Maternity hospital bag: a complete list of things for mother and baby

List of things to take to the maternity hospital

My Sunshine® Complete list of things for the maternity hospital. Save the checklist so you don't forget anything.

Getting ready for the maternity hospital is a very important stage in the joyful anticipation of the first meeting with the baby. Making a list of things in advance and packing a bag for the maternity hospital is moral preparation for an important event and a guarantee of comfort before and after childbirth. You don’t have to spend a lot of time explaining to your mom or husband what things you need to buy. A list of things to take to the maternity hospital has been compiled, things have been collected - this means you can not be distracted by little things and focus on the long-awaited meeting with your child.

Doctors recommend preparing a bag for the maternity hospital at 31-32 weeks. Things that you may need in the maternity hospital can be divided into 4 groups: before birth, after birth, for the baby and for discharge. Of course, with so many bags they may not be allowed into the maternity hospital, so it’s better to put everything sequentially in one transparent bag.

According to sanitary standards, the bag cannot be made of leather or fabric; it is required to take a bag or a transparent plastic bag to the maternity hospital. We will consistently go through the list of necessary things for mother and baby - from documents to slippers, so as not to forget anything.

What documents should be in the delivery bag?

You need to put the following in the folder:

Passport and photocopy of passport;
Original marriage certificate to obtain a child’s birth certificate on the day of discharge;
Compulsory health insurance policy (CHI) and its photocopy;
Insurance certificate of compulsory pension insurance and its photocopy;
An exchange card with data on how the pregnancy progressed: the dynamics of fetal development, the results of all ultrasounds and tests, drug intolerance, indications for cesarean section;
A complete medical record for 9 months (do not forget to take the record to the doctor from the 32nd week);
Birth certificate (if available);
Contract with the maternity hospital if you are giving birth for a fee;
Receipt for payment for a single room or joint birth, if you have chosen paid services.

A separate point is that the spouse must be taken to the maternity hospital if he plans to be present at the birth:

Passport;
Health certificate;
Fluorography.

The list of documents, certificates and things that you need with you during a partner birth depends on which maternity hospital you choose. You will need to check by phone.

What do you need to buy before giving birth?

Of course, what you need to buy for the birth of your baby is up to you to decide. However, experienced parents still strongly recommend purchasing some accessories. Think for yourself, immediately after leaving the maternity hospital with your baby, you will need a lot. We bring to your attention an approximate list of things for newborns for the first time .

Crib and chest of drawers

Take care in advance about buying a crib because the child will need to be put to bed. Please ensure that it is absolutely safe. It is best to choose a model that is made from natural materials. On many modern models, the side wall can be removed, and the bed thus turns into a cozy little sofa.

The chest of drawers plays an important role - the baby has a lot of things. These include children's clothing, toys, and care products. In order to organize and conveniently store all things, a chest of drawers is simply necessary. It is very convenient to order furniture for newborns through the online store with home delivery and assembly. In this case, you don’t have to think about how to transport your purchases from the store to your apartment.

Changing table or changing pad

To ensure a comfortable position for the child while changing clothes, performing hygiene procedures or changing a diaper, a pad or a special children's changing table is needed. With their help, it will be much easier for you; you won’t have to constantly hold your baby. And the baby himself will feel comfortable.

Bathtub

It will be very difficult to do without a bathtub. The process of bathing the baby after discharge from the hospital is a necessary procedure. You will carry out water procedures every day, so choose the most convenient bath.

Bed linen for baby

It is better to buy several sets of bedding for your child at once. You should not buy a cotton blanket; the baby will not need it at all. Don't forget to purchase children's oilcloth, which is easy to wash and dry. The mattress will remain dry and the child will be comfortable.

Set for discharge

Be sure to buy a kit for your baby's discharge. Focus on the time of year. Special warm sets with a blanket are suitable for winter. This item will stay with you for a long time. Think about how nice it will be to get a set when your little one grows up and remember these pleasant moments. A convenient option is to go to the online store of goods for babies and order everything online. This will free you from tedious trips to the departments of children's stores in late pregnancy.

