case the room is a little cool. Parents in labor often feel warm and may turn the thermostat down in order to keep cool.
Fruit, veggies, seeds and nuts, breakfast bars, healthy sandwiches and rice crackers are some of the best snacks for labour. Avoid high fat and sugar foods that can increase nausea and leave you feeling more tired. Make sure to prepare your snacks in advance and pack them in your hospital bag.
Socks and Caps - The hospital will likely provide hats and socks to keep your baby warm, but you could bring a few of these items as they won't take up much room in your hospital bag. Pacifiers - You can bring a few pacifiers if you want to test out the different styles.
It's fine. I used a cabin size suitcase, much easier than lugging a carry bag around. I took a carry on sized suitcase for dc2. It was way easier than the two or three smaller bags one for me/one for baby/one for labour etc.
Don't touch any type of equipment or sit on the patient's bed. Don't spread rubbish etc in the wards and cabin or anywhere or spill any form of liquid on the floor. Don't use plastic carry bags. Don't indulge in unnecessary arguments with the doctors /Nurse or other staff. .
It can be confusing to determine the difference between Newborn and 0-3 month clothes, but typically Newborn sizes cover babies in the 5-8 pound range while the 0-3 month sizes fit 8-12 pound children.
If you're buying for your unborn baby, in general it's best to buy 0-3 month clothes, as newborn size can be outgrown very quickly. It's important to never dress them in clothes that are much too big though, especially sleepwear. It could be a suffocation risk.
Most hospitals will provide the same basic items for new moms to take home after giving birth. Hospitals will give out things like peri bottles, maternity pads, and comfort items for moms. The hospital will give out things like hats, blankets, diapers, and formula samples for the new baby.
Do Hospitals Keep Placentas? Hospitals treat placentas as medical waste or biohazard material. The newborn placenta is placed in a biohazard bag for storage. Some hospitals keep the placenta for a period of time in case the need arises to send it to pathology for further analysis.