Maternity hospital bag: what to put in it and what it’s better not to forget. Complete guide to fees

It is customary to pack your bag for the maternity hospital in advance, at least by the 36th week of pregnancy, and preferably earlier. The list of things does not include essential items, but they will make the mother and baby’s stay in the maternity hospital easier. In this article, we’ll figure out what a maternity hospital bag should be like, what to put in it, and what it’s best not to forget.

Maternity hospital bag: what it should be

In fact, you need to pack not one, but several bags for the maternity hospital. You need to take the first one with you during hospitalization, prepare two more and leave them at home. This is because you will not be allowed into the maternity ward with baby diapers or shampoo, although you will need them.

Total for the maternity hospital you need to collect:

1. bag to the maternity ward

2. a bag for the postpartum ward with things for yourself and the baby

3. a bag with things for checkout.

Moreover, you cannot put things in ordinary fabric or leather bags - they will not be allowed in with them either. The main condition: the bag must be washable and transparent. This means that a bag made of soft plastic or a regular plastic bag will do.

Maternity ward bag: what to take with you when hospitalized in the maternity hospital

You definitely shouldn’t forget these things and it’s better to collect them in advance. Otherwise, you will have to look for everything you need after the contractions start - believe me, you don’t need it.

1. Folder with documents. The exact list of required documents can be found in the maternity hospital or on its website. Typically it includes:
2. The exchange card is an important document for the expectant mother, which you must take with you;
3. Passport;
4. Compulsory Medical Insurance Policy;
5. SNILS.

Sometimes you may need a birth certificate or medical documents that are not included in the exchange card. Check this in advance.

Without all these documents you will also be accepted, but after giving birth you will be placed in an observational unit for patients with risks, infectious diseases or who were not registered. Therefore, it is better to collect all the documents in advance in order to get into a regular ward.

1. Things for the maternity room. They will be needed during childbirth. Some maternity hospitals have strict rules and you are allowed to take only the bare minimum; in others you can even take cookies. Here is the minimum list of necessary things:
2. Rubber slippers;
3. Water without gas;
4. Phone and charger;
5. Compression garments (ask your doctor if you need them).

You can also take wet wipes, headphones, a maternity shirt, chocolate or cookies with you.

Bag for the postpartum ward: what mother and baby will need

The most voluminous bag (or even two) in which things for mother and baby are put. They will be needed after birth and will provide care for you and the baby. Usually they stay in maternity hospitals for 3-7 days after birth, which means there shouldn’t be too much stuff.

Baby items:

1. Diapers.

Let's decide on the size right away: a newborn baby will fit size NB (from English New born). Such, for example, are in the lines Premium and Comfort YokoSun diapers. The rulers, by the way, differ in shape. 

YokoSun diapers in the Comfort line are T-shaped, and in the Premium line they are Q-shaped. The Premium line also has a belly button cutout, while the Comfort line does not.

You should not take several packs of diapers with you, and you should not take more than one pack.

2. Wet wipes.

They will be needed, for example, when changing a diaper. Wet wipes for a newborn should be hypoallergenic, that is, without fragrances and alcohol, so as not to irritate the baby’s delicate skin. Such as YokoSun wet wipes, they are suitable for children from the first days of life, and the impregnating lotion consists of 99% purified water. No “soapy” effect or sticky feeling.

In the postpartum department, it is enough to take one package - 120 pieces will be quite enough.

3. Baby soap or gel.

You will need it to wash your baby. The product should also be hypoallergenic - without fragrances or dyes. It is more convenient to use the gel; it is easier to apply and wash off from the skin.

Do not wash your baby with soap after every diaper change - excessive hygiene is harmful to the skin.

Things for mom:

4. Disposable panties and postpartum pads.

Wearing regular ones after childbirth is prohibited due to the risks of infections. Therefore, it is better to prepare disposable ones for the maternity hospital in advance - they are hygienic and do not require maintenance.

You can use panty diapers YokoSunfor adults. They ensure hygiene and air circulation inside.

5. Nursing bra and breast pads.

After childbirth, the breasts increase, then ordinary underwear becomes tight. To avoid discomfort and even pain, you can prepare a nursing bra in advance.

You will also need breast pads. They will absorb milk during leakage - this is a problem faced by most mothers. The inserts will provide comfort and dryness and protect sensitive nipples from friction. They should be soft and tender, like YokoSun inserts. They are also easy to attach to underwear using Velcro - no friction or discomfort.

6. Healing cream

It is better to choose a product that is suitable for both mother and baby. For the mother - for the nipples if necessary, for the child - in case of diaper rash as prescribed by the doctor. By the way, you shouldn’t just use diaper cream; on the contrary, it can lead to irritation.

7. Hygiene supplies

In the maternity hospital you will need shampoo, shower gel, toothbrush and paste, comb, and sometimes a towel. Don't forget about wet wipes for yourself and toilet paper. It is convenient to take wet toilet paper with you - this is considered to be an even more hygienic option. YokoSun wet toilet paper is hypoallergenic, does not disturb the natural pH balance of the skin, and can also be flushed down the toilet. Just suitable for use in the maternity hospital.

Discharge bag: what you'll need on the way home

It is not necessary to pack a separate bag for checkout. But this will save you from unnecessary fuss - they may forget to bring some things to you, and then you will have to travel several times. Here are the things you will need for checkout:

1. Things for mom

Mom will need clothes for discharge, possibly cosmetics and dyes - so that she can be fully prepared for discharge.

2. Things for the baby

The child will also need holiday clothes. For example, a children's envelope, hats, socks, a blanket - depending on the time of year.

3. Baby car seat

You shouldn’t forget about safety on the way home either. Therefore, it is better if the car seat has already been purchased by the time of discharge.