Your hospital bag for labour

Hospital bag for labour – what to bring?

Every future mom needs to consider packing up her hospital bag for labour earlier. Hospital layette is one of the most important elements when it comes to preparing for the upcoming labour. A well-organised bag ensures comfort during the stay in hospital and makes it easy to come back home. The list of hospital layette should consider both elements for a mom as well as for the newborn. In a hereby article you will find out when and how to prepare such bag and also what should be inside.

Download your list here!

Hospital bag for labour – when to pack up?

The right time for packing a hospital bag for labour is usually couple weeks before the planned date of labour. It’s a moment in which a future mom feels that the end of pregnancy is coming and knows that the labour might start anytime. It’s advisable to have your bag ready around the 36th week of pregnancy as well as all the elements of layette completed. You can consider preparing an extra bag with your partner or companion’s things.

How to pack up a hospital bag?

Packing your hospital bag should be well thought out. The list of items for the layette should include the essentials: clothes, personal hygiene products, and newborn care items. Prepare three separate kits: one for the mother, one for the newborn and additional accessories that may come in handy during the birth. It is also a good idea to remember to pack your documents and the results of tests carried out during pregnancy.

Childbirth bag – what to bring for mum?

A mother-to-be’s layette is crucial to ensure comfort during her stay in hospital. First and foremost, you should pack comfortable clothes, hygiene products and accessories necessary for the care of the newborn.

Childbirth bag – what to pack?

During childbirth, comfort and convenience are essential. It is a good idea to have prepared:

• A birthing shirt – loose, comfortable, preferably with easy access to the breast.
• A dressing gown – ideal for moving around the hospital and resting after the birth.
• Loose maternity clothes – comfortable, cotton clothes that won’t put pressure on the belly.
• Postnatal panties – preferably disposable, breathable, hypoallergenic.
• Postnatal sleepers – provide hygiene and comfort after birth. Hypoallergenic postnatal sleepers are a good option to minimise the risk of irritation.
• Thermal water spray – useful for refreshing and moisturising your face during labour.

Shirt for childbirth – why is it important?

A maternity shirt should be comfortable, breathable and made of natural materials. It is one of the items that keeps mom comfortable during labour, and access to the breast makes it easier to breastfeed quickly after the baby is born.

A dressing gown and comfortable clothes for the hospital stay

During a hospital stay, it is a good idea to be comfortable. A bathrobe is a practical solution for colder conditions or for walking down the hospital corridor. Nightgowns for hospital should be breathable and comfortable, and preferably suitable for nursing.

Postnatal sleepers and postnatal panties

Postnatal sleepers are a must-have item in every mother’s layette. Their main task is to ensure hygiene and protection in the first days after childbirth. Postnatal underwear, on the other hand, thanks to their elasticity and breathability, help keep the sleepers in place while not putting pressure on delicate parts of the body.

Breast pads and breastfeeding gowns

Breast pads are essential accessories for every breastfeeding mom, especially at the beginning when lactation is not yet stabilised. They protect clothes from moisture while ensuring freshness and hygiene. It’s also a good idea to take along a breastfeeding shirt, which will make it easier to access the breast and make breastfeeding comfortable for both mom and baby.

Thermal water spray and other useful accessories

During the birth and hospital stay, many mothers appreciate thermal spray water, which is great for refreshing and moisturising the skin. Other useful accessories include intimate hygiene product, for example, which will help to maintain good hygiene after the birth.

Childbirth bag – what to take for the newborn?

Your maternity bag should contain all the essentials that will keep your little one comfortable in the first few days of life. In addition to clothes, it is worth taking care of nappies, nursing products and cosy blankets.

Disposable nappies and tetras

Disposable nappies are essential in the first few weeks of a baby’s life. It’s worth packing at least one pack so that you don’t have to worry about running out of them in the hospital. Tetra nappies are also an extremely practical solution – they can be used as a base, cover or washcloth.

Nappy cream and wet wipes

Nappy cream is an essential product in the newborn care. Its purpose is to protect the skin from chafing and irritation, which is particularly important in the first days of life. Wet wipes are another practical accessory that makes it easier to maintain the hygiene of the baby.

Cap, mittens and blanket for the newborn baby

In the first few days of a newborn baby’s life, it is important to keep him warm and protected. A cap protects the head from losing heat and anti-scratch mittens prevent accidental scratching of the delicate facial skin. The blanket, on the other hand, provides cosiness and warmth, especially during sleep.

Baby cone and hooded towel

A baby cone is an excellent choice when your little one needs cosiness and a sense of security. For many newborns, the tight wrapping in a cone is reminiscent of the conditions in their mother’s belly. A hooded towel, on the other hand, is ideal after a bath – it helps to keep baby warm and dry.

Soother and other accessories

It’s also a good idea to have a soother ready, which can help soothe your baby in times of distress. However, check that the hospital you are going to accepts the use of dummies in your baby’s first days.

Documents necessary at the hospital

Preparing the documents is another important element. The results of the tests carried out during pregnancy and the birth plan are documents that should be in your bag. The birth plan is a document in which you can include your preferences for the birth process, which will allow you to cooperate better with the medical staff.

Why is it important to have a birth plan?

A birth plan allows the mother-to-be to be clear about her expectations of how she wants the birth to go. This may include issues related to the position for delivery, methods of pain relief, as well as decisions regarding immediate skin-to-skin contact.

Pregnancy test results – what to take with you?

Bring with you all the results of tests carried out during your pregnancy, including your most recent ultrasound, blood test, urine tests and any other tests that may be relevant to the doctors during labour. All documents should be completed and available in one place.

Going home – what to prepare?

Once you have given birth and left the hospital, it is time to go home. It is a good idea to make the necessary preparations beforehand to make this time as comfortable as possible.

Car seat and baby carrier

Coming home safely is a priority. A car seat or baby carrier is an absolute must. Make sure you have a properly fitted car seat in your car to ensure maximum safety for your baby.

Comfortable clothes for leaving the hospital for mum and baby

For both mom and baby, it is a good idea to prepare comfortable clothes for leaving the hospital. For mum, loose, comfortable clothes that do not put pressure on the abdomen, and for baby, a warm blanket and suitable clothes. Depending on the season, this may also include a jacket or overalls for the newborn.