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The Essential Hospital Bag Checklist for Delivering a Baby
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Time to read 7 min
*On orders $799+. Offer automatically applied at checkout, excludes other promotions including bundles.
*On orders $799+. Offer automatically applied at checkout, excludes other promotions including bundles.
*On orders $799+. Offer automatically applied at checkout, excludes other promotions including bundles.
*On orders $799+. Offer automatically applied at checkout, excludes other promotions including bundles.
*On orders $799+. Offer automatically applied at checkout, excludes other promotions including bundles.
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Time to read 7 min
Packing for your delivery can be a bit daunting. You’ll need clothes, snacks, and of course your phone to capture the important moments! If this is your first baby, you may be wondering what essentials you need to pack and what the hospital will provide.
Your labor could be over in a few hours, or you could be in labor for ten to twelve to even twenty-four hours before it is time to push. Additionally, you’ll likely spend 36-48 hours in the hospital or birthing center post-delivery before you head home.
To help you prepare for the big day, we’ve put together a list of essentials for mom, baby, and partner and comfort items to consider. We’ve also included a list of the items you probably won’t need during your visit.
According to data from the CDC, only 6% of babies are born on their predicted due date. The data also shows that roughly 10% of babies are born before the 37-week mark and 26% between weeks 37 and 38, meaning one-third of all babies are due before their due date.
Therefore, the current rule of thumb is that you should have your hospital bag packed midway through your third trimester and at least 4-weeks before your scheduled due date.
While there are no hard and fast signs, other than regular contractions, that you are about to give birth, your ob-gyn can give you some signs and symptoms that labor and delivery is approaching. If your doctor indicates you are a candidate for preterm labor, you may wish to have your bag packed even earlier than four weeks in advance.
You should keep your bag near the door or in your car if your work is more than thirty minutes from your home. Or, you may wish to keep a smaller backup bag in your car with the emergency essentials if you need to head to the hospital from work or while you’re away from your home.
The hospital will provide you with some essentials like mesh underwear, sanitary pads, newborn diapers, and a disposable hospital gown, but having some personal items can make your hospital stay more comfortable.
Most hospitals don’t have basic toiletries you may wish to have. Having your favorite face wash and lotion can help you feel more like yourself after giving birth. Other items like a headband and hair ties can keep annoying hairs out of your face during labor, and a refillable water bottle can save you cash.
In addition to the supplies listed above, some home comforts can make labor and delivery easier for both you and your partner.
If you are having a planned c-section, you will need comfy clothes for postpartum that don’t cut into your mid-section. For example, loose-fitting sweat pants or a maxi dress, depending on the weather.
Your new baby will also need some supplies to make the transition from hospital to home go smoothly. It is required by law that you have a car seat installed before taking your baby home. It is a good idea to install the seat a few weeks before your baby’s arrival and practice taking the seat in and out of the car.
While there are plenty of items you will want to or need to pack for the hospital, there are quite a few things you should leave home.
Packing your hospital bag is exciting because it means it is almost time to meet your baby! When packing your bag, a small carry-on piece of luggage is typically adequate for mom, and a second bag, such as a backpack for your partner, should do.
If you decide to pack a backup emergency bag for your car, a change of clothes, a phone charger, cash, a water bottle, a book, and a copy of your essential paperwork is adequate.
When packing, use this article as a checklist to ensure you have all the necessary items and your favorite comfort items ready to go, and be sure to be packed and ready to go by week 36!
And for the moment when you arrive home with your newborn, we recommend this guide.
Also if you are preparing your Nursery, Nurture& has the best products and prices for new parents. We invite you to check out our collection.
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