Prepare Your Hospital Bag Before 36 Weeks
Getting ready for the arrival of your baby is an exciting yet hectic time. One of the most important tasks on your pre-baby checklist is packing your hospital bag. It’s recommended to have your hospital bag ready by 36 weeks of pregnancy. Here’s why:
- Early Arrivals: Babies can be unpredictable, and some decide to make an entrance earlier than expected. Having your bag ready by 36 weeks ensures that you’re not caught off guard if your little one decides to arrive ahead of schedule.
- Peace of Mind: Knowing that you’re prepared can significantly reduce stress and anxiety. The final weeks of pregnancy can be physically and emotionally exhausting. Having your hospital bag ready allows you to focus on yourself and your baby’s well-being.
- Last-Minute Rush: The last thing you want during labor is to scramble for essentials. Having a pre-packed bag means you won’t forget any crucial items in the rush to get to the hospital.
- Emergency Situations: In the rare case of an emergency, having your bag ready means you can leave for the hospital immediately without worrying about packing.
- Partner’s Role: A ready bag makes it easier for your partner to support you without having to guess what you need. They can focus on helping you through labor rather than packing a bag.
By having your hospital bag ready by 36 weeks, you ensure a smoother, more organized experience when the big moment arrives. It’s a simple step that can make a significant difference in your delivery and postpartum experience. In the sections that follow, I will detail exactly what you need to pack for a stress-free delivery.
Personal Tip: Carry your hospital bag with you to every appointment after 36 weeks. My bag stayed in the car last few weeks to make things easy.
DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, if you make a purchase through this link, I will get a tiny commission at no cost to you. The products that I have listed are the ones I truly believe in and have tested them personally.
Hospital Bag Checklist:
Documents
Having your documents in order is crucial as they are required for hospital admission and for filling out birth certificates and insurance forms.
ID, insurance card, hospital forms: Ensure these are easily accessible.
Birth plan printouts – x3: One for your doctor, one for your nurse, and one for yourself.
If you would like a sample birth plan, send me a note, and I will email it to you!
Comfort items for mom
Comfort is key for moms during labor and postpartum recovery. Packing familiar and functional items can make the hospital stay more pleasant.
Comfortable pajamas or nightgowns: Preferably with easy access for breastfeeding. Look for soft, breathable fabrics and make sure you wash any new clothing before wearing to avoid irritation. Here are some of my favorites:
- Ekouaer women’s maternity nursing pajamas
- Smallshow women’s short sleeve nursing tops
- Ekouaer Short sleeve nursing tops
Robe or Cardigan: Hospitals can get really cold and a long robe for comfy cardigan helped stay cozy and warm over the hospital gown or your favorite pajamas. Here is my favorite:
Slippers and Socks: Some hospitals mandate you wear slippers or socks with grippers to avoid a fall. Socks also help you stay warm in if you feel cold. And, there are some really cute socks available to cheer you up in labor, check this one out:
Eye Mask: This helps with taking a nap in a busy environment (especially when the baby is napping). Here is my favorite:
Toiletries: Hospitals can be quite dry, and maintaining your personal hygiene and skincare routine can help you feel more at home.
- Toothbrush and Toothpaste
- Hairbrush and hair ties
- Lip balm
- Face wash, moisturizer, and any skin care essentials
- Deodorant: natural options preferred
- Glasses or contact lenses
Nursing Items
Breastfeeding can be challenging initially. Having the right items can make the process easier and more comfortable.
Nursing Bra: Provides an easy access for breastfeeding and offers necessary support. Here are some of my Favorites:
- Hofish 3Pack Nursing Bra: Very comfortable, durable, great value for money. They do stretch so size accordingly.
- Nursing Sleep Bra Wire-free: These are very comfortable, also good maternity bras pre-labor.
- Lupantte Hands-Free Pumping Bra: This is essential for pumping. This is also great to have manual pump on one side when feeding from other side.
Nursing Pillow: The most challenging thing that you will do after giving birth is latching the baby. This pillow is an absolute necessity and a game changer when it comes to that aspect. I have a whole article reviewing the Top 5 Nursing Pillows that you can read through. Here are some quick options:
- My Brest Friend Nursing Pillow: I love its excellent support, adjustable fit and back support. The convenient pockets also help to keep water bottle close.
- Boppy Nursing Pillow: This is a multi-use pillow, can be used for propping, tummy time, and sitting support as baby grows.
Nipple Balm: Nipple balms can be a life saver for breast feeding moms in the initial weeks of feeding, while you are learning to latch the baby. This helps prevent and heal discomfort. Here are some of my favorites:
- Earth Mama Organic Nipple Butter: This one is made with organic calendula and is lanolin-free. It’s safe for babies and doesn’t need to be wiped off before breastfeeding.
