Preparing your hospital bag is one of the final steps before the much-anticipated day of your baby's birth. To make sure you have everything you need on D-day and can head to the maternity ward with peace of mind, discover in this article the essentials to bring for the delivery room and during your stay. We also explain the ideal time to prepare it, so you can avoid last-minute scrambling! ;)

When is the right time to pack your maternity bag?

By preparing your maternity bag in advance, you can make sure you don't forget anything and have everything you’ll need for the delivery and your stay at the maternity ward. After all, who wants to rush around at the first contractions, gathering belongings at the last minute? And of course, packing your maternity suitcase makes your baby’s arrival feel even more real! ;)

Thus, it is generally recommended to prepare your maternity bag from the 34th week of pregnancy . Indeed, it is not uncommon for some newborns to make an appearance before the expected date. If it is a twin pregnancy or multiple pregnancy, you can start as early as the 30th week and be prepared for any eventuality.

If you have opted for a home birth, it is also advisable to prepare a maternity bag. With childbirth, not everything always goes as planned, so if you need to go to the maternity ward urgently, you’ll already have some essentials ready.

What to pack in your maternity hospital bag?

When packing your hospital bag, it’s best to plan ahead so you don’t forget anything and can go to the maternity ward with a clear mind. We’ve put together a comprehensive list of items to bring, not only for the long hours in the delivery room, but also to care for yourself and your baby during the few days you’ll spend at the maternity ward.

Administrative documents:

• Your identity documents

• Your maternity registration file

• Your obstetric and anesthetic record

• Your maternity notebook sent by social security

• Your health insurance card

• Your insurance card

• Your family record book or proof of early acknowledgment

For the delivery room:

• 1 or 2 loose-fitting T-shirt(s)

• Warm socks (believe it or not, cold feet can reduce contractions)

• Food (fruit juice, water, snacks) and money for your partner

• To pass the time: books, magazines, smartphone, tablet and their charger (if accepted in the delivery room), and headphones to listen to your favorite playlists

• Lip balm (lips can dry out due to constant inhaling and exhaling)

• Nipple balm (if you wish to breastfeed or have a welcome feed)

• Massage oil (if you would like a massage during labor)

• Camera (in case you want to capture the event)

• Hair clips and elastics

• Water mister

• For contact lens wearers: your glasses and their case (you will not be able to wear your lenses during childbirth)

• Your little adventurer's birth outfit

For your stay at the maternity ward

• Comfortable clothing (sweatpants or leggings, loose tops, pajamas and/or nightshirts. If you wish to breastfeed, choose tops that can be easily unbuttoned)

• A bathrobe or dressing gown

• Several pairs of socks

• Slippers

• 3-4 bras (or nursing bras)

• Disposable or stretch cotton panties

• Disposable nursing pads and compresses

• Your toiletries (toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, cream, nipple care, heavy-leg treatment and anti-stretch mark treatment , etc.)

• Special maternity sanitary towels for lochies (available in pharmacies)

• Your makeup kit (optional)

• 3-4 towels and washcloths

• Paper tissues

• A laundry bag

• Things to keep you busy, snacks, and some cash

• A small nightlight to provide light without disturbing the baby too much

For baby:

• 5-6 pajamas (a mix of newborn and 1-month size)

• 8 bodysuits; prefer front-crossed bodysuits (a mix of newborn size and 1-month size)

• 2 vests

• 1 sleeping bag

• Several bibs

• 1 suitable outfit for the season (hat, mittens, and suit in winter)

• 1 comforter and 1 pacifier (optional)

• 2 or 3 layers for the release day, like the LILLYDOO diapers

• Your basic toiletries will normally be provided by your maternity ward; ask when you register.

To make your life easier, we've thought of everything! We've prepared a handy checklist with the essentials; all you have to do now is download it. :)

On average, a new mother stays only four days in the maternity ward. For this reason, there’s no need to overload your bag—keep it minimal. If you live close to the maternity ward, your loved ones can likely bring you anything you run out of. This list covers what seems essential for childbirth and a stay at the maternity ward, but of course, you can adapt it to your needs.