As a first-time mum, you probably prepared everything for the baby, buying the best eco nappies in Australia, clothing supplies, feeding essentials, and other stuff. But do you have everything you need in your hospital bag? Did you even prepare one? If your focus has been on preparing for your newborn, you should take time to pack your hospital bag, especially as you draw close to your due date.
What should be in your bag?
Don’t make the mistake of packing everything and still end up underpacked. Your hospital bag should contain the right items for you, your baby, and your partner or guardian.
What to Pack for Mum?
- Pack copies of important medical documents, such as hospital paperwork, insurance, baby book, and birth plan, if you have one.
- Bring comfortable clothes, particularly those that will allow you to nurse without restrictions. Add comfortable PJs, maternity leggings, grippy socks, and a cosy robe.
- Don’t forget your toiletries, including a dry shampoo in case you’re not up to showering right away.
- Pack nursing essentials, including nursing pads, a manual pump, and a nursing pillow.
- Bring postpartum care products, such as adult diapers, absorbent underwear, a perineal spray, and prenatal vitamins. You may be required to continue to take them after delivery.
What to Pack for a Baby?
- Pack hospital-approved newborn clothes. Hospital policies may vary on what newborns should be dressed in.
- Don’t forget to bring socks, booties, and a blanket.
- Bring diapering essentials that experts recommend parents must prepare for the newborns.
- Make sure to prepare a going-home outfit, particularly weather-appropriate. If you gave birth in winter, you may need a jacket or snowsuit and mittens in addition to a baby’s bodysuit, hat, and booties.
- Provide the appropriate car seat when it’s time to bring your baby home.
What to Pack for Your Spouse or Guardian?
Your birth partner plays a crucial role in providing the support you need following your delivery. It’s important that their bag only contains useful items.
- They should prepare snacks and water, which will come in handy while awaiting delivery.
- They should bring three days’ worth of clothes and essential toiletries. Include a travel pillow, blanket, and anything else to stay warm.
- Don’t forget to bring entertainment devices, a phone and charger, books, and the like.
What to pack a C-section hospital bag
Whether you’re scheduled for a C-section or you just want to be prepared for such a possibility, there are additional items that you need to pack in preparation for a caesarean birth.
- Nightgown or robe that’s loose enough to be worn on the incision area and so comfortable.
- Comfortable high-waisted underwear.
- Compression socks to help with post-surgery circulation.
- Abdominal support band, although optional, may provide post-op comfort.
- Snacks and drinks to help with recovery.
How do you know if you’re overpacked?
- Too many clothes
- Too much food and drinks
- Large or bulky electronic devices
- Valuables like jewellery
- Too many diapers and wipes
It’s important that you’re well-prepared for your delivery, and a well-packed hospital bag is exactly what you need. Make sure your bag is packed and ready to go the moment you hit 36 or 37 weeks. Still need more newborn essentials? Check out premium products from Panda Baby Supplies.