What should I pack in my hospital bag?

Preparing your maternity bag in advance is an essential step to having peace of mind on the day of delivery. It is wise to think about it around the seventh month of pregnancy because the final weeks of pregnancy can be unpredictable (fatigue, contractions, premature delivery, etc.). A checklist helps avoid last-minute stress and ensures you don't forget anything essential. The maternity bag contains the basics for the well-being and first moments of the newborn, as well as everything necessary for a few days' stay at the hospital. In this article, we provide a complete, practical, and reassuring maternity bag checklist that is easy to adapt according to the length of the stay (generally 3 to 5 days).

What are the essentials for mom and baby during the maternity stay?

It is best to split the maternity bag into two parts: the first dedicated to the delivery room, easily accessible on the big day, and the second reserved for the hospital stay. This organization keeps the essentials for labor and birth close at hand, while avoiding clutter and stress. Once settled in the room, the second bag will take over to ensure comfort and serenity for both mom and baby throughout the stay.

The essentials for the delivery room

This bag is intended for the labor room; it must therefore contain the essentials for the big day to support the delivery in the best possible conditions. Designed to be practical and easy to access, it provides the mother with comfort, reassurance, and serenity throughout labor and when the baby is born.

Medical file (maternity records) and administrative documents (test results, ultrasounds, ID, etc.)

Comfortable clothing for mom: nightgown, long t-shirt, a loose blouse, or any other wide garment. Socks and a cardigan if the due date is in winter, a facial mist spray if the delivery is in summer.

Essentials to keep busy: book, phone + charger, music with headphones, as labor can last for hours.

Warm clothes for baby: 1 bodysuit, 1 pair of pajamas, 1 baby cardigan, 1 hat, 1 pair of socks, 1 blanket or swaddle, regardless of the season; prefer size 1 month outfits.

This bag should remain light and well-organized, with the rest of your belongings packed in the hospital stay suitcase.

The hospital stay suitcase

This suitcase contains everything necessary to ensure the mother's comfort and the baby's well-being during the few days following delivery. It can be more comprehensive than the delivery room bag, as the stay generally lasts several days.

For Mom

- 2 or 3 pairs of pajamas or nightgowns

- Disposable or post-delivery underwear; stock up as discharge can be heavy

- Maternity sanitary pads

- 2 or 3 comfortable outfits for the day, to be adapted according to the season + slippers and socks

If mom is breastfeeding,

• 2 or 3 nursing bras
• 1 pack of nursing pads to stay dry
• A nipple cream to hydrate and soothe the nipples
• A nursing pillow to prop baby up comfortably

- A toiletry bag (toothbrush, shower gel, etc.)

- A shower towel

- Finally, a comfortable outfit for leaving the hospital

For Baby

- 5 to 7 cotton bodysuits

- 5 to 7 pairs of pajamas (cotton for summer and velour for winter)

- 2 cardigans or sweaters

- 1 hat

- 2 or 3 pairs of socks

- 1 hooded bath towel

- Sleeping bag/swaddle or blanket

- Changing essentials (diapers, liniment, cotton pads, saline solution, thermometer); some maternity wards do not automatically provide these consumables, so remember to check

- Mild washing gel for hair and body and moisturizing lotion for face and body (if not provided by the maternity ward)

- Cotton cloths that can be used for several things: as a bib, during feedings

- Going-home outfit

Little extras

- Comfort object or cloth

- Personal pillow

- Water bottle

- Snacks

- Dirty laundry bag

- Books or magazines

For Dad

So that he can accompany mom and baby in the best conditions, dad (or the co-parent) must also pack a few things, as he will be spending time at the maternity ward.

- A comfortable outfit and a spare t-shirt in case of need

- Provisions for light hunger and/or change for snack and beverage machines

- Books, phone + charger

- Painkillers for headaches if needed

- Something to take photos with, of course!

- Pajamas or nightwear (if allowed to stay overnight)

- A list of contacts to notify

Dad is a valuable support during the intense first few days following the baby's arrival; he needs to be comfortable and well-rested.

This article details the importance of preparing your maternity bag well in order to experience delivery and the hospital stay with complete serenity. It explains why it is recommended to plan ahead and split the bag into two parts: the first dedicated to the labor room, containing the essentials for the big day, and a second designed for the hospital stay, more comprehensive and focused on comfort. The article reviews the essentials for the mother, baby, and co-parent, taking into account the specific needs of each during these key moments. Finally, it emphasizes that this organization helps reduce stress, avoid forgetfulness, and focus fully on the arrival of the baby and the first moments as a family.

And if you would like to discover your baby's personality according to their astrological sign, consult our dedicated article.