This belongs in your hospital bag
The big day is getting closer and closer, but what should go in a hospital bag? We have put together a small list to help you get started.
Clothing for the expectant mother:
- Comfortable underwear
- Warm socks (important for contractions*)
- Long, loose tops
- Comfortable sweatpants
- bathrobe
- slippers
- Comfortable jacket or sweater
- Multiple nursing bras
- Clothes for the way home (The clothes that fit around 5 or 6 months)
- Possibly absorbent pad or large towel, as a base for the journey to the maternity clinic
*Heat helps relax your body during contractions
Hygiene bag:
- Washing and cosmetic products (toothbrush and toothpaste, shower gel, shampoo, deodorant, body lotion, face cream – creams should be as odorless as possible.)
- if necessary, glasses, contact lenses and liquids for contact lens storage
- hairbrush
- hair ties, hair bands or hair clips
- nursing pads**
- Highly absorbent sanitary pads (not tampons)*
- nipple cream
- any medication you may need
**This is mostly provided by the hospital.
Documents:
- identity card or passport
- maternity record
- if necessary, allergy passport, blood group card, laboratory results
- if applicable, documents of supplementary insurance
In some You can register your child directly at the facility. To do this, you will need the following from both parents:
- birth certificate
- marriage certificate if applicable
- proof of citizenship
- registration form
- if applicable, proof of an academic degree
Please inquire about this in advance at your planned maternity clinic.
Useful:
- cell phone and charging cable
- headphones
- if necessary, a playlist of your favorite songs for relaxation
- Small snacks to recharge your batteries such as bars, glucose tablets, energy balls , etc.
- Magazines or book (if the birth takes longer, e.g. if labor has been induced)
Clothing for the newborn:
- A few bodysuits (preferably sizes 50 to 62)
- Rompers or panties with top
- socks
- jacket
- Rompers or panties with top
- diapers for newborns
- Baby wipes or wet wipes (especially the intimate area of newborns should only be cleaned with water and washcloths or cotton pads.)
- burp cloths
- baby blanket
- if necessary, baby safety seat for the car
- if necessary for walking : stroller or sling
Things for the expectant father:
- Comfortable sweatpants
- Comfortable shoes (sports shoes, slippers)
- if necessary, a change of clothes
- if necessary, personal care items (toothbrush, shower gel, razor, deodorant, etc.)
- cell phone and charging cable
- identity card (e.g. passport)
- Drinks & snacks (since a birth can take a little longer.)
Now you know what needs to go into your hospital bag, but when exactly do you pack a hospital bag?
If you are in the final stages of your pregnancy, i.e. between the 34th and 36th week, then this is the ideal time to pack your hospital bag. As everyone knows, babies don't always stick to the schedule and it can happen that they are born a little earlier or a little later than the estimated due date.
Regardless of whether you decide on an outpatient birth, a home birth or a birth in a birthing center, it is never wrong to have a hospital bag packed, as you never know whether you might have to be transferred to a hospital again, for example if you give birth in a birthing center. It is better to pack too much than too little or nothing at all.