Much like a hotel, the hospital provides the essential toiletries, like shampoo, soap, conditioner, toothbrush and toothpaste.
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. Don't forget a seasonally-appropriate outfit for baby to wear home!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.)
Some hospitals supply a pack of disposable nappies, but you'll probably need to bring extra ones if you're staying in hospital for more than a day or two. Wipes or cotton wool.
Yes! You'll need to bring nappies and wipes to the hospital. Although the hospital will have some nappies and wipes available, you'll be expected to bring enough for your baby.
breast pads. maternity pads (two packets) an extra five pairs of knickers. towels.
Personal toiletries and a bath towel: The hospital will provide these, but it will make you feel more at ease to use your own items.
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.
comfortable day clothes which are loose-fitting (front-opening clothes are easy for breastfeeding) underwear, including large, close-fitting pants to hold maternity pads – you may find disposable pants useful for the first few days. a nursing bra. maternity pads or night-time sanitary pads.
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.
Formula – if you're planning to formula feed, you'll need to bring your chosen brand of formula along with you. The hospital will have some formula, but recommends that you bring your own formula along with your bottles and teats.
Hospitals provide gowns and toiletries, but they generally invite patients to bring their own pajamas, bathrobe, cardigan sweater, non-slip socks or slippers, comb, brush, lotions, toothbrush and toothpaste, and lip balm. However, avoid perfumes and any highly-scented products.
Most hospitals will provide basic clothes for your newborn while at the hospital. Most often this will be a plain white t-shirt (for easy access) and swaddle blanket. So technically, in most cases, you don't have to bring any baby clothes for the hospital or birth center.
If you are having a planned c-section, a hospital gown is a great way to limit any pressure around the incision on your abdomen. You can wear the hospital gown through your whole stay, not just during delivery.
Gently wipe from the front to the back. Baby wipes or hemorrhoid pads are usually more gentle than toilet paper. If you use toilet paper, use only soft, undyed, unscented toilet paper. Take warm soaks in a tub or a sitz bath.
New mothers need to wear full coverage pads and ladies diapers to manage their incontinence. Some women prefer to wear disposable underwear while others wear pant-style overnight diapers for adults as these are easier to wear just like an underwear.
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. Why? Baby's brand new birthday suit hasn't toughened up yet!