-20% off the Theme of the Month with code ANTIAGE20

+421412304840 Office days 7:30 - 16:00
Go to cart 0 €

Hospital bag essentials – what should you pack?

Hospital bag essentials – what should you pack?

Essential items for the maternity ward

A hospital bag isn't just about clothes and cosmetics for you and your baby. It also means documents that you can't do without. You will definitely need your ID card, health insurance card, pregnancy record, marriage certificate (unmarried couples need the mother's birth certificate and a declaration of paternity). It is also worth considering having a written birth plan with you, somewhere a playlist is also useful, during which you want to give birth and a list with selected names. Of course, it is not an obligation, but it is useful to have these things at hand.

Things for mum

Packing can generally be very stressful, let alone when you're packing for the maternity ward. Childbirth is a process that is exhausting for both you and your baby. The comfort of both of you and the functionality of all the things you bring with you are important. Really only pack what you need. If you're a first-time mum, you're bound to feel a little lost. Here's a list of what we found useful in the maternity ward, and what we consider must-haves for your hospital bag:

  • A loose-fitting nightdress (ideally with a low neckline or front fastening, which you'll appreciate when breastfeeding),
  • Slippers and warm socks,
  • A nursing or pregnancy pillow,
  • A dressing gown,
  • A nursing bra,
  • Knickers (disposable mesh knickers, cotton knickers - plenty of each),
  • A bath towel and hand towel,
  • Any medication you regularly take,
  • An outfit to travel home from the hospital in (usually comfortable pieces that you feel good in),
  • Inflatable ring (you'll appreciate it when sitting down).

Things for the baby

Even though it may seem like you're moving, it's always better to separate the baby's things and the mother's things into two different travel bags. Why? For practicality. When you're looking for things for the baby, you know where to reach. You won't have to rummage through the whole bag trying to find, for example, a small cream that can hide nicely. Choose clothes that are larger rather than dealing with the problem of the baby being small. Choose several pieces for this, babies may spit up or poop. Everything is new for the first nappy change, so opt for pieces that have fasteners on the sides so nothing has to be pulled over the head. What must-haves should you pack for your baby?

  • cotton nappies,
  • sleepsuits (size usually 56 - 62),
  • shirts (size usually 56 - 62),
  • cotton hat,
  • bodysuits (size usually 56 - 62),
  • socks,
  • mittens (prevent babies from scratching themselves),
  • baby blanket or comforter,
  • swaddling blanket,
  • baby towel.

Cosmetics for mum

Cosmetics are also important in the maternity ward, not just for the mum, but for the baby too. Packing only what you need for yourself means you'll only use the bare minimum of items. You can leave various styling products, hairsprays or lots of makeup at home from the cosmetics. What is a must-have in the maternity ward in the field of cosmetics?

  • Postpartum pads,
  • Bed pad (in case of incontinence),
  • Breast pads (if milk leaks),
  • Toilet paper,
  • Shower gel (preferably unscented so it doesn't irritate you),
  • Shampoo,
  • Soap,
  • Toothbrush and toothpaste,
  • Cream for nipples (which may become inflamed),
  • Lip balm,
  • Body cream,
  • Hand cream,
  • Hot water bottle or heat pad,
  • Basic make-up (some mums want to look good in the photos from the maternity ward).

Baby cosmetics

In the first few days, you may not know what to get for your baby, what you will really need, what, on the other hand, will be lying in the drawer. Shortly after birth, the baby needs enough things that may not occur to you immediately. Therefore, we bring a basic list of which baby cosmetics are a must-have for the maternity ward:

Other things that will come in handy

Do you think you have everything packed? The opposite is true. Also, there are other small things that may not be vital, of course, clothing and cosmetics for you and your baby, but they can make your time in the hospital more pleasant and make your life much easier. You want to be in contact with your loved ones, take photos of your baby and send photos, call and not disturb other mothers and much more. What else is a must-have for the maternity ward?

  • Mobile phone and charger,
  • headphones (for listening to soothing music and for calls with family),
  • breast pump,
  • favourite pillow,
  • haemorrhoid cream,
  • spray for moisturising mucous membranes,
  • chocolate, glucose or other sweets (to replenish energy and sugar levels),
  • hair dryer,
  • other items at your discretion.

If you are unsure about choosing the right breast pump, or other aids for mothers, check out NUK brand products.