Third trimester of pregnancy: the big day is getting closer and closer! You’re experiencing many emotions, including the desire to meet your baby and hold them in your arms.

During this period, there are also many things to do, including check-up visits and examinations, organizing the nursery, and purchasing all the essentials for the newborn, from diapers to the stroller. Amid all this, it’s also time to think about the hospital bag.

When to pack the hospital bag for labor

At the beginning of pregnancy, your gynecologist informed you of the estimated due date, but your little one might decide to come into the world a few days before or after that date.

To be prepared for any eventuality, it’s best to pack the birthing bag in advance with everything you and your baby might need during your hospital stay. Some prefer to have their suitcase ready from the seventh month, while others organize later; our advice is to have everything prepared by the 36th week of pregnancy.

What to pack in the hospital bag for the mother

Hospital admission could happen at any moment, or it could be scheduled in the case of a cesarean or induced labor. In any case, for the mother, the essentials to pack are:

• A nightgown for childbirth . Bring a comfortable nightgown that you can wear during labor, preferably one that opens at the front to facilitate immediate contact with your newborn.
  

• Postpartum pads . These are much larger than the pads used during the menstrual cycle and are suitable for managing the very heavy bleeding that often occurs in the first days after childbirth.
  

• Lingerie mesh . These are practical, comfortable panties that hold postpartum pads in place. There are various sizes available on the market, in disposable or washable options.

• Nightshirts and pajamas . On average, the postpartum stay lasts three days, so plan an appropriate number of changes, keeping in mind that they can easily get soiled with blood or milk. Here too, it’s best to choose shirts and pajamas with buttons in the front, which are convenient for breastfeeding. A robe can also be useful for when you get out of bed.
  

• Soutiens-gorge d'allaitement . These are special bras with an opening on the cup that allows easy access to the nipple.
  

• Absorbent cups . These can be useful for managing milk leaks and preventing stains on clothes. There are disposable options or washable cotton ones.

• Products for breast cleaning and care. Before breastfeeding, it’s usually enough to wash the breast with warm water, but if you prefer, you can bring a specific cleanser or disinfectant wipes for the breast.

• Soothing cream for nipples . For many new mothers, nipple pain is common during the first days of breastfeeding. A lanolin cream, for example, can soothe irritated skin and help keep it hydrated.

Then remember to pack:

• socks and slippers
  

• towels
  

• il beauty with the essentials for daily personal hygiene (soap, toothbrush, deodorant, etc.), also including disposable moist wipes.

• a tube of hand sanitizer gel.

During your stay in the hospital, your cellphone becomes very useful for communicating with your partner, family, and friends. Remember the charger! Additionally, we recommend that you don’t bring other valuables with you.

Don't forget the documents!

For hospital admission documentation, you need to bring:

• the pregnancy folder containing all exams
  performed

• the identity card

• the health insurance card with the .

It’s also a good idea to keep a pen within reach so you can fill out and sign the various documents the hospital will present to you after the birth.

What to pack in the hospital bag for the newborn

The first things your newborn will need are your hugs and kisses. Right after that, they’ll look for your breast—and for all of this, there’s nothing to pack.

For practical needs, however, you’ll want to prepare:

• pampers newborn size diapers
  

• birth certificates and birth certificates.

• body

• calzine

• bibs bibs

• a hat

• a little sweater
  

• moist towelettes for diaper change
  

• protective coating
  

• a soap suitable for newborns' skin
  

• soft towels
  

Depending on the season in which you give birth, you will choose cotton or velour items. Plan for a few extra changes, because clothes can get soiled by diaper leaks or small spit-ups. You can pack everything needed for daily changes in practical fabric bags that you can make yourself, or in plastic pouches available online or in specialty stores. That way, you’ll easily find everything you need—especially when it’s not you changing your baby, but the healthcare staff.

Now that everything is ready, all that’s left to do is wait and count down: four weeks left, three, two…