As a new mama, preparing for the arrival of your little one can be both exciting and overwhelming. One important task on your to-do list should be packing a hospital bag. This is probably not the first time you are hearing this advice, but it deserves to be reiterated once again. Preparing your hospital bag ideally a month or so before labor allows you to be ready for unexpected events such as an early delivery or complications during labor. Having the essentials packed means you can leave for the hospital at a moment's notice without having to stress too much about forgetting something. Nothing beats the feeling of control and comfort under moments of stress, and having a hospital bag ready helps you achieve just that.
If you’re an expecting mama or just want to get yourself acquainted with the basics of hospital bag packing, then you have to read and save this article for future reference. First, let’s touch on the basics:
1.) Swaddles- When it comes to the basics, a good quality set of swaddles is a must-have. Swaddles are great for keeping your baby warm and snuggly. While the hospital will most likely provide you with one, it’s probably not of the best quality and will easily get dirty. Having a few pieces of soft and breathable swaddles will help prevent overheating, as well as, provide more stretch so your baby will be less confined. The best ones we’ve tried so far are:
2.) Onesies- Similar to swaddles, onesies are often provided at the hospital after giving birth. However, if you opt to dress your baby with more personalized and cute outfits during your hospital stay (because, why not?), please include a few sets in your bag. Admit it, you’ll probably take tons and photos and it would hurt no one if you and your baby wear cute ‘fits! Just one more thing about onesies— it’s recommended to go for those made with safe and organic materials for ultimate comfort.
3.) Mittens & booties- To keep your baby's tiny hands and feet warm, don’t forget to throw in a few pairs of mittens and booties. These are perfect for protecting your baby from the cold, and can also be used as a barrier to prevent them from scratching their delicate skin.
4.) Diapers- The holy grail and probably the first thing to include in your hospital checklist! Bringing your own diapers to the hospital when you are in labor is important for several reasons: First, it gives you a greater level of control over your baby's care. Using your own diapers allows you to ensure that your baby is using a product that you are comfortable with and trust. Additionally, if you plan to use cloth diapers, bringing them to the hospital allows you to continue using them from the start, which can help make the transition from hospital to home a little bit smoother. Here are our top picks for cloth diapers:
5.) Important documents and papers- It’s easy to get consumed with shopping for essentials and adding to your registry, but don’t forget the paperwork! Be sure to bring your valid IDs, insurance cards, and other necessary paperwork to make your admission and discharge a breeze. Pack them in waterproof envelopes and put them on top of the hospital bag so you or your partner can reach them easily if the nurses need them.
As a soon-to-be mama, it can be easy to feel overwhelmed by all of the decisions that need to be made before your little one arrives. By packing a hospital bag with these must-have items, you can take one more thing off your plate and focus on what really matters— being present for your baby and enjoying this beautiful milestone.
Of course, the items above are just mere suggestions. Every mama has her own preferences. Be sure to check with your healthcare provider and hospital, as some places may have their own specific requirement, especially regarding COVID safety measures. Lastly, and probably the most important thing to remember is that you are strong and capable of anything. It is overwhelming, yes. But you have to trust yourself, trust your body and trust the process. It's okay to not have everything figured out, to not have all the answers, because, at this moment, you are exactly where you need to be. You’ve got this mama!
