Checklist for your hospital suitcase (and some extra tips)

You never know exactly when your time has come. In order to go into labor without any worries, you should arrange a number things on time. Let’s start with the preparations. 

Read up
Make sure that you are well informed about how a natural birth proceeds. Ask your obstetrician all your questions and take a pregnancy course if necessary. Especially if you are going to give birth for the first time, that can be very useful. Also take a good look at the different postures and ways to give birth. This will give you a number of options that feel comfortable for you.

Determine your wishes
Prepare a birth plan, in which you can record what is important to you during childbirth. This will help to communicate your wishes to everyone. Also decide who you want to have with you in addition to your partner and the obstetrician. Maybe a birth coach, your mother or a friend? 

Think ahead
Do you have children or pets? Arrange for a babysitter in advance, so you don’t have to think about it during delivery. Another, not entirely unimportant consideration: Don’t forget to enter your record your most important phone numbers in your phone so you won’t have to look it up when you have other things on your mind. 

Did you know that with our app you can learn more about the various leaps of your baby and helps you track all developments and milestones? You’ll learn why your little one is from time to time prone to cry, not himself or herself, and what you can do to help. 

Whether you are going to give birth in the hospital or at home, a prepacked hospital suitcase is a must. It is quite possible that you may have to go to the hospital unexpectedly. We recommend that you pack your hospital suitcase in around week 37 and to have it ready for use. 

The checklist

• Comfortable pajamas or T-shirt to wear during labor  
• Pajamas or T-shirt suitable for breastfeeding, something that you can easily move up or is made, for example, specially for breastfeeding  
• Warm socks (you may feel cold after giving birth, childbirth costs a lot of energy)
• Bathrobe and slippers for extra comfort  Ο
• Underwear (keep in mind that you also have to fit in the maternity pad)
• Glasses and/or contact lenses  
• If you’re going to breastfeed: nursing bras
• Toiletry bag (toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo, deodorant, body lotion, lip balm, brush, possibly make-up and hair ties)  
• Clothing for your baby, take two different sizes, then you will always have something that fits.
  • 2 bodysuits
  • 2 jerseys
  • 2 pairs of pants or 2 playsuits 
  • 2 pairs of socks
  • a jacket
  • 2 caps
• Mobile phone (with your important numbers) and charger
• Wallet with your debit card, ID or driver’s license and possibly your health insurance card
• If necessary, bring some extra food and drinks, a bottle of water and some snacks
• Have you prepared a birth plan? Then also pack a print-out copy of your plan.
• Don’t forget to bring the car seat, suitable use as from birth.

Are you scheduled for an induction or C-section? Then take a few more things with you, because you may have to stay a bit longer in hospital.

Even after giving birth, it is nice if everything is ready when you return home. With a few smart preparations, the first few days will be a lot quieter and more relaxed.

Maternity set
Make sure you have maternity set at home. For a home birth, but also if you give birth at the hospital. Such a set includes items such as a maternity mattress and pads to protect your bed, sterile gauze, disinfectants and a digital thermometer. Also useful: put a pad over the seat of your car in case your water breaks in the car or if you go to the hospital with broken waters. Good to know: many supplementary insurance policies will reimburse a set. Check your insurance policy for this benefit. Are you not insured for this? Everything can also be purchased at pharmacies and drugstores. It is even possible to buy a complete maternity set. 

Layette set
The arrival of your little one is near. Is your layette set already complete? From a crib with a firm mattress and soft fitted sheets to the basics such as rompers, socks, diapers and muslin cloths. Make sure you have the layette at home well in advance.  

Practical layout
Apart from getting your baby items ready, you should also make sure to arrange your furniture in a practical manner. Do you have a comfortable chair to sit in when you feed your baby? A convenient place to change diapers? And don’t forget to raise your bed with risers, which you can rent from the home care shop. Also make sure to have everything within easy reach, so you don’t have to bend or lift too much. A functional design of your home will make lots of things easier for you.

With all your preparations done, you can go into labor with peace of mind. From packing your hospital bag to getting your layette set ready. You have thought of everything. By planning ahead, you will make things easier for yourself and have more time to enjoy your little darling.