Tensions mount as a pregnant woman approaches the Expected Date of Delivery (EDD) because they will need to update their hospital bag checklist. From wondering about the type of clothes to pack for the baby to the items to put in the bag – it is a tough decision-making process.
However, you want to have in mind that the process of packing the baby’s things and that of yourself too as a pregnant woman can be simplified if you had a hospital bag checklist. In this article, we talk about some of the items you don’t want to miss adding to your hospital bag ahead of D-day.
Things to Pack for the Mum
It doesn’t matter if you are using separate bags (which is what it should be anyway). One thing you must note is that the mummy things are different from the baby things. The items the expectant mom packs are way bigger than that of the baby.
As an expectant mom, here are some of the things you are expected to bring along with you to the hospital in your bag checklist as a pregnant woman before your delivery:
1. Hospital Card
If possible, you may want to bring the hospital file, containing some of the important documents, such as your hospital card.
The following are some of the additional documentation to bring:
- Medical Records: this helps the doctor to have a detailed breakdown of your medical history.
- Insurance Paperwork: bringing documents of your health insurance is also important, assuming you have an existing policy.
2. Lotion
Some expectant moms find it hard to relax without massaging. If this is the thing for you, coming with a lotion or massage oil will help the nurses to relieve your stress.
3. Dressing Gown
Wearing a maternity gown at this point is a no-no. Instead, you want something lighter. Although the hospital may provide you with free clothing, it may be a good idea to come with yours.
You can choose from modern clothing items like joggers or go for the local attires like jalabia and abaya.
4. Maternity Pads
These are different from regular pads in the sense that they are bigger and generally softer. You need maternity pads to help absorb more blood flow, which is common after giving birth.
5. Slippers
You can either go for soft flat slippers or flip-flops. Those help you to walk around freely within the hospital.
6. Bring Your Toiletries
Birthing a baby takes some time and could run into hours. During this time, there are a lot of bodily cleanups to do. From cleaning the face to visiting the restroom and taking baths constantly – you wouldn’t be able to do all that without the right toiletries.
So, endeavor to pack the toiletries you need. Examples are:
- Body towel
- Toothpaste
- Toothbrush
- Sponge
- Cosmetics
- Cotton wool and;
- Disposable pants
7. Electronics
Your phone comes in handy, especially if you are looking to capture happy moments. Daring expectant moms sometimes come with a digital camera to cover the entire process but if you are not so hearted, you can stick to taking pictures with your phone’s camera.
Depending on your phone’s battery capacity, you may want to come with a power bank so you keep your device powered all day.
8. Nightdresses
As the name suggests, these are the dresses you put on at night. The rule of thumb is to go for the front-opening nightdresses for one reason – these dresses help you breastfeed the baby with ease.
9. Food Things
These include your food flasks for preserving food, a cup, a spoon for eating and a vacuum flask for keeping the water hot or warm, depending on what you want.
You should also consider bringing beverages and snacks. For inspiration, we have energy drinks like Peak milk and snack items like Milk and Yoghurt products. You can buy them online and have them delivered to your hospital ward.
Here is a list of the additional items expectant moms should take to the hospital for baby delivery:
- Lip balm
- Nursing bras
- A tin of glucose
- Books or magazines to keep yourself entertained.
- Journal and pen for penning down your birthing process.
What to Pack for the Baby in Your Hospital Bag Checklist as a Pregnant Woman
Generally, you want to pack the following items for your newborn:
- Baby sponge
- Gloves
- Disinfectant
- Olive oil
- Pack of baby wipes and diapers
- Bathing foam
- Baby hat
- Methylated spirit
- Baby blanket or shawl
- Toiletries for the baby: this includes the baby lotion, soft hair brush and shampoo. Others include bathing soap and cotton wool.
- Baby Clothing: this includes the clothes for sleeping and taking the baby home once discharged from the hospital.
- Umbilical cord clamps help soften and remove the umbilical cords from the baby after birth.
- Baby socks
- Mosquito Net: this depends on the duration you would stay in the hospital. The hospital should provide you with a mosquito net or something equivalent to that to keep the baby safe from mosquito bites and allergies. But once you are home, you need a better net to protect both the baby and the family. You can choose either the Foldable Mosquito Net or the Mattress Protector.
- Baby vests or cardigans
- Flask for keeping the baby’s water warm and;
- Shea butter
Other Items for Expectant Mothers Going for Baby Delivery in Lagos
While the items we mentioned above are the most important, there are also a couple of other items you should consider getting. Below is a list of these items and why they matter:
Rechargeable Fan
You need this, especially if the hospital doesn’t have a reliable power supply. Even if it does, you need a source of air that is closer to you. The rechargeable fan is ever-handy.
Spare Cash
Beyond paying the hospital bills, and buying the expectant mom and baby things, you also need to have spare cash. For example, you may crave snacks or have an important bill to pay at the hospital.
Having extra money with you saves a lot of headaches.
Final Words
Choose the best hospital in Lagos to deliver your baby and you will be glad you did. But above all, make sure you have the necessary items (such as the ones we listed in this article). We wish you a stress-free delivery.
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