What to Pack For You and Your Baby

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What to Pack For You and Your Baby?

One of the most wonderful experiences one can have is welcoming a newborn into the world. The process that leads up to this moment can be overwhelming. This is especially true when it comes time to prepare for a hospital visit. We’ve put together the ultimate checklist for hospital births to help you through this exciting time. This comprehensive guide ensures you have all the supplies you need, for you and your child, regardless of whether you are in hospital for a few hours or a whole week.

Table of Contents

Prepare for your baby’s arrival.

It’s important to plan for your baby’s arrival, including everything from the transportation to the packing. This is a comprehensive guide to what you should keep in mind when heading to the hospital.

Baby’s Hospital Essentials: Checklist

Remember to think about how you will bring your baby home before you begin packing. It’s important to install your baby’s seat in a rearward facing position as soon as possible if you are traveling by car. To ensure that your car seat meets safety standards, it’s best to have a professional do the installation. You can search for a local service that installs child restraints in NSW on the Service NSW site.

Baby Bag Essentials

It can be a very exciting part of your late pregnancy to pack the hospital bag for your baby. This bag serves as a reminder that you will soon be leaving the hospital with your new baby. You may choose to dress your baby in his or her clothes, even though most hospitals will provide a gown for them to wear. Check out this detailed list of items you should pack for your newborn:

Baby’s First Outfit Choose easy-to-take on and off outfits, such as onesies that have snap buttons. Fabrics that are soft and breathable will be best for newborns, who have delicate skin.
Baby singlets: Prepare a few tiny singlets, like the Dymples Baby Rib Vest 3 Pack in White for Newborn. These are perfect for layering your baby and keeping them comfortable.
Nappies & Wipes: Pack newborn diapers for the day you go home, such as Huggies Newborn Nappies. You don’t have to worry, the hospital will provide cloth nappies during your stay. Bring sensitive wipes to protect your baby’s skin.
Baby Beanie Babies can lose heat from their heads. Choose a headcover that is suitable for the weather, like Dymples Baby Rib Beanies, sizes 00000 to 00. This will keep your newborn warm after birth.
Booties or Socks: Keep the little ones’ feet warm! Choose soft, stretchy booties or socks that will not slip off.
Soft mittens for babies: Protect your baby’s face from scratches. Newborns tend to flail their arms around and scratch their faces.
Swaddle or Baby Wrap: Essential to keep your newborn snug. Choose fabrics that are gentle to their skin. Swaddling your baby may be something you want to do before the big event.
Dummies Even if you don’t need them, having some around is a good idea, like the Medela Baby Soft Silicone Soothers 0-6 months 2 Pack. Remember to sterilize the silicone soothers before packing.

Packing tip!

Keep your items organized by putting them in separate zip-lock or cloth bags. You can then easily locate what you need while in the hospital.

Checklist for Birthing Parents

Preparing for your birth will help you have a smoother experience, whether it’s a waterbirth, a c-section, or vaginal delivery. You should pack the essentials for your partner to help you through labor. Check out this list of essentials for your labor bag.

Labour Bag Essentials

Birth plan: Bring a copy to your midwife, obstetrician and birth partner. Everyone must understand your preferences.
Medicare card: Keep it handy when you need to admit a patient to the hospital. Bring your ID card and any other documentation you may need.
Private Information on Insurance: Include pre-admission documentation if necessary. Be sure to inform your partner of the information.
Phone for communication and updates: Phone. Download any apps you think will be useful during your labor.
Laptop or Tablet: You may want to entertain yourself during downtime. A device can be used to distract or relax you during contractions.
Birth Playlist: Make a playlist of soothing songs, or bring the one you used during pregnancy. Music can be extremely calming and empowering when you are in labor.
Chargers and cords: Chargers are essential for updating and entertaining your devices.
TENS machine: Have it at hand if you intend to use it for pain relief while in labor. Many expecting parents choose this option.
Affirmation cards: These are powerful tools that can help you feel calm and empowered during labor. You can write affirmations like “I am strong”, “My body knows what to do during birth” and “I feel empowered.”
Face washers: During labor, a wet face wash can refresh you. Bring some so you can cool off as needed.
Towels or new cloth nappies: These are great for relieving back pain. The warmth can soothe contractions.
Warm socks: You may experience cold feet during labor. Pack a pair of warm socks to keep your feet comfortable.
Tankini or Maternity Bra: A comfortable top can make you more relaxed if you are considering having a waterbirth. Make sure it is something you’re comfortable getting wet.
Snack: Bring plain cookies, energy bars or lollipops for a quick boost of energy. Snacks can keep you going during long work days.
Drink bottle with Straw: Staying well hydrated is important. A straw will help you drink easily even if it’s difficult to do so.
Massage oil: To relax and comfort during labour. Aromatherapy is a great way to relieve tension.
Lip Balm: Keep your lips moisturized. You may need it more than you expected in hospitals because they can be very dry.
Combs and Hair Bands: A comb can be used as a distraction during labor pains, a method that is well known among midwives. You can have your partner use the comb as a light pressure to massage your back.

