The hospital will have diapers, wipes, baby wash, and lotion, but if you have a certain brand you want to use, then you can bring your own. It's actually not a bad idea to bring a small extra bag to put all the free (kind of) stuff in that the hospital will send you home with.
When Should You Pack Your Hospital Bag? You should have your hospital bag ready to go between weeks 32 and 35 of your pregnancy, in case your baby comes a bit earlier than expected. A good time to start the packing process is around the 28 week mark, or at the start of your 3rd trimester.
Packing a hospital bag ensures you not only have the essentials the hospital doesn't provide, such as a nursing bra and car seat, but it also allows you to bring things from home to help you feel more comfortable and relaxed during delivery and while in recovery after your baby is born.
A lot of mothers want breast coverage while they deliver, which is completely understandable, and you can keep your bra on during labor if you want. However, we recommend wearing a simple bra that is comfortable and easy to remove.
Since you'll spend most of your recovery time sitting down or lying in bed, you'll want comfy clothes like loose pants with an elastic or drawstring waist. If you're breastfeeding, you'll need tops with stretchy necklines or easy nursing access.
Pack two different outfits in different sizes because you don't know how big or small your baby will be! Aim for one outfit in newborn size and one 0-3 months. Don't forget hats and/or socks, if weather-appropriate. Your pediatrician's contact information.
In the hospital, blankets and onesies are typically provided. If you'd like to bring baby his/her own clothes to wear during your stay or a special outfit, please do so, but it isn't required.
If you're confused about when is the best time to buy baby stuff, don't worry. WebBabyShower recommends that you begin your shopping somewhere between 15-20 weeks of the pregnancy (about month 4 or 5). That way you have time to get all the items you need.
breast pads. maternity pads (two packets) an extra five pairs of knickers. towels.
About 20 to 30 nappies made especially for newborns, like Pampers Premium Protection New Baby. Your newborn might get through 10-12 nappies each day.
Hospitals generally will cover everything you will need to take care of your baby while you are there, so there is not need to bring a giant pack of diapers with you. Baby shampoo, diaper cream for sticky meconium poos, diapers, wipes and more are usually provided.
It's recommended that you wash the clothes no earlier than 4-6 weeks before the baby's arrival. Anything between that and the baby's birth is also fine. But the closer you get, the more tasks you have on your plate.
Babies will need to be bathed so purchasing a baby bath tub is important; you will also need some baby bath towels and washcloths alongside a baby soap, shampoo and brush. In addition to bath accessories you may want to invest in some baby nail clippers and scissors to keep their nails trimmed.
It will be best to have at least 8-10 bottles on hand before your baby is born. You will want to start with five-ounce bottles and then move to eight-ounce bottles until the baby is about four months old. Once the baby reaches four months, you will need to buy larger bottles to accommodate the child's growing appetite.
Newborn Swaddles or Gowns
Most hospitals prefer to dress babies simply, either in just a diaper and swaddled in a flannel blanket, or in a side-snap bodysuit or basic gown.
The hospital will make sure you have clean sheets, towels and wash cloths. You'll also have a bed with several pillows and blankets. If you have a hard time sleeping with a different pillow, it might be a good idea to bring your own.
The hospital will likely provide essential items for your baby, such as swaddling blankets, pacifiers, wipes, and diapers. If you bring one item to the hospital, make sure it is this one.
In fact, hospitals used to shave your pubic hair for you—and in some areas, they still do. “Shaving before labour was once thought to reduce infection rates,” says Toronto OB/GYN Dayna Freedman. But medical advice advances with research.
The chances of you cutting yourself are high. The cuts increase the risk of infection during delivery. Nurses often opt to clip your hair if the need arises.
Sitz baths (warm, shallow baths), regular baths, and showers are safe after vaginal delivery and can help with discomfort.
Regular cotton muslins will have come into contact with pesticides and chemicals during their production. Whilst still not a requirement, it is probably best to pre-wash these to ensure no irritants are present.
It is definitely recommended by dermatologists that you wash new baby clothes before you put them on your baby. So, our advice would be to wash all of your baby's clothes before you give birth, just in case your baby has an allergic reaction to the material etc.
You should definitely wash baby's clothes, blankets and other washable items that will come in contact with their skin. It's not necessary to do it before they're born, but it's a good idea to do it before they wear them.