- Updated on Jan 6, 2025
Preparing your maternity bag can seem like a daunting task when you are about to welcome your baby, and sometimes believe me, you won't have time to prepare it if you procrastinate.
Yet, it is a crucial step to calmly experience the first days at the hospital.
In this article You & Milk, I present to you in list form how to prepare your maternity bag with complete peace of mind.
Which documents to bring? 💼
Essential administrative papers
First of all, don't forget your personal and medical documents, as they are essential for your stay at the maternity ward.
- The identity card or passport
- The health insurance card and the mutual insurance card
- The family record book (if you have one)
- The pregnancy medical record
- The results of the latest tests (ultrasounds, blood tests, etc.)
- The birth plan if you have chosen to make one
Clothes for mom 🤱
During the stay at the maternity ward
Secondly, choose comfortable clothes adapted to your postpartum body to facilitate breastfeeding.
- Comfortable underwear, especially nursing bras
- Nightgowns or pajamas open at the front to facilitate breastfeeding
- Flip-flops or slippers to feel at home
- A bathrobe and towels
- One or two loose, comfortable leggings or pants
- (it's so warm in maternity wards that there's no need to bring warm clothes)
- Two t-shirts nursing clothes to breastfeed comfortably
- A t-shirt dress to feel comfortable and beautiful after the baby arrives
- Compression stockings to wear after delivery (especially in case of cesarean)
- Postpartum shorts or soft cotton panties for the first days
For the trip home
Remember to prepare a comfortable outfit for the trip home so you are not bothered by uncomfortable and impractical clothes.
- A dress nursing t-shirt to facilitate breastfeeding while being comfortable
- A nursing bra to easily breastfeed baby
- Shoes that are easy to put on, ideally sandals or flip-flops
Baby stuff 👶
The newborn's first outfits
Choose soft, practical, and easy-to-handle clothes for your baby.
- Five bodysuits (take different sizes, often newborn and 1 month)
- Five pajamas
- Two cardigans
- A sleeping bag or wearable blanket
- Two thin hats and a warmer hat
- Four pairs of socks
- One or two warm outfits to leave the maternity ward
Essential accessories
Don't overlook these small items that will make a big difference.
- Two soft towels
- Some swaddles for baby
- Newborn size diapers
- A pack of hypoallergenic wipes
- A mild soap specially formulated for babies
- Cotton pads
- A pacifier (if desired)
- A nasal aspirator
Hygiene products for mom 🫧
Your well-being is paramount during your stay at the maternity ward.
Don't hesitate to prepare a complete toiletry bag to be sure not to forget anything at home and avoid any unnecessary frustration.
- Shampoo, neutral soap, and intimate wash gel
- Toothbrush and toothpaste
- Hairbrush and hair clip
- Alcohol-free deodorant
- Moisturizing cream for face and body
- Massage oil to have yourself massaged and relax during labor
- A mask to leave on and eye patches
- Lip balm
- Washcloth to massage the breasts with warm water to relieve them during milk letdown
- Breastfeeding pads and compresses
- Postpartum sanitary pads, soft and thick
Other accessories ✅
Ultimately, some little things (that will make all the difference) can also make your stay much more pleasant, such as:
- A pregnancy pillow to relieve your pain
- Earphones and a speaker to play soft music in the delivery room and in the room with baby
- A phone charger and an extension cord
- A night light for nighttime feedings (softer light than the room light)
- No time and no desire/no energy, we're cuddling our baby 24/7 <3
- Something to snack on: postpartum-friendly snacks, dried fruits, etc.
- A water bottle to keep you hydrated
- Comforting herbal teas
