Toiletries
- Sanitary pads (preferably larger ones)
- Toothbrush and toothpaste
- Lip balm or lip conditioner
- Face and body moisturizing cream
- Intimate cleansing wash
- Dry shampoo
- Deodorant
- Hair bands
- A roll of super-soft toilet paper (you will thank us later)
Etc.
- Wallet
- Driver's license or other ID
- Music
- Cell phone and charger
- Pain relief in the form of a wheat pillow or TENS (Transcutaneous Electronic Nerve Stimulation) device.
- Water bottle
- Sweets or snacks
- PowerBars
The hospital bag - checklist for baby
Many parents look forward to that first moment at the hospital with their baby resting against their chest, skin to skin under a soft blanket. Your baby will not need a lot of clothes, but it is difficult to know the exact size of your baby before it's born. Bring some onesies in different sizes just in case. Below, you'll find a list of baby things we were glad we packed in our hospital bags.
The hospital will usually give you diapers, but it can be good to pack one or two extra in your bag.
Clothes
- 2-3 wrap bodysuits (the wrap facilitates diaper changes)
- 2 pairs of soft pull-on pants with cuffs
- 1 cardigan that is easy to put on and take off
- 1-2 pairs of socks (if it is cold outside, it's nice to have a pair of booties for the trip home)
- 1 baby bonnet or beanie cap
- 1 pair of no-thumb mittens (these not only work well against the cold, they also prevent babies from scratching their faces with their sharp nails)
- A bunting or romper for the trip home
Other
- Babynest
- Soft baby blanket or security blanket (thin muslin blankets are popular and take up very little space in your bag)
- Maybe a small stuffed animal that you've slept with so the scent will comfort your baby
- A car seat if you return home by car or taxi
The hospital bag - checklist for your partner
Even though the focus is of course on the expectant mother, it is always good when one's partner also packs a small bag. Since all births are different, you never know when you will be discharged from the hospital.
By making sure to pack the most important things, partners will be prepared to stay at the hospital for a few nights and prevent having to make multiple trips to pick up necessary items.
Clothes
- Underwear
- Comfortable pants
- T-Shirt
- Cardigan or cozy sweater
- Slippers or wool socks
Toiletries
- Toothbrush and toothpaste
- Deodorant