The closer the due date gets the more excited one becomes to meet their little angel but also more prepared should be its arrival. During these weeks, one of the essential things is preparing and packing your bag you will need during your stay in the hospital. This makes sure that you do not have to worry about having left behind any requirement and be ready to receive your new born baby. 

Here is a step by step guide on what is necessary for the hospital bag both for you and the newborn.

For the Mom-to-Be

Following are the items that mothers should keep in their bag. 

• ID and Insurance Information: Card and any other important hospital documents should be neatly arranged and be placed in a secure and easily retrievable folder.

• Birth Plan: If you have a birth plan in place, remember to bring it with you and share it with your medical care providers.

• Maternity Robe or Gown: A loose dress or robe is fine if you want something to wear while walking through the hospital corridors or afterwards when you are comfortable at home after a birth.

• Nursing Bras and Pads: If you are still going to breastfeed, then do not forget to pack a few nursing bras and breast pads.

• Loose, Comfortable Clothing: Pack comfortable, loose-fitting clothing for your stay—gym wear for nights, sleepwear, clothing to wear home and a pair of slippers/socks.

• Toothbrush and Toothpaste: Remember to pack your toothbrush, toothpaste and any other required toiletries such as a deodorant, hair brush or shampoo.

• Skincare Essentials: It is recommended that one carry over the counter items frequently used like a moisturiser or even lip balm to enhance personal hygiene.

• Postpartum Care: Some items to pack may include maternity pads, witch hazel pads, or a peri bottle for postpartum care.

• Phone and Charger: Make sure the battery of your phone is fully charged and carry along a charging cord with ample length.

• Books & Magazines: Taking labour can consume a lot of time so take something to read or do while waiting.

• Pillow or Blanket: It is also understood that the pillows provided in the hospital for different procedures might be somewhat uncomfortable hence the need to carry your own in case none is allowed.

• Healthy Snacks: There should be pack snacks that you can take during labour or maybe after giving birth like a granola bar, dried fruits, or nuts, etc.

• Water Bottle: A bottle with a straw, preferably a refillable one, is helpful in delivering water during labour.

For the Baby

Now that you are aware of the mother's essential items, here are some baby essentials. 

• Onesies and Sleepers: Pack a few newborn clothes such as onesies or sleepers for your baby to wear in the hospital and when travelling home.

• Hat and Mittens: This is so because newborns do not take time to warm up and can easily get cold, therefore make sure you pack a soft hat and mittens for your baby.

• Swaddle Blanket: A soft swaddle blanket is best suited to give your baby the warmth that he or she requires to sleep well.

• Newborn Diapers: Though they might give you diapers in the hospital, it’s advisable to carry a few of your own in case you prefer a certain brand.

• Baby Wipes: Soft baby wipes for cleaning the baby during the diaper change.

• Infant Car Seat: Bring your own properly installed, and licensed infant car seat with you to the hospital. Another thing you have to be careful of is that most hospital staff will want to ensure you have a car seat and will come in to check when you are ready to leave.

• Special Outfit: If you have plans for your baby to be in a particular attire when leaving the hospital, ensure that it is packed. Select something comfortable to slip into and something suitable for the weather conditions prevailing at the moment.

For Your Partner

Following are the essential items that you must carry for your partner. 

• Change of Clothes: Your partner should pack comfortable clothes, and other sets of clothes for the stay.

• Toiletries: Ensure that they come along with basic necessities such as a toothbrush, tooth paste, deodorant and any other personal items that may be required.

• Snacks: Ensure you provide your partner with a sufficient supply of food and beverages needed during labour.

• Entertainment: You should bring something to do while waiting such as a book, tablet or any other activity.

• Camera: Make sure your partner has a camera or phone charged with batteries and its recharge equipment handy to take the first few shots.

It is always a wonderful feeling whenever you are expecting a baby and one of the most important things that you need to do is to pack your hospital bag. You can also help minimise the discomfort and anxiety of your hospital stay by being certain you have all these must-haves. Remember to get packing as early as possible and try to keep things as basic as possible. This way, your bag will be set, and the things that matter most will be all that you will be concentrating on.