Everyone is getting excited when the big day nears. However, it is important to be ready at all costs. Packing everything ahead of time is proven beneficial for parents who don’t want to get all gassed up searching for every baby essentials. That’s why it is important to know what to pack in a diaper bag for the hospital trip before the big day arrives.
Although this might be a daunting task, especially for first-time parents and quite overwhelming, don’t worry as we’ve got you all covered on what to pack in a diaper bag for the hospital trip. In this article, we’ll list some of the most essentials you need to bring in your diaper bag and some extra tips along. Buckle up and be ready!
When Should You Start Packing?
It is highly recommended to be prepared at all costs. However, some aren’t as prepared because sometimes, your bundle of joy erupts instantly without informing. That’s why it is important to start packing during the 32nd week through the 35th week of pregnancy. No time is too early for such a big event. You should always know what to pack in a diaper bag for the hospital and all the important stuff for yourself.
Also, it is recommended before starting to pack all the essentials to create a comprehensive list of things to bring. This will give you enough knowledge of what’s missing. And if some essentials need to be bought ahead of time.
What Are the Things You Should Never Forget?
These are some of the essential things to put in a diaper bag for the hospital. These things are for you and your baby when that big day arrives. Let’s get right in.
Baby Essentials
Your baby won’t need much when he/she arrives. But it is practical to bring something. All you need to prepare is warmth, milk, and care for your baby when they arrive. And sometimes there are some precautionary measures too.
Baby Blanket
While most hospitals offer blankets, you can never be sure. Moreover, if you don’t trust a hospital’s blanket, it might as well bring yours. Carrying your blanket is a good idea, especially for long trips all the way home. Keeps you and your baby warm throughout the trip.
Going Home Outfit
This is highly dependent on the weather. However, it is with the best option to have for both types of weather. Clothes for warm and cold weather are appropriate, especially when going out of the hospital.
Baby Bottles
Although this may not be necessarily needed because you can provide breastmilk for them, unless you are trying to bottle feed them, it is essential to have it in your bag. Newborn babies get hungry way too fast. If you are trying to bottle feed them, a 2-ounce baby bottle will suffice.
One quick reminder, there may be no need for wipes. Almost all hospitals provide baby wipes for your baby. Plus, you can use the space for other baby essentials such as baby diapers. But it’s always important to be ready and know what to pack in a diaper bag for the hospital, and baby wipes and diapers should always be present.
What Should You Pack When the Big Event Arrives?
It’s not only your newborn child need essentials, so is you. That’s why it’s always better to prepare and know everything about what to pack in a diaper bag for the hospital. Here are some of the basic needs mothers should pack to get ready for the hospital.
Loose and Comfy Clothing
For sure, you don’t want to go in and out of the hospital in tight clothing. Even you can wear bathrobes. Feeling comfortable going to the delivery room is the key to having smooth delivery. Make sure you know the rules beforehand.
Important Documents
Important documents are needed, especially if you are enrolled in a health care plan. Bringing it with you will help communicate with all medical personnel of the hospital. It is one of the most important things to bring during birth.
Essential Oils and Diffuser
A simple diffuser with essential oils is key to having a stress-free environment in your room. It also helps create a very peaceful, serene, and calm environment. Be sure that your essential oils are good for pregnant women. It will help you be relaxed throughout the stay.
Phones and Charger
It is always handy when bringing phone and charger, helps communicate your relatives that you are about to give birth, or notify someone that you are in the hospital. Might as well greet your parents that you are on the way to the hospital.
Toiletries
These are only simple luxuries to have when going to the hospital. Especially for pregnant women, you might want to carry your very own shampoo, deodorant, and wipes.
Pillow
Although hospitals provide a pillow, sometimes they aren’t as comfy as you would like. Why not bring your very own pillow? Nothing feels better than the warmth given by your pillow.
Snacks and Water
You’d want to munch on something when your appetite goes nuts. Some basic snacks should be easy to digest to keep your energy levels on par before giving birth.
As much as we would like to list what Dad’s should bring, their presence along the journey of labor is significantly needed. Being a parent is quite fulfilling for people to partake. And having it go through with you by their side is your way of thanking them that you are with them throughout this process.
One basic thing dads should do is drive their beautiful and loving wives through the delivery room and watch how they scream in pain, and when that bundle of joy arrives, the rest will be history. Find out more about diaper bags.
Conclusion
Always remember that you will be in the hospital for 3 to 5 days, depending on your delivery. You can never go wrong being way too early to be prepared than being clueless at all when that time arrives. That’s why you, as soon-to-be parents, should emphasize the importance of what to pack in a diaper bag for the hospital up until the big day.
Being a parent is a journey, even though it is quite tiring; it is fulfilling. You must provide the best for your children and for the years to come. Packing things for the diaper bag is just one of those. Happy parenting.