Hospital Stay Bag

You’ll need to pack a few essentials to make sure you are comfortable in the hospital. What you will need is:

Supportive nursing bras: Bring a bra for every day you expect to be in the hospital. Choose bras that you will find comfortable and convenient to use when breastfeeding.
Comfortable Undies: There is no such thing as too many comfortable undies! Bring a mixture of washable and disposable options.
Comfy pants or Maternity leggings: These will make you feel more relaxed after delivery. Choose materials that are soft and stretchy, as well as easy to wear.
Choose clothing that will make breastfeeding easier. Select styles that allow you to breastfeed easily while still feeling comfortable.
Cardigan or Jumper: Choose something that’s breastfeeding-friendly. It’s a good idea to layer, since hospitals have varying temperatures.
Pyjamas & Dressing Gowns: Comfort Is Key! Choose lightweight clothing that is easy to move around in.
Nipple cream: To soothe sore nipples. Apply frequently, especially if breastfeeding.
Breast pads: Essential to manage leaks. You can try both disposable and reusable products to find out what suits you best.
Nipple ice packs: These are a great way to provide relief. They can also be cooled down in the refrigerator, just like Rite Aid’s Hydrogel Breast Discs. These are great for soothing pain.
Heavy Duty Maternity Pads – You’ll need these after the birth. Pack enough to last your entire stay.
Bring your toiletries to the hospital. While they may provide some essentials, you can bring along any scent-free products that you prefer. Include items such as face cleanser and moisturizer, body wash, deodorant and shampoo.
Your regular toiletries bag: Add your hairbrush or hair dryer, if necessary. You can feel more comfortable using familiar products.
Super Soft Toilet Paper: Hospital toilet paper may not be gentle on your body after birth. Bring your toilet paper for comfort.
Pillowcase and Pillow: A homey touch will make your stay even more comfortable. Bring a small pillow to provide extra support.
Towel: The hospital may have towels available, but a soft towel from home is nice to use after the first shower you take following delivery.
Earplugs: In hospitals, noise can be a problem. Earplugs will help to block out the distractions and create a more peaceful sleeping environment.
Eye/Sleep mask: Useful for those who are sensitive to light. You can rest better, especially at night.
Thongs Easy to slip on or handy for showering. Choose a pair that you don’t care if they get wet.

Packing tip!

Use a laundry bag to organize your clothes and those of your baby. It will make things easier for you when you arrive home.

Going Home Bag

You’ll want a few things ready when it’s time to go home.

Your Going-Home Outfit: Select something comfortable that is easy to breastfeed. Consider wearing stretchy pants with a nursing shirt.
Underwear – Pack a new pair of underwear for your journey home. Choose something comfortable to accommodate your post-birth figure.
Shoes: Slip on shoes are the best. You won’t have to worry about laces and straps after giving birth.

Birth Take into consideration your comfort on the way home.

Extra Essentials For Support People And Older Siblings

Do not forget those who are supporting you in this exciting time. Consider these extras:

Gifts From the Baby: A small gift from a new baby will help you ease the transition. You could give them a book or a toy they can both enjoy.
Special Activity: Bring stickers or coloring books with you for your older siblings who are visiting the hospital. It is important to keep them entertained during your hospital stay.
Biscuits or Chocolates: An elegant way to thank hospital staff, your doula or birth support person. It’s easy to show your gratitude with a small treat.
Baby Keepsake Books: A keepsake album is a great way to record all the precious details of your baby, such as his birth weight or eye color. May Gibbs Baby Records Book features iconic illustrations.

Final preparations

Consider making a few last preparations in addition to the packing list:

Preregister at the Hospital. Many hospitals offer pre-registration forms you can fill in online or over the phone. This will save you time when you arrive at the hospital.
Create Contact Lists: Make a contact list with family members and friends to notify once your baby is born. It can keep communication more organized.
Practice your Birth Plan: Review your birth plan with your partner and healthcare provider. Talk about any concerns you have or changes you would like to make.
Be Informed: Attend Prenatal Classes if you can. Understanding what to expect can reduce anxiety.
Pack ahead: Begin packing your bags several weeks before the due date. You can add things as you remember them, without feeling rushed.

Conclusion

A checklist can help you prepare for your hospital birth. Packing thoughtfully will allow you to focus on the most important thing: welcoming your child into the world. You can adjust the list to your own needs. You’re now ready to enjoy the amazing experience of parenting! You’ll be able to enjoy this wonderful chapter in your life knowing that you have done everything you can to prepare for your baby’s arrival.