Maternity Hospital Bag Comprehensive Checklist – Mother, Baby & Loved Ones

Being pregnant changes the whole world around you. As difficult as it already is, Coronavirus Pandemic have made things more difficult. Accessibility and availability which are most important aspects at this time has taken a huge blow. You think twice and re-confirm thrice before you schedule your doctor’s visit and scan appointments.

In such times, preparing for the baby’s arrival gets you even more stressed and it becomes very hard to decide what to pack in your hospital bag as only 1 person is allowed to visit you and he/she may not be able to leave the hospital until you are discharged.

You don’t want to over-pack as the hospitals are sending you home as soon as possible and at the same time you shouldn’t miss something that you might need there.

Here is an exhaustive list that you can rely on to pack your Maternity Hospital Bag and be carefree during your delivery.

1. Disposable Masks: Ensure you have enough at least 3-5 disposable masks ready and packed with you as you will not be able to wash & dry the reusable masks.
2. Hand Sanitizer: Though most of the hospitals provide hand-sanitizer, it is advisable to carry one along so that you can use it, if one is not accessible to you at the moment.
3. Gloves: Though you may not need it, your care-taker will as he/she will be running out for the medicines and other formalities.
4. Hand-wash: Again, most of the hospitals do provide hand-wash but if you are carry your own, you have a peace of mind. Whenever possible wash your hand thoroughly again & again.
5. Moisturizer: As you will be washing your hands time and again, you don’t want your hands to dry out and hold your delicate baby with those hands.
6. Medical records: These are most important as it has your medical history during pregnancy. This aids the doctors to know what medications or allergies you have gone through your pregnancy.
7. Company identity card: Most of the companies offer maternity benefit and insurance. You will be needing your company identity card and insurance related documents to avail that.
8. Toiletries: Either you deliver naturally or by C-section, you will be staying in hospital for three to five days. You will be needing your dental kit and daily cosmetics like kajal, lip balm, body lotion, comb etc. Don’t forget to pack Talcum powder as you won’t be taking a bath immediately after delivery and talcum powder will make you feel fresh. Most importantly, you need to stock up on maternity pads.
9. Wet wipes and tissues: As you will be not be getting off the hospital bed immediately after delivery, wet wipes will help you to wipe your hands and face during that time. Carry a pack of tissues as it also comes in handy for various things.
10. Clothing: Most of the hospitals have uniform for the patients so you don’t need to worry about that but you have to carry your inner wears. Pack up a shawl or jacket and socks as you might feel cold. Don’t forget the nursing bras as it will help you in the initial days. Do pack a lovely & comfortable outfit for returning home with your little one; as you both will be clicked during the grand welcome. Carry and extra scarf to cover your mouth, in case you run out of masks.
11. Gadgets: You won’t be leaving your cellphone behind but don’t forget to take its charger along with you. You can also carry tablet and its charger to kill time in hospital. It better to carry your earphones if you want some ‘me’ time there.
12. Miscellaneous: Some other things will you will need are your wallet, water bottle, glass, bowl & spoon (to feed the baby in initial days), flip-flops, a notebook & a pen, spectacles & its case ( if you use one), hand towel and cushion or pillow (if you have a special one).

This was all about the expecting mother, but you need to be ready for the baby too. Right?

What to pack for Newborn baby?

1. A soft & breathable scarf to cover the baby when you are discharged
2. 3-4 Swaddle clothes
3. 5-6 set of clothes
4. 2-3 set of warm clothes (for winter season)
5. 2-3 socks/booties & mittens sets
6. 2 dozen cotton nappies – as you have to monitor the urine output in initial days, and this makes it easier
7. 2-3 quick dry sheets
8. Baby blanket
9. Baby wipes
10. Baby cosmetics: Baby powder, Baby Lotion, Baby Oil, Rash cream
11. 1 pack of new born diapers – go for diapers instead of pants as it is easier to use for new-borns
12. Bibs & napkins
13. Small towel

As much as you want to be ready for you & the baby, you don’t want to miss out anything for your loved one. Pass on this list to the person accompanying you.

What to pack for your Loved Ones?

1.  Extra Masks
2. Hand-sanitizer
3. Gloves
4. Hand-Towel
5. Toilteries
6. Snacks
7. 2-3 pair of change of clothes
8. Lightweight blanket

Hope this list helps you pack better and let you be more prepared and stress-free.

Pack your bags in advance and keep it ready by the door to avoid last minute rush.

All the best!