Endlessly long lists with 10 different outfits for the newborn... Yes, these hospital bag checklists can make you panic just before birth, and yet it's somehow nice to know that you've thought of everything. Our midwife Charlotte explains what you really need in your hospital bag!
When should I pack my hospital bag?
The rule here is: better too early than too late. Several weeks before birth, around the 36th week of pregnancy (SSW), your baby will move significantly deeper into the pelvis and prepare for the upcoming birth. Since it can start at any time from this point on, you should have packed or at least prepared your hospital bag four weeks before the estimated due date.
What goes into the hospital bag?
1. Important documents for the hospital bag
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Maternity record
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Health insurance card
Your maternity record and health insurance card are the most important. Things like your ID card, passport, marriage certificate, or, if you're unmarried, the acknowledgment of paternity and birth certificates of both parents, are not immediately necessary – you can submit those later. Note: If one parent comes from abroad, the birth certificates should be certified.
2. Basics for the hospital bag
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Charger cable
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Favorite snacks
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Water bottle and a straw
Perhaps you're wondering why a straw? It's simple: this way you can drink comfortably while lying down – practical during labor and birth.
3. Clothing for the hospital bag
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Warm socks
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Flip-flops or similar plastic shoes
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XXL T-shirt
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Nightgown with nursing function
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Comfortable (nursing) bra
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Maternity leggings (that still fit at 6 months)
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Laundry bag for dirty clothes
You don't need much for the birth itself: a pair of warm socks, flip-flops, and a large T-shirt that can get dirty (your partner's is fine too). For the time after birth, pack a nightgown with nursing function, a comfortable (nursing) bra, and the maternity leggings that still fit you well around the 6th month.
4. Hygiene articles for the hospital bag
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Toothbrush and toothpaste
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Cosmetic products (shower gel, mild deodorant, face cream, lip care)
Minimalism first! Just pack a toothbrush, toothpaste, and a few basics like shower gel, a mild deodorant, lip balm, and a face cream.
5. Baby equipment for the hospital bag
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An outfit for the trip home
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Infant car seat or car seat (only upon pickup)
As for your baby, you hardly need to bring anything. In the first few days, skin-to-skin contact (if possible) with the baby is best anyway. Apart from that, every hospital usually has enough baby clothes on site. You only need to pack one outfit for the ride home: a romper or onesie, pants, a jacket, and a hat. Your partner should ideally bring the infant car seat or car seat only upon pickup!
Which items for the hospital bag are available at the hospital?
The list might seem a bit short now, but many important items are provided by the hospital itself. Hygiene items, such as disposable underwear, postpartum pads, sanitary pads, nursing pads and cushions, and a soothing nipple balm, are standard equipment in every maternity ward. You can also safely leave diapers, burp cloths, washcloths, or wet wipes for your baby at home. Formula and pacifiers are also available, should you need them.
If you want to make sure you don't forget anything important, just ask your maternity hospital beforehand what exactly will be provided.
Do I need a breast pump?
If your baby has difficulty starting to breastfeed, can't drink on its own yet, or you're struggling with engorgement or sore nipples, a breast pump can be a useful support. But don't worry, every clinic is usually well equipped for all eventualities. If a breast pump should also be an option for you in the long term, you will have plenty of time to take care of it after the birth.
Hospital bag checklist for download
Here's the checklist for the hospital bag for download
Have fun packing your hospital bag and with the final preparations for the birth!
O U R E X P E R T
Charlotte I Midwife B.Sc.
