There’s plenty of advice on what pregnant women should take to the hospital, but when the big day looms there will be a lot more things that you will have to do than bother about packing hospital bag. Here is a hospital bag checklist once you want to gather all the essentials you’ll need during labor and child-birth and for after your baby is born.
When to pack the hospital bag?
It’s a good idea to have a hospital bag packed by the time you
are about 35 weeks/8 months pregnant so that you’re ready even if you may need to go to the hospital unexpectedly for delivery.
Of course, if you want to get a jumpstart on things, by all means start earlier—when to pack a hospital bag is up to you! But it’s a good idea not to leave it for later than 38 weeks.
First things first!
Check with your hospital what it provides and what you can bring yourself, but keep in mind that hospital rooms are not always very big. You may need to store everything in a small cupboard in your room.
Here is your checklist in the order you will need things in the hospital:
Things to pack for Labor:
- ID card, Insurance info, Hospital forms – you know how often you get asked for your aadhar card these days! The hospital may also need them.
- Slippers.
- Cotton socks (A lot of women report feeling cold once in labor.)
- Light shawl or shrug (if the weather is cold.)
- Massage oil or lotion if you would like to be massaged during your labor.
- Lip balm.
- Something to sip on, if permitted by the hospital. Otherwise simple lozenges would do just fine
- Mobile phone and charger. (Few mums may like to keep a creative message ready to make baby announcements later)
- Hairbrush, hairband (in case you would like to tie/pull your hair up)
- Things to help you relax or pass the time, such as sudoku, puzzles, books, magazines, games and so on.
- Lotion or wet wipes to freshen up.
- Music to listen to.
- Comfy pillow from home (in case you particularly like one)
Things to pack for partner:
- A change of clothes and overnight essentials
- Toileteries (including toothbrush, toothpaste, shaving kit, comb etc)
- Hand towel
- Music, books, games and so on (It may be along wait for them)
- Light snacks & drinks (if the hospital does not have a cafetaria)
- Light jacket or a blanket
- Comfortable shoes or slippers (remember they may have to be in hospital at a stretch)
- Insurance and hospital forms
- Pen, credit card etc
- Mobile charger, power bank
Things to pack 
for baby:
- 2-3 infant size clothes (If you are not supposed to buy before your baby is born, keep a few hand-me-down infant clothes washed and ironed)
- Soft baby blanket / cotton sheet (as per the weather)
- Handful of nappies (there is a lot of variety available, the softest ones are those in linen or from pre-worn cotton/linen sarees and should be washed before use)
- Nappy pads or diapers in new-born size
- Cap (cotton for summer baby, woolen for winter baby)
- Socks (for winter baby)
- Wet wipes
- A soft baby towel
- Baby changing mat or a water-proof rubber mat for baby’s diaper-free time
- Coming-home outfit for the baby (your baby will be outdoors for the first time even though for a very short span)
Things needed after child-birth:
- Toiletries (including toothbrush, toothpaste and sanitary napkins)
- Comfortable panties (loose and stretchy ones may be comfortable to wear)
- 2 set of maternity bra
- Nursing or breast pads (to contain the leaking breasts)
- Non-perishable snacks for the first boost of energy after child-birth
- Warm and comfortable jacket or shawl (you will be feeling cold immediately after child-birth)
- Stole/Shawl/Dupatta to cover while you are breastfeeding
- Feeding pillow, if you plan to use one
- Comfortable going-home maternity clothes and flat shoes
Once you have packed your hospital bag, time to practice your moves for labor. If you haven’t learnt yet, enroll for a labor preparation workshop right away. You could also use this time to learn more about breast feeding and post-partum care.
FabMoms regularly conducts workshops for labor preparation and breastfeeding. Call 9920991286 to know more.