What needs to go in the hospital bag?
Maternity wards are well equipped, but you will still need to bring some things for the birth and for the days after yourself.
Checklist
Your birth and delivery room stay will be more comfortable if you have the following items with you:
- one or two comfortable shirts, T-shirts for changing during labor
- bathrobe
- loose pants or leggings
- slippers
- warm socks
- hot water bottle
- for long hair: hair tie or barrette
- for contact lens wearers: Glasses
- Refreshing towels or washcloths
- Food: Cereal bar, fruit, sandwich or similar (also for your partner). Drinks such as water or tea are available in the delivery room.
- Camera (if desired)
- Favorite music
For your time in the hospital, you will need:
- Toiletry bag with cosmetics/nursing utensils
- Towels, washcloths
- Bathrobe or robe
- Hair dryer
- Slippers
- nightgowns or pajamas that unbutton (make breastfeeding easier)
- loose T-shirts
- sweatpants or leggings
- Matching nursing bras (up to two sizes larger after the milk is in!)
- Nursing pads
- possibly sanitary pads (but usually provided by the clinic)
- Phone card, cell phone (depending on clinic regulations)
- small change
- Reading material
- Writing utensils
- MP3 player, cell phone or similar with headphones
Women who freeze easily should also bring a few warm items, such as a blanket, thick wool socks or a cardigan.
Important documents for the clinic bag
- Maternity passport
- Health insurance card
- Identity card
- Married women: Family record book or marriage certificate
- unmarried women: original birth certificate of the mother
- possibly paternity acknowledgment or divorce papers
The corresponding documents of the father are also necessary for the certification procedure. Detailed information can be found on the websites of most clinics.
What does the baby need?
- Diapers
- Bodysuit, underwear
- romper suit or shirt with pants
- Jacket
- Cap
- burp cloth
- in winter: thick cap, socks, blanket
- if necessary pacifier
- Carrycot with blanket or baby seat: test the installation of the car seat beforehand!
If you and your baby would like to leave immediately after the birth (outpatient birth), the baby things must of course be packed in your clinic suitcase right away.
The right time to pack the clinic bag
Even if you want to deliver your baby at home, as an outpatient or in a midwife’s office, it is advisable to prepare a hospital bag. Birth-related complications may require hospitalization or a longer stay. With a prepared hospital bag, you are prepared for this.
