When we think maternity suitcase, we obviously think of your baby’s and all the essentials for his arrival. But as a mother-to-be, you need to think about yours too. And your partner needs to think about his too! Here are a few tips and a checklist to make sure you don’t forget anything!
When we think maternity suitcase, we obviously think of your baby’s and all the essentials for his arrival. But as a mother-to-be, you need to think about yours too. And your partner needs to think about his too! Here are a few tips and a checklist to make sure you don’t forget anything!
When to prepare your maternity suitcase?
Of course, there’s no mandatory date for packing your maternity suitcase, but assume that “the sooner the better” if you don’t want to rush it. From your 7th month of pregnancy, you can start thinking about it seriously, without rushing. That way, if your baby shows up sooner than expected, everything will be ready. And also because you’ll often have other things to think about during the last few weeks of your pregnancy, and you may be less “efficient”.
How to prepare your maternity suitcase?
- Tip no. 1: make a list of everything you’ll need, and tick off what you’ve got as you go (that’s what this article is all about!).
- Tip no. 2: make two different bags. A birth bag and a bag for your stay in the maternity ward.
- Tip no. 3: Organize your suitcases as well as possible, for example with small pouches or compartments to make finding everything as easy as possible.
The essentials to pack in your maternity suitcase for the birth
1- Administrative paperwork:
It may seem obvious, but in the rush, we don’t necessarily think about paperwork. But it’s essential if you’re to be admitted to the maternity ward under the best possible conditions. Don’t forget:
- Identity card
- Health insurance card
- Pregnancy medical record
- Blood group card
- Birth plan if you have one
2- A complete outfit for the birth, with comfort as the main priority! Go for everything cosy in your wardrobe.
- A nightdress or loose T-shirt
- A pair of slippers
- One pair of socks
- A cardigan or bathrobe
3 – Something to refresh you
(and a little bird tells us you’re going to need it)!
- The classic water mister for a spritz of freshness whenever you need it.
- A pack of wipes if you prefer this format. We recommend our Pure Water wipes, which can also be used afterwards for your baby!
4 – Snacks.
Don’t hesitate to talk to your doctor beforehand to find out which foods are best for you, based on your medical file.
5 – Something to keep you busy
he wait can sometimes be very long… So take along anything that distracts you:
- Phone
- Music
- Book
- Knitting
- Crossword puzzles
- …
6 – Your pregnancy/breastfeeding pillow or cushion.
Of course, the maternity ward will provide you with a pillow, but you’ll probably prefer to carry the one that accompanied you throughout your pregnancy, and which can help relieve some of the aches and pains.
7 – Your personal toiletries:
If you’ve thought of everything you need to put in your baby’s toiletries, such as liniment or diaper change cream for the changing ritual, don’t forget yours!
- pH-neutral shower gel
- Shampoo
- Intimate gel, essential after childbirth, which can put your intimate area under severe strain. We recommend a soap-free, pH-neutral shower gel or foam. Depending on how your delivery went (episiotomy or instrument tears, for example), don’t hesitate to ask your midwife about the best way to care for your intimate area.
- Toothbrush
- Toothpaste
- Your usual face and body care products (moisturizer, stretch mark oil…)
- Hair brush
- Elastics
- Sanitary pads or panties (disposable or washable, as you prefer)
- Hand towel
8 – Maternity clothes.
As for the birth, choose comfortable clothes, with spare options in case baby regurgitates and stains you, for example:
- Two to three comfortable outfits (pyjamas, leggings, nightdress or other)
- Underwear
- Socks
- Vest (in addition to the one in your birth suitcase, just in case)
- An outfit for when you leave the maternity ward
9 – Planning to breastfeed?
Then you’ll need to pack two or three extra things:
- Two or three nursing bras
- A nursing pillow (possibly the one you took with you to the birth)
- Nursing pads
- An anti-cavity cream for your nipples