What things will you need before giving birth?

Before making purchases, call the reception department of your maternity hospital and find out whether they provide underwear for women in labor and newborns, or if you should bring everything with you. Each maternity hospital has its own order. But in order to be comfortable in the maternity hospital, you need to prepare everything you need:

For placement in the ward: shoe covers, clothing bags (to fold the clothes in which you were admitted);
A robe with a belt or zipper that will not hinder movement. Choose a robe according to the time of year - warmer or thinner. Terry robes are not allowed;
Shirt;
Washable slippers to keep them clean;
Thin and warm socks (not woolen ones), several pairs;
Compression stockings: they are recommended to be worn during childbirth to protect the legs from the formation of blood clots in the veins;
Hygiene items: toilet paper, toothpaste and brush, shampoo, razor - everything you are used to using to take care of yourself. It is better to limit yourself to a travel set of cosmetics to lighten the load;
Utensils: cup, spoon and mug;
A bottle of still water (1 liter or more);
Have a snack in case you get hungry and the dining room is closed: the main thing is that the food intake does not contradict the doctor’s recommendations;
Garbage bags (the room is sterile, so there is no trash can), paper toilet seats;
If you are having a partner birth, your husband will need rubber slippers and a change of clothes.

Maternity hospital bag 1. Maternity bag for mom or list of what to take to maternity hospital for mom?

Block: Documents.

Moms, we check them against the list and put them in a transparent A4 folder with a lock.

passport;
compulsory health insurance policy (if any);
contract for paid childbirth or contract for individual delivery (if any);
exchange card received at the antenatal clinic at 30 weeks;
open sick leave;
all tests, certificates, examinations: everything you have received over the past 9 months;
Recent tests for hepatitis, RW, HIV infection, general urine test, clinical blood test, coagulogram are required. Everything else depends on the indications and health status of the woman.

After 34-35 weeks (and even earlier), take her with you constantly, even if her health and well-being are excellent! If you arrive at the maternity hospital without the necessary documentation, you will be admitted but placed in the observation department. This is a department where there may be women with infectious diseases, or simply unidentified individuals.

BUT, this will not happen to you, you are a responsible mother, and even more so you are reading this article). What else should you take with you to the maternity hospital? If the birth is partnered (with husband or mother):

passport
fluorography
permission for partner birth
compulsory medical insurance policy
physician's report and laboratory data.

Block: Hygiene items for mom and essentials.

Several rolls of toilet paper.
Urological or postpartum pads. They absorb more than regular ones (even night ones). It's better to take 2 packs. Let me explain, often during childbirth, mothers experience stretching of the bladder muscles (Kegel muscles) and urinary incontinence occurs when sneezing, laughing, etc.
Baby wet wipes are more gentle for going to the toilet during the postpartum period.
A pack of dry wipes;
Breast pads (relevant for second-time mothers who know that there can be a lot of milk in the breast, based on last time’s experience). They should be there just in case, although for some young mothers milk arrives only after 3-4 days, and there is no need to be afraid of leakage.
A small tube of toothpaste, a brush, liquid soap with a dispenser (antibacterial with caring ingredients, preferably without a strong aroma), shampoo and conditioner (preferably all in samples or small sizes).
Face and hand cream (I took universal D-panthenol, it came in handy as a nipple cream (in the first days, especially mothers who have not given birth may experience nipple soreness).
Lenses (glasses) - if you wear them.
Comb, hair tie.
Cup, spoon, fork, plate.
Disposable toilet covers.
Garbage bags (for storing garbage, pads, used diapers).
Chapstick (required).
Money (there are different cases).
Pen and small notepad.
Shaver.
Manicure accessories are useful if you have to stay in the maternity hospital for a week after a caesarean section, and baby scissors are useful for cutting your baby’s nails.
Lightly scented deodorant/other disinfectant (I used Miristin). We remember that the armpits are next to the chest and everything that we apply to them will penetrate the skin (food for thought...).
Phone and charger/power bank; necessary medications, if your doctor told you about them.

