The third trimester: An exciting time full of anticipation, but also with a growing carousel of thoughts. What else do I need to get? Have I thought of everything? One of the most important tasks before the big day is packing the hospital bag. Because when labor starts, you should only have one thought: anticipation for your baby – and not the worry of having forgotten something important.
To take exactly this worry away from you, we have created this complete checklist for your hospital bag. This way you can prepare everything in peace and concentrate on the birth in a relaxed manner.
When should I pack the hospital bag?
The rule of thumb is: About four to six weeks before the calculated due date – i.e. from the 34th to 36th week of pregnancy – the hospital bag should be packed and ready. This way you are prepared for everything if your baby decides to come a little earlier, and you can enjoy the last few weeks relaxed without having to think about packing.
The hospital bag – Divided for the perfect overview
For a better overview, we have divided the checklist into logical areas: Everything for the mom, the most important things for the baby and a small list for the accompanying person.
Part 1: For the mom
Important documents
Admittedly, one doesn't like to think about paperwork, but these documents are the most important "must-have" when packing the hospital bag.
- Maternity log (Mutterpass)
- ID card / Passport
- Health insurance card
- Optional: Marriage certificate or birth certificate (for registering the baby)
- Optional: Birth plan
Our tip: Since you will certainly still need your ID card and health insurance card, stick a large reminder note on the suitcase so that you don't forget these important documents at the decisive moment.
For the delivery room
These are the things you should have handy during birth to feel as comfortable as possible.
- Comfortable, wide birth shirt or nightgown
- Thick, warm socks
- Hair tie or headband
- Lip balm – an absolute must!
- Small, energy-giving snacks (e.g. muesli bars, glucose, dates)
- A long charging cable for your cell phone
For the postpartum period on the ward
For the first few days after birth, during which you recover and get to know your baby, comfortable and practical clothing is particularly important.
- Bathrobe or a large cardigan to throw on
- 2-3 breastfeeding nightgowns or pajamas (that can be opened at the front)
- Comfortable leggings or sweatpants
- Several wide, comfortable tops or breastfeeding tops
- 2 breastfeeding bras (ideally one size larger than usual)
- At least 5 comfortable, large cotton underpants
- Slippers or flip-flops
Toiletry bag & care
Make sure to pack unperfumed products if possible, because your baby should after all get to know and love your natural scent.
- Toothbrush & toothpaste
- Mild soap or unperfumed shower gel & shampoo
- Hairbrush and hair ties
- Nipple cream and nursing pads
- Pads for postpartum bleeding (usually also available in the hospital)
- Glasses and/or contact lenses and care products
Part 2: For the baby
You should also pack the hospital bag for your child. Although the hospital usually has suitable clothing ready here too, it is much nicer to wrap the little being directly in its own romper, isn't it? These things should be on the checklist for the baby hospital bag:
- 2 bodysuits or rompers that can be wrapped or buttoned at the front (ideally with long sleeves and legs).
- Socks, gloves and a small hat (especially if the newborn arrives in winter and experiences the outside world for the first time, wrapped up nice and warm).
- A set of clothes for the journey home.
- A nice cozy outdoor romper.
- Diapers (it never hurts to have an emergency set with you, especially for the journey home).
Tip: Baby wipes are your best friends from now on. There are now also great sustainable and biodegradable alternatives.
Part 3: For the accompanying person
The partner plays an important, supportive role. So he or she should also think of a few things to relieve the new mother.
- Snacks like muesli bars, crunchy apples or salty snacks – because hunger in between is bound to come.
- A set of clean clothes and a small hygiene set (toothbrush, deodorant). Because if the birth should take longer, the accompanying person might want to freshen up in between.
- Change for the coffee machine.
- Camera, smartphone and charger – for phone calls and photos.
Have you packed your hospital bag for the birth? In the last few weeks before the calculated due date, you should treat yourself to plenty of rest and devote yourself to the final preparations for your baby. This also includes the fact that your baby needs a cozy place to sleep, which you can take care of even before the birth.
For the arrival at home: A gentle start
The automatic baby hammock from swing2sleep is a cozy nest for your baby: It lies closely embraced in the hammock and thus feels particularly secure. This feeling reminds your baby of its time in your belly and helps it to calm down and fall asleep more easily.
We hope this article gives you a good orientation for your hospital bag. Keep in mind that this is an excerpt of the most important things. Our complete, detailed checklist for download offers you all the points for practical checking off and extra space for your personal notes. Secure the complete list here.
Photo by Erol Ahmed on Unsplash
Photo by Christin Noelle on Unsplash
