Ultimate Hospital Bag Packing List for Delivery
There is little room for panic when it comes to the delivery of your little one. With the unexpected nature of when you are going into labour, you will want to make sure you prepare your things in advance, one of the most important things being a hospital delivery bag! Here is a list of items that you will need. Do check with your hospital in advance what they provide for you and baby, so you do not overlap your packing with what is already provided.
When to pack your bag:
It is advised to have your delivery bag packed at least 4 weeks prior to your estimated delivery date. Some of my friends have shared their experience of going into early labour and did not have their bags packed yet! I probably might pack my bag way in advance, probably when I cross 30 weeks.
What bag should you use?
Carrying multiple bags isn’t a good idea when you have a newborn baby in arms, so you want a bag that is roomy enough for all your items. You will also want to get a bag that is organised so you can easily find your items.
Check out these functional options:
Packing list for mum:
- Essential Documents: Make sure to keep your Gynae’s Letter, Hospital’s Admission Form, Your Birth Plan and any other document you might require.
- Insurance Card: It is recommended that you have your insurance card with you, even if you are pre-registered.
- Garbage Bag or a Towel: Keeping these two or any one of them in your bag is essential for the car ride to the hospital.
- Socks and Slippers: Walking barefoot in the hospital is not an option as it is a germy place, so you should have your backup socks and slippers to walk around. Socks will also come in handy if your feet get cold, just make sure they’re not slippery.
- Your Phone plus Charger: A must-have for the hospital is, of course, your phone as your friends and family would be eager to know the delivery updates. Your phone will also keep you occupied if the delivery takes a long time. Just make sure you don’t run out of battery, and keep a charger or a power bank with you just in case.
- Lip Balm: In case your lips get dry.
- Hair clip/band or tie: You will need these if you have long hair to get them off your face and neck.
- Your Glasses: If you wear glasses to see the world more clearly around you, you would definitely need them to see your baby with 20/20 vision.
- Relaxation Tools: You might need some relaxation tools such as a homemade hot pack, a back massager, or even a stress-relieving squeeze ball to get you through labor.
Mom’s Checklist – For Postpartum:
Even though the hospital will supply you with basic necessities, like a gown, slippers, disposable underwear, etc. Here are a few items you might want to pack for postpartum:
- Pads: The hospital may provide you with this but it would be better to have extras just in case. It is recommended that you pack huge diaper-like overnight pads for the first few days.
- Deodorant: This is essential as you might not be able to shower for a while and you will get sweaty during the process. Here is an article for the best deodorants to buy in Singapore.
- Hair Conditioner and Brush: Your hospital will provide shampoo but you might need conditioner too if your hair tends to get extremely tangled. You’ll want to brush your hair at some point to look like a human again.
- Comfortable clothes: Sweatpants and button-up shirts will be required postpartum so you can be comfortable and easily breastfeed your baby.
- Extra underwear: You might need extras just in case.
- Maternity Bra: A maternity bra will help you be more comfortable postpartum. Here is an article for you to find the perfect nursing bra.
- Breast pads: Pack some breast pads as they will save your shirt from staining soon after delivery.
- Muslin squares: These will be helpful to prevent your clothes from staining as your baby might dribble.
- Maternity Shoes: You will need comfortable shoes to stroll around the hospital or when you head home with your baby.
- Toothpaste and toothbrush: Most likely, the hospital will supply this but you can keep your preferred toothpaste and toothbrush just in case. Especially if you use an electric toothbrush, don’t forget to pack it.
- Nightgown: Hospital gowns are not comfortable, so packing an extra nightgown for sleeping is important.
- Lotion: This will help you moisturize your skin if it gets dry.
- Pillow: Having your own extra pillow will help you be comfortable and reduce pregnancy pains.
- Eye mask or Earplugs: This will help you sleep the night, or nap during the day at the hospital
- Memory Book: To ask the hospital if they’ll be kind enough to put your baby’s footprints in your baby’s memory book when they take them
- Make-up: You will want to take a lot of pictures of your baby and for that you will need to look fresh, so pack a little bit of makeup for a simple touch up before taking photos.
- Clothes for heading home: You will need to wear comfortable and loose-fitting clothing when you head home from the hospital.
Baby’s Checklist:
After packing your stuff, don’t forget to pack for your little bundle of joy. Here are a few things you should pack for your new baby:
- Baby outfits: Pack at least three cute little outfits for the baby.
- Diapers: The hospital will provide them, but they might come in handy, so bring a few extra diapers.
- Baby wipes: Newborn babies have really sensitive skin, therefore it is recommended to use wet wipes for cleaning them up.
- Baby Nail clippers: These are essential so you can trim your baby’s nails to keep them from scratching themselves.
- Swaddling Blanket: Make sure to pack a swaddling blanket so you can wrap your baby comfortably.
- Socks and Booties: Newborn babies can get cold so be sure to pack some socks and booties for your baby, especially if it’s winter.
- Hat: Because they look cute and will keep your baby warm.
- Pediatrician’s Contact: Be sure to keep this with you as the doctor may ask you for this information in order to forward your new baby’s medical records.
- A going-home outfit: This is essential for your baby so he or she can look adorable while going home. Don’t forget to pack matching socks and hats according to the weather.
- Baby Car seat: It is a legal requirement to have a car seat for your baby, so be sure you install one beforehand, or you won’t be allowed to take your baby home from the hospital.
Dad’s Checklist:
After packing for yourself and the baby, it is essential to pack some things for your significant other too, who will probably be staying over at the hospital overnight.
- Cash and Change: Bring some cash and spare change for snacks, gift-store runs, parking, and vending machines.
- Mobile Phone: For keeping friends and family informed. Make sure it is fully charged.
- Entertainment: Have music, movies, books or even podcasts on your phone or tablet so you can have something to do if labor takes too long.
- Notepad and Pen: For jotting down essential information the hospital provides.
- Empty Bag: For packing up any freebies you receive from the hospital and the ton of paperwork.
- Glasses: If you wear glasses, don’t forget them.
- Painkillers: In case you have a headache and body ache.
- Clothes and Shoes: You might need a change of clothes and comfortable shoes if you’re staying overnight at the hospital.
- Pillow and lightweight sleeping bag: For resting the night.
- Snacks and Candy: Keep some snacks for you and the baby’s mum to share.
- A present for the Mom: This will make her happy.
- Toiletries: Toothpaste or toothbrush and other basic toiletries for freshening up.
Sibling’s Checklist:
If your new baby already has siblings and you want them to be present at the hospital when the baby arrives, here are some things to keep them entertained:
- Books
- Toys
- Papers and crayons
- Snacks and Drinks
- A camera so they can take photos of their newborn sibling.
That’s all from our side on the delivery checklist for the family. We hope this article helped you pack your maternity bag for the hospital. Do remember that every pregnant woman’s needs are different, so it is recommended that you also ask your Gynae for packing advice too.
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