Block: Clothes

Robe. Choose the one that is most comfortable and provides easy access to the breast for feeding the baby, as well as one that is appropriate for the time of year and the presence of heating in the maternity hospital.
A shirt (they often give you a government shirt for childbirth, so take one for the postpartum time in the ward).
Socks (not woolen ones, buy cotton ones): they will also come in handy in the delivery room; usually contractions can be accompanied by chills - 3 pairs.
Washable slippers for showering and another slipper for the room.
Underwear made from natural fabrics, not thongs.
Two comfortable nursing bras with wide straps and good support (size based on the fact that your breasts will expand after childbirth).
Five disposable panties (bloody discharge will be quite profuse after the birth of the baby. Despite the pads, the underwear will get dirty, so it’s easier to get disposable panties rather than wash regular ones). By request, urological pads saved me.
Towels (large for the body and 2 small for hands/feet).
Pregnant women suffering from varicose veins are advised to wear compression stockings and elastic bandages to wrap their legs.
For the partner (slippers, robe (disposable ones are sold in pharmacies), shoe covers, cap, mask, clean disposable clothing). Light snack, water.
Warm blanket, blanket (prepare separately at home so that your family can bring it if necessary);

Block: Things for the family room. Is it worth taking food to the maternity hospital?

Expectant mothers, contractions are enough, and for some, a very exhausting period. I remember that I didn’t have the strength to endure the very last contractions. I sat down and passed out after 12 hours of torment completely for 5 minutes. Strong enough black tea with sugar in a thermos gave me strength (although I didn’t want to drink it, but my wise mother, who gave birth with me, carefully prepared it, it helped me, I really came to my senses) + a bottle of drinking water without gas, convenient with a dispenser like sportix. Childbirth often takes place lying down and this bottle is much more convenient.

Plus toilet paper and a phone with charger EVERYTHING! I remember at that moment I had no time for music, I wanted personal privacy, and so that no one would touch or ask anything.

Many people ask what to take from food to the maternity hospital? You shouldn’t take food with you: what if you have an emergency caesarean section and your stomach is full!

What else should I take to the maternity hospital for my mother? Of course a first aid kit! You say the maternity hospital has everything you need! Perhaps, but I'm not sure. Agree, when everything is at hand and you don’t have to ask anyone, it’s convenient.

Block: First aid kit for mom.

When going to the maternity hospital, you can pack a first aid kit with you. It is worth taking the medications that your mother will need.

Paracetamol, in a situation where, due to the flow of milk, the temperature may rise and the general condition worsens. Take, of course, in consultation with your doctor.
Levomekol is an ointment for treating perineal sutures or after cesarean section. This speeds up healing and prevents possible inflammation.
Packaging of Noshpa or Drotaverine.
Suppositories with glycerin for constipation/softening stool. After childbirth or cesarean section, you may have difficulty moving your bowels.
If a woman suffers from hemorrhoids, it is better to take special creams or ointments with her to the maternity hospital. Since the disease can worsen after childbirth.
A package of anti-bactericidal patches and a sterile bandage can be useful in the postpartum department.
Medicines that you take regularly should be taken first.

An electric kettle or boiler (tea is necessary for nursing mothers to increase lactation) - prepare it in advance, if possible, then your family will bring it (no need to take it with you).

What should be in a baby's cosmetic bag?

Wet wipes, for example, “My Sunshine”, which are recommended by pediatricians for children from birth.

Soap or washing gel from the “My Sunshine” series; they can also be used from the first day of life.

Diaper cream “My sunshine”. Thanks to jojoba oil, D-panthenol and zinc in the cream, the baby's skin will be protected from irritation and diaper rash.

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Hygiene supplies

Caring for a newborn involves not only regular bathing, but also daily hygiene procedures. The list of things a baby and parents need includes diapers. Many people do not know how many pieces can be spent per day. In the first time after birth, up to 10 diapers can be used per day. Therefore, experienced parents buy them in advance, in whole packages. Preference is given to products from European and Japanese brands, which allow air to pass through, absorb moisture well, and do not irritate children's skin.

