The 11 must have things in your hospital bag during delivery include documents, camera or video recorder, toiletry items, mobile phones and other gadgets, undergarments, warm socks, take home outfit for mom and baby, nursing gear, tube sock and three tennis balls, pillows and other accessories.
Finally the 9 months of wait is over and it is time to welcome that little one to your life. But are you completely prepared and ready? Packing your hospital bag is an extremely exciting and sometimes a daunting experience. It is the time to gather together all the essentials you’ll need during labor and birth, and for after your baby is born. Sometimes you may need to go in unexpectedly, so try to have a bag packed by the time you are about 36 weeks pregnant. Let’s take a look at the 11 things you must have in your hospital bag.
Source: Today.com
11 Must Have Things in Your Hospital Bag during Delivery
Here’s a list of the important things you should carry in your hospital bag while you’re going for delivery.
1. Documents
Don’t forget to take your insurance cards, picture ID and all the hospital paperwork along.
2. Camera or video recorder
If you plan to capture the first moments with your baby, don’t forget your cameras. Make sure you put fresh batteries, take the charger and all other accessories needed along with it.
3. Toiletry Items
It’s always best to carry your own shampoo, soaps, toothpaste and other items even if it will be provided by hospitals. Buy travel-size containers and fill your products in them, so that you can use them easily. Also, don’t forget your razor. Put a new blade in it. You also should carry sanitary pads in your toiletry, as you will need them after childbirth.
4. Mobile phones and other gadgets
Make sure you or your partner carry cell phones and chargers along to the hospital. You need to inform your friends and relatives the ‘big news’, so don’t forget it. Also, take your Tablet or MP3 player to listen to some good music which can help you relax.
5. Undergarments
Several pairs of undergarments like briefs, maternity, or disposables are a must, otherwise you might end up wearing the mesh underwear the hospital gives you after delivery.
6. Warm Socks
You know how cold hospital floors are. Be sure to pack a few of your favorite socks or no-slip slippers when you head to the hospital. It’s better to be safe than sorry.
7. Take home outfit for mom and baby
Keep the take-home outfit for your newborn ready when you head to the hospital. Make sure that they will need breathing space for the cord and diapers, so buy soft and loose clothes. Avoid things with zippers or a lot of snaps. A cute two-piece layette with a matching hat and no-scratch mittens should do just fine. Your adorable baby will look cute in anything. Mothers keep in mind that you have just had a baby. Buy a comfortable maternity outfit and include a pair of comfortable shoes as you are likely to have post-birth swelling and sore feet. There will also be plenty of other aches and pains that you’re likely to be experiencing during this time, so wear comfortable clothes to keep you relaxed.
8. Nursing Gear
Maternity bras and nursing pads are must haves in the hospital. Even if you don’t plan on nursing, you’re likely to fill up with milk and there is bound to be leakage. There are many options for nursing pads like reusable, cotton, or gel insert ones. Also buy a nursing pillow with an extra slipcover. Nursing pillows are extremely helpful in supporting you and your baby while maneuvering the logistics of nursing.
9. Accessories
These are some things that we tend to forget while packing the big bag of important items, however these are not avoidable ones. Hairbands, hair clips, lip balms, moisturizers all are equally essential to keep you neat and beautiful.
10. A Tube Sock and Three Tennis Balls
This is a natural way to help keep back pain at bay during labor. Stuff the balls in the sock, tie a knot in the end, and, ask your labor partner to roll the sock up and down your back. You can also stand against a wall with the sock between your back and the wall and press into the balls to help relieve tension.
11. Pillows
The hospital might not have enough pillows to make you really comfortable. Get extra pillows for yourself. V-shaped pillows are also a good choice as they give you extra support when breastfeeding your baby.
The best time in anyone’s life is the long wait to see their beautiful babies. If you keep everything in order and manage to take the most important things while packing your bag for maternity, you can have a hassle-free delivery.
