No later than the 36th week of your pregnancy, it is highly recommended that your hospital bag be packed and ready to go, for anytime from then could be the day your baby decides to make a debut! Preparing a hospital bag with all the necessities for you and your precious newborn ahead of time will save you some unnecessary hassle of having to worry if you have left out anything important for your stay at the hospital. Furthermore, if your baby does decide to debut a little earlier than planned, you will be assured that you’re well-prepared for it! Here is a checklist to ensure you have everything you need before you leave to give birth.
For You:
| Important documents (Identity card, ante-natal card, insurance card, doctor’s letter if any) | Having all important documents at hand will ensure a smooth an uneventful registration and admittance into the hospital or medical centre. | |
| Comfortable slippers | You will need a comfy pair of slip-ons to walk around in before and after birth. Do ensure that your slippers have good friction on the soles to avoid any possible accidents on wet floors. | |
| Energy snacks and drinks | So that you can keep your energy up during labor | |
| Hot water flask, spoon and covered mug | Convenient for making soothing, hot drinks | |
| TENS machine | For some level of pain relieve during labour | |
| Massage oil | In case you want to be massaged during labour | |
| A few pairs of kain sarung | This will be convenient to use after the birth to simplify matters when it’s time for sanitary pad changes and post-natal vaginal or C-section check-ups. | |
| A few pairs of comfortable and loose t-shirts | For your breastfeeding convenience | |
| Two or three pairs of nursing bras | For your breastfeeding convenience | |
| Nursing cover or poncho | For discreet nursing when you have visitors | |
| Nursing pads | To avoid stains from leakage | |
| Bath and face towels | For your personal use | |
| Travel-size toiletries including toothpaste and toothbrush | For your personal use | |
| Personal care and grooming items such as hair band, comb, deodorant, etc | So that you can be presentable and confident throughout your stay at the hospital |
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| Maternity sanitary pads | Choose the self-adhesive types for your convenience | |
| Moderately fitting panties | Choose a size smaller than your maternity panties for the most comfy and snug fit after the birth | |
| Sweater | Air-conditioned maternity wards tend to get quite cold, so pack one to keep yourself warm and comfortable | |
| Socks | To keep your feet warm | |
| Books/magazines/iPad | To entertain yourself in between rests, feeding your baby and visiting hours | |
| Cell-phone and charger | For communication convenience | |
| Wet-wipes | For easy and convenient clean-ups | |
| Change of clothes for going home |
To wear as a new mummy when you are discharged to go home with your precious bundle |
For baby:
| A few sets of basic baby clothes | Choose basic pieces such as pajama top and trousers, button-up tees and shorts, etc. | |
| Baby hooded blanket | To keep your newborn warm and snug | |
| Baby mittens and booties/socks | To keep little hands and feet warm | |
| Baby handkerchiefs | For wiping baby spit-ups | |
| Disposable diapers | During your hospital stay, these will probably be provided. Pack a couple in your hospital back to use when bringing baby home | |
| Infant car seat | A safety must when transporting your newborn home | |
| Camera or camcorder | To record precious, once-in-a-lifetime moments |