In addition to diapers, you need to buy several packs of baby wipes. You can take them with you on walks or keep them in the children's room to quickly remove dirt if necessary. It is better to store wet wipes in special containers in which they do not dry out.

Other hygiene items that a baby needs in the first days and weeks after birth include:

· cotton pads;

· cotton swabs with limiters;

· scissors with rounded ends to prevent cuts;

· diaper cream;

· baby oil;

· cotton swabs or simple pharmaceutical cotton wool for treating the umbilical wound;

· comb;

· disposable absorbent diapers that can be used during air baths;

· thin diapers that can be used instead of a towel.

Until now, both parents and pediatricians argue about the benefits of pacifiers. However, the choice will be up to the child in any case. Babies who have a well-developed sucking reflex and for whom breastfeeding is not enough cannot do without a pacifier. Some babies ignore pacifiers altogether. Parents cannot predict what their baby will be like, so they still include a pacifier on the list of necessary things. In addition to it, they buy a special container and a chain, which help out on walks.

What will a child need in the maternity hospital?

Caps, 2 pieces each, warm and light

Undershirts, it’s better to take 3-4 pieces with you, of different density (depending on the time of year).

Bodysuits, jumpsuits. Buy at the rate: one day - one set. It is better to choose ones that fasten with buttons rather than being pulled over your head.

Socks and anti-scratch socks.

Disposable diapers 60x60, which will be needed during examinations.

Diapers for newborns (3-5 kg), large package.

Cotton pads and sterile cotton wool for ears and nose.

Mixture and bottle. Keep it in your bag in case you don't breastfeed.

What to take with you to the delivery room

To the delivery room you need to take only those things that the medical staff will put on the child:

cap;
diaper;
socks.

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It is better to put them in a separate bag so that you can quickly take them out and hand them over to the obstetrician at the right time.

We must remember! Things for a baby should be bought from natural materials. As for the cap, its seams should be on the outside. It is better to choose a headdress without ties so that nothing gets in the way or puts pressure on the baby.

What will mom need after giving birth?

Typically, mother and baby spend 3-5 days in the postpartum ward, so it is important to stock up on:

Nursing bra (keep in mind that your breasts will become larger after childbirth): they have clasps on the straps or between the cups to help you feed your baby faster;
Disposable panties and regular cotton panties;
Towels;
Wet wipes;
Pads - urological or postpartum;
Breast pads to avoid staining your underwear;
Glycerin suppositories (to make it easier to go to the toilet after childbirth);
A postpartum bandage to quickly bring your figure back to normal (if you had a caesarean section, a postoperative bandage is better);
Something for leisure: you can take with you a novel or a tablet with books and movies. Don't forget your phone and charger!

What is needed for good sleep?

Let's see what things should be in the children's room by the time the child appears in it. So, a detailed list of dowries for boys and girls.

Essential shopping

Of course, there must be a place where the baby will sleep:

A crib made of natural material. An important element of the environment, because the baby will spend most of his early life in it. A cradle specifically for such a case can serve as a replacement for a crib. The baby will be more comfortable in it for the first time after birth, but it will last for a maximum of a year. The rapid growth and development of mobility of the toddler will bring to the forefront the need for a crib, or even better, a playpen crib. Next, let's figure out what is needed in a crib for a newborn?
Mattress for sleeping. The crib or crib must be equipped with a mattress. This is an important item because it greatly affects a newborn's sleep. If we have the right mattress, we will have sound, healthy sleep.
Oilcloth . To believe that when using disposable diapers there is no need for oilcloth is a wrong opinion. A tired mother cannot always keep track of the degree of filling of the diaper, and even the best quality diapers have a limited volume of absorbed liquid, so leaks are inevitable. It must be borne in mind that the newborn’s body must breathe, and intimate places are no exception. If a child is deprived of this opportunity, diaper rash will form, and this will negatively affect the baby’s health and mood, with all the ensuing consequences. Doctors are sure that buying oilcloth is a must. Of course, this oilcloth is special for infants. It is made on a fabric basis and is available for sale. Purchasing such a product means not only protecting the mattress and other places where the toddler may be, but also saving on diapers, which is also important.

