Have I already packed all the essentials or are there more? I’m not sure either this small towel is necessary or not.
Mums-to-be are bound to experience this when they are packing the hospital bag for delivery.
Especially first-time mums, they might get confused and uncertain about many things.
Though it is quite a list, doing a checklist will surely ease your way.
When Should You Pack Your Hospital Bag?
So, when is the ideal time to pack your hospital bag actually? Is a month prior to your due date enough?
Well practically, your due date is just an estimated date for the delivery, but it could be earlier especially if you are having the first signs of approaching labour.
To be safe, you are suggested to start packing your hospital bag 3 months earlier.
By arranging earlier, you can start packing according to your pace.
Hospital Bag Checklist for Mum
You will need a lot of things for before and after delivery. But first, let’s pack the important documents in a file.
Important Documents
- Identification card
- Documents of your insurance plan (if you have any)
- Pregnancy record book
- Your birth plan (especially if you decided to go with C-section)
Now let’s proceed with mum’s clothes and necessities:
Mum’s Checklist
- A bath towel
- 4 pieces of sarong/skirts – it is best if they are made of cotton
- 4 pieces of clothes – preferably T-shirts and nursing friendly
- A set of going-home outfit – skirt/wide pants with long sleeve T-shirt/nursing blouse
- 2 pieces of palazzo pants
- 4 nursing bras
- 6 mesh underwear/maternity underwear
- A pack of disposable panties (just in case of emergency)
- 4 headscarves for Muslim mums
- 2 thick and long socks
- A sweater
- A set of breast pads (totally useful if you are expecting guest)
- A travel bag of toiletries – shampoo, shower cream, toothbrush, and toothpaste, facial wash
- A skincare set – moisturizer, facial oil, compact powder, and lip balm
- A pack of maternity/sanitary pad
- A pack of wet tissues
- 2 pieces of hairbands
- A headband (it really helps to manage your fringe!)
- A hairbrush
- A pair of toilet slipper
- A bottle of nipple cream
- A breastfeeding pillow (it will ease you to breastfeed)
- 2 pieces of breastmilk collector cups
- A breast pump
- Confinement drink such as fresh dates drink
- Snacks – bread, fresh fruits, biscuits, dates, dried grapes and figs
- Drinking water
- Zamzam water for the Muslim mums
- Herbal ointment/hot massage oil
- Hot bag – to keep your body warm
- A phone charger
- A power bank
When you are done with your things, let’s continue with the items that you should bring for your soon-to-be-born baby.
Hospital Bag Checklist for Baby
Baby’s Checklist
- 2 sets of long sleeve shirts and long pants for newborn (for the night and during low temperature)
- 2 sets of short sleeve shirts and short pants for newborn (for the day and during hot weather)
- 4 sets of baby mittens and socks
- A set of going-home outfits – a romper with a baby beanie and boot would be nice!
- 4 pieces of baby binders
- 2 pieces of baby swaddles
- A baby towel
- 2 pieces of the muslin square
- A baby handkerchief/small towel
- A pack of baby wipes/wet tissue
- A small pack of baby diapers
- 2 small baby bottles – with the nipples of course!
- A small pack of formula milk (just in case if you have trouble with breastfeeding)
- A thermos
- A bottle of baby oil – telon oil is a good choice
- A head-to-toe body wash
- Infant car seat
You can bring extra pieces for each item listed above if you think it’s necessary.
Hospital Bag Checklist for Dad
Do dads need to pack some stuff too?
Yes! It would not hurt to include a pair of clothes in the bag. It will be helpful in times of emergency.
Also, do not forget your full support and prayer for your wife throughout the labour.
It is not that hard, right? When you pack them one by one, it will be done in no time. Otherwise, you can simply download and use this quick hospital bag checklist specially prepared by Motherhood.com.my.
Remember, do not stress yourself, but enjoy this journey. It will be such a pleasant memory in the future!