- Lansinoh Lanolin Nipple Cream: Lansinoh’s HPA Lanolin is well-known for its soothing properties. It’s 100% natural and hypoallergenic, making it safe for both mom and baby.
Nursing Pads: These are great to absorb leaks and keep clothing dry. There are a variety of nursing pads like disposable, reusable, silicone, hydrogel etc. I recommend just getting a trial pack for the one you like and keep it in your hospital bag. You can order more based on your need later. Here are some easy disposable options:
- Momcozy Bamboo Fiber Disposable nursing pads: 100% natural materials.
- Nanobebe Disposable Nursing Pads: Great quality and value for money
Labor Aids
Labor aids can help make the birthing process more manageable and comfortable.
Birthing Ball: Most hospitals provide this but if not provided, you can carry your own. It helps a lot with labor positions.
- Trideer Exercise Ball: This ball served me well from third trimester to birth and now my kid plays with it!
Essential oils and Diffuser: Lavender oil in a diffuser can really create a calming environment (check with your hospital first).
Music playlist and Bluetooth headset: Have a few flavors of songs like slow, fast beat, calming etc., you would be surprised that your favorite song during pregnancy can feel repulsive in labor.
Postpartum care
Postpartum recovery requires special care items to ensure comfort and hygiene.
Prenatal Vitamins: Carry your favorite prenatal vitamins that you have been taking your entire pregnancy. Note: Some hospitals don’t allow external medicines and they might order some for you.
Peri bottle: Hospital will give you a peri bottle and it will be good but likely won’t be angled. It might be worth it to carry this angled bottle which helps with hygiene in first couple days after birth.
Comfortable underwear: Hospital should provide disposable underwear and large maternity pads for first few hours but then you might want something more comfortable.
Large heavy pads: This is another comfort item. Hospital pads are good for first day but they can be uncomfortable to move around in. Having some known large pads can be useful.
I really like the postpartum recovery kits – they include all essentials with right quantity and is easy to pack in your hospital bag:
- Glamommy Labor and Delivery Kit: This kit has all the essentials and is well priced.
- Frida Mom 15 piece Postpartum set: This is an all inclusive kit will everything you will need for postpartum.
Newborn Needs
Hospitals provides almost everything for newborns but here are some items that will help ensure comfort and safety.
Velcro Swaddles: You will thank me later! They are so much easier to use. These keep baby snug, secure and keep them calm and asleep for longer periods. Some also have easy access openings for easy diaper changes. Here are my favorites:
Going home outfit: Newborns live in diapers, onesies, and swaddles. For car rides, I like the footed zipper onesies – preferably the dual side zippers – they make diaper changes and getting in and out of clothes so easy. Here are my favorites:
Car Seat: This is the most important thing to bring your cute bundle of joy home. Make sure the car seat is installed and ready so there are no fumbles during the hectic hospital checkout and ride back home. Most people like the car seat that is easy to carry and snaps into a pre-installed base.
Diapering needs: Newborn diapers and wipes are provided by the hospital. Remember, everything that you see in the hospital room, you have already paid for it. Make sure you carry any leftover goodies and gifts back with you. Personal Tip: take an empty bag with you for all the goodies and paperwork. But having said that if you wish to use a particular brand or natural item then you can carry that from home. For example: I carried Aquaphor and Coconut oil to use as diaper cream in case there are rashes.
Formula and Feeding Bottles: If not able to breastfeed, carry some formula of choice and bottles with premie size nipples (newborn is too big for first few days).
White Noise Machine: This helps soothe your baby and promotes better sleep. I carried this with me to the hospital and it was great to catch some sleep for everyone in that amazingly soothing rain sounds!
Partner/Support Person Essentials
Now that we have all our items in order, let’s not forget our support person! We need to keep them comfortable, energized and ready to support you and the baby!
Comfortable change of clothes: This can help reduce trips home.
Pillow and Blanket: Hospital may not provide them and even if they do they are rarely comfortable.
Phone, Tablet and long cord chargers: The plug points can be scarce and long cords really help being able to sit in comfortable places.
Snacks and Drinks: Hospital cafeteria may not be open 24/7.
Toiletries: Toothbrush, Toothpaste, Deodorant
Packing your hospital bag in advance ensures you’re well-prepared for your baby’s arrival. Use this checklist to make sure you have everything you need for a stress-free and comfortable hospital stay. Good Luck and reach out to me if you have any questions!
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