2-3 sets of linen . Replaceable bedding sets will ensure timely washing. Bed linen can last for several years, so you need to choose and buy it in accordance with this period of use.
Blanket . It is advisable to buy something that is not heavy, for example, flannelette. The choice depends on the time of year. If the child was born in winter, then you can use ready-made sleeping bags, if in summer - light blankets and blankets.

We recommend reading: Book stroller: rating of the best children's folding designs 2021, compact folding models

Optional but convenient things for a child's room

Cocoon . In the first few months, in parallel with the crib, you can use a special cocoon for newborns, which supports the baby's head and spine.
Sleep positioner . Allows you to fix the baby on its side at an angle of 45 degrees - protection from turning over onto the stomach and regurgitation.
Night light . The accessory is necessary for night feedings and rocking the baby. It is better to purchase it and even install it before the birth of the child, or at least before the mother and baby arrive from the maternity hospital. The glow should be such that it does not interfere with the child’s sleep, but on the other hand, it should not be too dim. It is best to purchase a night light with a regulator, which will allow you to use it throughout the night.
Changing table, chest of drawers or board. On the changing pad you can change diapers and carry out hygiene measures after children's surprises. Of course, you can do this on a bed or sofa, bending over, but it will be more beneficial for the health of an already tired mother.

Canopy for the crib . It will allow you to create diffused light in the room (more details in the article: how to sew a canopy for a crib with your own hands - master class with patterns).
Fitball . A large round inflatable ball seems like a completely unexpected thing for a newborn. However, according to many mothers and pediatricians, this accessory allows you to quickly and easily rock the baby, and after 3-4 months it is used as an assistant in gymnastics with the baby.

What to take when leaving the maternity hospital?

You don't have to take this package right away. According to the rules, your things should be stored in a nightstand, and they usually don’t have much space. Let your loved ones bring you clothes for you and your child separately. Prepare things in advance and put them in a visible place.

Clothes and shoes for mom;
If necessary, take cosmetics (so you can clean up before leaving);
A suit, envelope or blanket for a child (choose the density according to the weather);
The baby needs a set of diapers. You can put it aside from what you have or put it in your bag with your things for discharge.

Your husband or relatives will be able to give you everything you need to the maternity hospital through the checkpoint on the day of discharge. Do not forget that in the car the newborn needs to lie in a special cradle. Choose a comfortable suit or overalls for traveling in public transport.

Bathing products

Prepare your baby's bathing supplies in advance: baby bath, towels, baby shampoo and soap.

The bathtubs are sold classic, complemented by a net, slide or hammock, foldable, inflatable. Choose a comfortable bathtub in which the baby lies comfortably and safely, with the head above the water level. In such a bath, the mother does not support the baby’s head, her hands are free for bathing. And it’s safe, the baby won’t choke, water won’t get into his eyes and ears. For bathing in a large parental bath, buy a mattress or pillow on which the baby lies in the water. You can purchase a special inflatable ring.

A bathtub is a must-have item in the arsenal of things for a newborn. You will have to bathe your baby, and therefore you need to choose a bath that is comfortable to use and safe for the child

For water procedures, you will need a water thermometer; the water temperature for bathing a baby is 37° C. At first, a newborn is bathed by hand, but it is more convenient to use a soft washcloth or mitten. At the end of bathing, rinse the baby from a ladle or jug. The features of bathing an infant are discussed in detail here.

After bathing, the clean baby is wiped with a diaper and wrapped in a terry towel. Determine the softness of a baby towel by running it across your cheek or the back of your hand. Just buy a soft towel, without thorns and splinters, that is pleasant to the touch for your baby. The skin of newborns is delicate and susceptible to scratches; buy all baby clothes only that are soft and pleasant. If the towel smells unpleasant, don’t take it, don’t risk your baby’s health.

You can read about what things a newborn baby needs in the summer here.