Your Own Toiletries.
Pack a small bathroom bag with your toothbrush and toothpaste, a brush and hair ties, deodorant, and travel-sized lotion, shampoo, and conditioner. Some moms also recommend face wipes for a quick pick-me-up and dry shampoo for between showers.
Be prepared with a few nursing bras or other comfortable, well-fitting bras. Toiletries. Don't forget tissues, hairbrush, comb, deodorant, toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo, conditioner, hairdryer, hair clips, and hair ties. Pack a plastic bag to pop dirty clothes in.
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.
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.
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. The doctors and nurses will ask you for this information several times, so it's good to have it handy.
2 packets of super-absorbent sanitary or maternity pads. 5 or 6 pairs of knickers – you may want to bring some disposable ones. your washbag with a toothbrush, hairbrush, flannel, soap, lip balm, deodorant, hair ties and other toiletries.
Newborn Swaddles or Gowns
You're not responsible for bringing outfits for your baby to wear during your hospital stay. 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. (All of these items will be provided for you.)
2 to 3 hats
Stocked with the pieces above—6-8 bodysuits, 3-4 pairs of pants, 4-5 pairs of pajamas, 5-6 pairs of socks, and 2-3 hats—you'll have plenty of mix and match options to create cozy, comfortable, and easy to change outfits for your baby's first 8 weeks.
You do not have to bring your breast pump to the hospital — one will be provided to you while in the hospital if needed. However, if you would like help learning the set-up and use of your breast pump, you can bring it and a lactation consultant can assist you.
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.
Many mamas pack their Haakaa in their hospital bag so that they can start using it straight away. Your Haakaa can be used to collect colostrum and is also fantastic for helping to relieve engorgement in the early days after your milk comes in.
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.
Be prepared with a few nursing bras or other comfortable, well-fitting bras. Toiletries. Don't forget towels, tissues, hairbrush, deodorant, toothbrush, toothpaste, face wash, body wash, shampoo, conditioner, hairdryer, hair clips, and hair ties. Pack a plastic bag to pop dirty clothes in.
Use comfortably fitting—not tight—onesies, or just dress baby in diapers and T-shirts. Don't clean the stump unless it comes in contact with stool or other potential infectants. In that case, clean it with water and a mild soap, and dry it thoroughly. Leave it alone.
Clothes should be comfortable, soft and easy to take care of. Stretchy jumpsuits that fasten at the front are best, as well as tops with envelope necks, which are easier to get over your baby's head. Jumpsuits with zips can make dressing your baby quick and easy too. Clothes made from cotton are a good choice.
Two or three sleepsuits and vests for your baby to wear while you're in hospital. Pack more if you know that you'll be staying in hospital for more than a couple of days. Socks or soft booties, and mittens.
2 packets of super-absorbent sanitary or maternity pads. 5 or 6 pairs of knickers – you may want to bring some disposable ones.
You'll need to change your menstrual pad every 3–5 hours or every time you go to the bathroom. After 10 days and until about 2–6 weeks, your flow will be yellowish white.
Baby. The hospital will provide disposable nappies, clothes for daily wear, bunny rugs and bed linen for your baby whilst in hospital. If you wish you may dress your baby in clothing of your own choice. Be prepared early and have your bags packed for the hospital as babies can arrive early.
The hospital will supply you with a gown, slippers, disposable underwear, and basic toiletries. While it is nice to have your own clothes with you, labor and the first few days postpartum are most often a very messy time, so you may not want to wear your brand-new lingerie.
You can wear a hospital-provided gown or buy and bring your own. A birthing wrap. Also known as a rebozo or a towel wrap, this multipurpose shawl is used during labor by taking weight off you as you hold a squatting position. It's wrapped around your back while someone stands in front of you while holding the ends.
A robe is a must-have for your hospital bag checklist. You can put it on over your hospital gown to walk the halls during labor and it's a favorite postpartum clothing item.
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.