It's an exciting and very important time for mum, dad/partner, and (soon to be here) baby; it can be really easy to forget all about packing anything to take with you to the hospital, much less a maternity changing bag that is actually going to have things in it that you'll really need.
Now, granted, you may think that some of these items, like reading material, are pretty frivolous given that you'll be enamored of baby and won't want to be focusing on anything else, but pack them anyway. You never know when a lull in activity may just find you wanting something like this to do for the moment.
Specific things to consider and remember to pack before your baby is due include:
- Any documents you require
- Any insurance forms you'll be needing
Clothing for Mum
- Robe, comfy slippers, and socks, as well as appropriate "bed" wear if you want to bring your own. Keep in mind that these things will probably see a lot of wear and tear if not complete ruin, so they should be comfortable rather than "nice."
- A comfortable outfit to wear home. It's likely that you won't be able to zip into those pre-baby jeans for a couple of months at least, so wear something that's comfortable, stretchy, has room, and that you don't mind getting ruined. By the way, lots of women simply wear maternity clothes home, since they are roomy and comfortable, and they're easy to wear when you're already sore from giving birth. So if you want to, you can simply wear maternity clothes for a few weeks at least after the baby is born.
- Maternity bras. Even if you're not breast-feeding, you'll probably have some leakage so you'll need these bras and pads to help stem the flow, so to speak- and you'll appreciate the support they give you, too. And if you are breast-feeding, of course you'll need them for that purpose.
Other Items for Mum
- Eyeglasses if you need them. Leave contacts home; you may lose them and you won't be wearing them much anyway
- Comb, brush, things to tie your hair back with if needed
- Personal toiletries. The hospital can provide basics, but if you have and like your own personal soap, shampoo, etc., you should remember to take those
- Light reading material, just in case you have a lull in activity
- Pen and paper, birth announcement cards, etc. These are possibilities if you want to get a head start on telling everyone about your new arrival while you have the time.
Items for Both Mum and Dad/Partner, As Applicable Such As:
- Change for using a vending machine or telephone
- If you get hungry after labor, you may want some food readily available. You can also bring nonperishable snacks with you to munch on after labor is over
- Video camera, memory card or film, etc., and battery backup as needed for recording the blessed event- and remember, this is something you can't go back and do later! So record things while they're happening to mark the occasion
- Cell phone and charger OR prepaid calling card for phone calls, or use a prepaid calling card if the hospital doesn't allow cell phones.
Specifically for Dad/Partner
- Extra clothing/toiletries. You should make sure a small extra bag of clothing and toiletries is packed for your partner, if he or she is staying during the whole birth with you, too.
Items for Baby
Ah, yes, your little one is going to need some clothing and accessories, too. For the baby you'll need:
- A cute little outfit to wear home
- Some warm blankets to wrap the baby up in
- Seasonally appropriate outdoor wear, such as a snowsuit if it's particularly cold
- Extra diapers, formula, etc., especially if the trip home is going to be long or it'll take you a little bit to set up once you get home.
A Car Seat is Essential
Finally, make sure the baby has an appropriate car seat to go home in, so that your bundle of joy gets home safely. And of course, it's also the law that you must do this.
There's so much going on when a new baby is about to arrive and it can be really easy to forget to take even the basic necessities with you. This list should help you remember to pack what you need so that you can focus more on the really important thing- the birth and homecoming of you and your new baby!
--> Now that you have a list of what to pack in your bag, why not continue browsing our collections of baby changing bags now to find that perfect bag to pack your new baby's things into?
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