Maternity Ward Arrival Preparation : Essential Items Checklist

It's finally here the anticipated day when your little one is ready to make their entrance into the world! To ensure a stress-free experience, it's advisable to pack your maternity bag a few weeks before your due date. Being prepared in advance will grant you peace of mind when the moment arrives, allowing you to embrace this special occasion with tranquility.

But with preparations underway, you may wonder: what exactly should you pack in your maternity bag? From your essentials to items for your newborn's arrival, there's a variety of things to consider for a smooth transition into parenthood.

In this guide, explore a comprehensive checklist of items to pack, including clothing, administrative documents, and essential accessories, ensuring you're fully equipped for your stay at the maternity ward.

When is the ideal time to prepare the maternity suitcase?

Generally, a baby does not come into the world on the date indicated during consultations with the obstetrician. It can arrive much earlier or, on the contrary, later. For this reason, it is recommended to prepare your suitcase or maternity bag at the end of your seventh month of pregnancy.

To avoid mixing up all the things, you can separate those you need during childbirth from those you will need during your hospital stay. And of course, you will also put those of the newborn in a separate bag, whether it is their clothes, their care products or the baby carrier. This will allow you to organize yourself well.

Ideally, get help from your partner in packing your suitcases. Together, you will be sure not to forget anything. Once you have checked the bags and they are ready, place them in an easily accessible area, so you can easily load them into your car and quickly go to the hospital.

The maternity suitcase: the necessary documents

When you leave for the maternity ward, you must bring certain useful documents for the administrative procedures for the birth of your child. Here are the papers you should have with you.

The medical file: analysis results, ultrasounds, etc.

Remember to take the results of your tests, as well as your ultrasounds, when you pack up for the maternity ward. The medical team who will take care of you must have your medical file at their disposal, in order to help you give birth in optimal conditions. Your blood group card will also be required. In case you forget it, you will probably take a new blood test when you arrive at the clinic.

The mutual insurance card and the social security card

To benefit from coverage for your delivery and your hospital stay, you must bring your health insurance card, as well as your social security card. So, you will not have to advance your costs, unless you possibly exceed the fees.

The family record book: to declare the birth of a newborn

In order to register the birth of your future child, you must have your family record book with you. Slip it into a pocket of your suitcase to avoid forgetting it.

Early Baby Recognition: For Unmarried People

For people who are not married, advance baby recognition is required. Have this document with you when you go to the maternity ward. Firstly, it will allow you to facilitate administrative procedures when it is necessary to declare the arrival of your child. In addition, if you have it with you, your spouse will not be forced to go to town hall 5 days after the birth.

Secondly, it will make it possible to establish a parentage link between the baby and your spouse, in the event that one of the parents dies before or at the birth of the little one. With this advance declaration, you will have the possibility of giving your little one the name of your spouse.

Arrival at the maternity ward: essential effects during labor and delivery

To be well-prepared for the time of labor and giving birth, here are the personal effects and products that you should take with you in your maternity suitcase.

• Socks: Sometimes the cold is felt a lot in the work room. To keep your feet warm, socks will be a great help.
• A bathrobe: Always to keep yourself warm, have at least one bathrobe with your belongings. It will surely be useful to you at one time or another.
• A cushion: Of course, you will have pillows and cushions in the hospital. But nothing beats the comfort of the one you usually use at home!
• Massage oil or essential oil: Sometimes, some moms relax and calm down when they enjoy a few minutes of massage before and during labor. If this is your case, massage oil will be welcome in your luggage.
• Flip-flops or slippers: When traveling around the clinic, you will need shoes. So bring your flip flops or slippers.
• A lip balm to prevent your lips from getting damaged.
• A sponge or tissue as well as a spray: you will certainly be hot during work. So apply cool water to the face using a tissue or sponge. Otherwise, spray yourself with water using a spray can.

The main thing during labor is that you stay relaxed, because this first step will be quite difficult. And if you want to keep yourself busy, take some books or create a playlist on your smartphone.

Things to have in the maternity bag after birth

Post-delivery, healthcare providers typically advise a stay of two to three days for observation. To enhance your comfort during this period, here are essential items to include in your hospital bag :

• Nightwear : Pack your favorite pajamas or nightgown for a restful sleep. Opt for easy-to-open front shirts if you plan to breastfeed.

• A bedside lamp : during your stay, you may have to give milk to your toddler in the middle of the night. Then take your little night light with remote control, it will make your task easier.
• Ultra-absorbent sanitary pads : While the hospital may provide some, it's wise to bring a few extras for added assurance, as postpartum bleeding is normal.
• Some underwear : Choose comfortable, spacious styles to accommodate sanitary pads.
• Bras: Nursing bras are essential for breastfeeding mothers.
• Personal care products: Maintain your skincare routine with your own beauty products.
• Toiletries : Ensure you have your soap, toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, hairbrush or comb, tissues, shampoo, conditioner, hair clips, and hair ties for daily hygiene.
• Clean clothes: Loose and comfy attire is ideal for your departure from the hospital.
• Smartphone and charger: Stay entertained and connected by bringing your phone and charger for music, games, and capturing precious moments.

Things to have in your suitcase for your newborn

Just like mom needs certain things, baby needs them too. The following is a list of the main items to take with you for your little one.

• Slippers, socks, hats: a newborn can catch a cold very quickly. If you're worried about him being cold, add several socks and slippers to your maternity suitcase. Hats will also be essential.
• Bodysuits: Bodysuits are practical for dressing a newborn. Choose models that open at the front. In any case, you are advised to find out at the hospital about the ideal clothing for the little one.
• Coverage: during a stay in the maternity ward, the hospital in principle provides all essential items, both for the baby and the young mother. However, you might prefer to use your own. So if this is the case, bring a blanket, both for you and for your baby.
• Clothes to wear to come home: you will select them according to the weather outside. If you give birth in winter, remember to dress your baby warmly. Likewise, if the little one arrives in the world during the summer, put him in rather light clothes: a bodysuit, a hat and slippers will do the trick.
• A night light: when baby has to sleep alone in his crib, leave a small night light near his bed. This will allow you to always see it, even at night.
• Car seat: once you can return home, you will have to transport your infant in your vehicle. To make it comfortable, remember to place a car seat in your car. If you don't have one yet, include it in your baby registry. In any case, it will be useful to you when you leave the hospital.

Ensure you arrive at the clinic fully prepared by considering all the points covered in this article. Keep in mind that your maternity bag should include essentials for both you and your baby, such as administrative documents, clothing, toiletries, and accessories. Avoid last-minute packing, as it can add unnecessary stress, especially considering the challenges of preparing for childbirth. Wishing you a smooth delivery and a wonderful experience during your stay at the maternity ward!