What to Pack for The Hospital When Having a Baby

Motherhood can be exciting, as well as a life changing experience. It's a privilege, also a huge responsibility to take care of your baby. You need to be well prepared during pregnancy so that you don't miss out on some essentials in the excitement of seeing your little bundle of joy. You can take two separate bags to the hospital for childbirth, one for you and one for your baby, just to avoid confusion. Let me help you with what to pack for the hospital when having a baby.

Hospital Bag for Expectant Mothers

The following are some of the important things you need to carry in the mother's labor bag

• Your medical records, insurance papers and identity proof are important for the formalities and paperwork before and after delivery.
• Two to three comfortable undergarments including some nursing bras for breastfeeding and breast pads.
• Your maternity clothes can include a nightdress, slippers and socks, some warm clothes like sweaters and shawls, a bathrobe, and a post-delivery, nursing gown. You can also carry some plus-size clothes to wear while going back home.
• Toiletries like toothbrush and toothpaste, soaps, face wash, shampoo and conditioner, combs and hair brushes, oil and body lotion or moisturizer, deodorant, lip balm and hand napkins or tissue papers.
• If you use lenses or eyeglasses don't forget to carry those along with your lens solution and lens case.
• Every hospital provides sanitary napkins post delivery but it's always safe to carry your own.
• Don't forget to pack your medication, it's very important to have your medication regularly, even after labor, as there is a possibility of complications during delivery.
• Carry at least three towels for the entire stay in the hospital, pre and post delivery.
• A pillow and a blanket or a sheet to keep you warm and comfortable. Don't forget to take an extra blanket and warm clothes for your partner as he will also need them during the stay.
• In hospital, a wrist watch or a table clock is more useful than you think.
• Carry your credit and debit cards, along with some loose cash as you might need to pay in advance.
• A camera or a video camera is a must because you don't want to miss capturing all the beautiful moments you would cherish all your life.
• A cell phone, phone cards and a phone book with names and numbers of friends and family.

I hope this list gives you a fair idea about what to pack for the hospital when having a baby.

Hospital Bag for the Newborn Baby
We are not yet done with what to pack for the hospital when having a baby, because our packing also includes a baby bag which you can't forget. The baby care bag will have the following

• A car seat would be very essential when you pack your hospital bag so as to carry the baby back home.
• Disposable nappies and baby diapers to keep the baby clean, make sure you carry lots of them.
• Two pairs of socks or booties of any color you like.
• Baby clothes like little tops, pajamas and hats for the baby when going home.
• Baby bedding like baby blankets and quilts.
• Winter clothes, jackets, soft woolen hats and vests.
• Muslin squares and rugs to keep the baby on if you put him in a crib.
• Carry at least 3 baby towels as to dry the baby after he is bathed.
• Baby toiletries like baby soaps, shampoo, ear buds, nail cutter, comb or hair brush, body lotion and moisturizer, talcum powders, etc.
• Milk bottles with nipples in case you can't breastfeed.
• Cotton wool balls to keep your baby warm.
• Carry soft toys as babies love soft fur rubbed to their body, also colorful toys which tingle. If you want to you can carry story books or rhyme books that you can sing to the baby to put it off to sleep
• Birth announcements, envelopes and stamps.

So, those were some important tips on what to pack for the hospital when having a baby. Having a baby is a beautiful feeling and every woman should experience it at least once in a lifetime. But while experiencing this wonderful joy don't forget to pack your hospital bag properly.