Your baby’s clothes, hygiene products for you, baby bottles, pacifiers… That long list of things to put in your maternity bag, but are you really going to need everything? We tell you what is essential.
The time is about to give birth, you probably already have the maternity bag that you are going to take to the hospital for delivery. But in case you still have doubts, or want to make sure 100% that you carry everything, we collect in this list everything that has to be in your bag for the hospital.
You have to keep in mind that what you take to the hospital should be the essential, do not load useless things that you will not need, as these will occupy a place and will obstruct the order. And above all, do not forget to bring your documentation, papers or doctor’s flyers with the analytical tests that you have done, as well as your health insurance card or Social Security card.
The essentials of the maternity bag
Remember that in this maternity bag you must insert what you will use during your stay in the hospital for delivery, but also what your baby will need when he comes to the world. That’s why we advise you to make two lists; one for your things and another for your baby, so you will not forget anything.
What the Baby Needs:
Baby baskets usually include everything a newborn will need throughout their first few months of life. However, it is not going to be imperative that you take all these things to the hospital. These are the things that cannot be missing in the maternity bag:
Bodies and Pajamas:
In most maternity hospitals, they dress the baby as soon as they are born with clothes from the center so that they do not lose heat. The day after they are born, they bathe the baby for the first time and change their clothes, using the one the mother has brought to the hospital.
Bodies and pajamas are the most comfortable attire for the hospital, both for the baby and for the mother when changing the diaper. Some clothes can make difficult the diaper change, and if it’s your first baby you’ll appreciate anything that facilitates the task easier.
Beanies and booties:
These garments are essential so your baby does not lose heat. Newborns lose heat mainly through the head, so wearing caps is necessary. The feet are also an area of the body that usually cool easily, some skirts or elastic socks will avoid it.
Mittens:
To prevent your newborn from scratching his own nails, it is advisable to put mittens or socks on his hands. Also, do not leave his wrists on all the time because the touch is a very important sense for the first few days of the baby.
Bibs and Gauze:
Bibs are helpful in preventing your baby from staining his clothes by regurgitating and eating. And gauze should be used to clean it when pour some milk while eating or after eating.
Blanket:
Use to cover and protect your baby when you hold him in his arms and prevent him from catching cold. It is also very useful to cover your baby the day you leave the hospital, especially if it is a cold day.
Wet wipes and diapers:
The first baths of newborns are without soap or creams, only with water. So if you want to wipe his butt with wet wipes, include them in your baby’s hospital basket, but make sure that these are specific to newborns. Usually hospitals provide diapers but be sure before you go, or take a few just in case.
Toiletry bag with creams:
In your baby’s bag you can put the cream for the diaper area and the newborn’s ass to avoid irritation. Just like a natural sponge, although the bathrooms in the hospital are carried out by nurses in most cases. You can also put a cotton towel.
Read: When will you be able to hear your baby’s heartbeat for the first time?
The maternity bag should also include things essential for the future mother, and above all be comfortable and manageable since you never know when you’re going to have to run away from home with the bag. Leave it ready before you reach before 37 weeks of pregnancy, and be sure to put the following things in it: In many centers nightgowns to future mothers, but it never hurts to carry one. It must have suitable opening for childbearing as well as for breastfeeding. We recommend the lactating nightgowns that open in front, and you should take several that will surely end up staining easily after delivery. And the slippers should be comfortable so you can walk with them through the hospital and do not have to wear street shoes. The robe is also going to be useful for that since the corridors can be fresher, and this way you will be more dressed also in case visitors come. The underwear that you take must be specific to maternity and comfortable, such as breastfeeding bras. Paper panties are the most useful since you have losses after childbirth and are disposable, so we recommend you pack a packet in your maternity bag. In addition, it is best to be waist high in case you have had a cesarean, so that the seam does not rub the scar. Within two or three days of having given birth you will not have recovered your normal body yet, so we recommend you wear pre-mom clothes. Take something comfortable that does not get caught in the points, if you have them, and that is easy to put on. In it you have to put everything you need for your hygiene during your stay in the hospital, such as shampoo and gel, deodorant, toothbrush and paste, and a comb, as well as all products that soles normally use. You can also include your moisturizers or anti-stretch marks, for skin care after childbirth.Slippers, nightgown and robe:
Maternity Underwear:
Clothes to leave the hospital:
Personal bag: