The essentials to have in the maternity suitcase
Preparing the maternity suitcase is a huge topic. When should we prepare it? What are the essentials, the superfluous things? So as not to forget anything and go peacefully to the maternity ward (or any other place where you want to give birth), we have listed the essentials for mom and baby. In addition to the essentials for mom and baby, consider comfort and the need to recreate a little cocoon if you give birth at the clinic. As for the preparation of the suitcase, 2 months in advance will be sufficient.
The essentials in baby's suitcase
The clothes
- 4 to 6 bodysuits (in size newborn and 3 months)
- 4 to 6 pajamas
- 2 to 3 wool bras
- 3 pairs of socks
- 1 to 2 pairs of slippers
- 1 sleeping bag / sleeping bag
- mittens (for cold and against scratches)
- 1 sleeping bag or 1 small blanket for the outing
- 1 cap for going out
Meals
- 5 bibs
- 4 diapers for meals
- a small bottle
The toilet
Even if maternity hospitals tend to offer more and more natural products for the toilet, yours may not have one. In this case, it is better to provide a small toiletry bag with organic and healthy baby products.
- soap, liniment, wipes
- cottons
- a diaper cream
- physiological saline
- bath cape
- hairbrush
- washable or disposable diapers in Newborn size
Other accessories
- a large swaddle for skin to skin
- a blanket with your scent
- an electric thermometer
- a pacifier (optional)
The essentials in mom's suitcase
The clothes
- 6 to 8 cotton panties (take 1 size larger)
- comfortable outfits (pants, leggings, loose tops)
- 2 nightgowns
- socks
- slippers
- a vest
- outfit for discharge from the hospital
The toilet
- a wash bag with your usual essentials
- a nourishing or anti-stretch mark cream *
- postpartum sanitary napkins and disposable panties
- an intimate cleansing gel with gentle pH
- a towel
* Even if you took care of your stretch marks throughout pregnancy , these can appear when the skin retracts after childbirth. So remember to massage the affected areas for a few more months.
If you are breast-feeding
- a nursing pillow
- 2 to 3 nursing tops / bras
- nipple cream
- breast pads
- a breastfeeding herbal tea to promote the flow of milk
- silicone breast tips (in case the first feedings are difficult)
- a Floradix type iron supplement (iron needs double during breastfeeding)
Other accessories
- enough to tie your hair (so as not to interfere with you during childbirth)
- your favorite pillow
- a fogger
- a comfortable cushion
- a dirty laundry bag
- something to take care of
- dried fruits and snacks to regain strength
- a carrying sling (for skin to skin or to move with baby)
- vases (if you receive flowers)
- chocolates for your visitors or medical staff
- a small night light if you want to see / breastfeed baby at night, without the strong lighting in the room
- a camera
- some change for the coffee machine
Administrative side
- the identity cards of both parents
- your blood group card
- your vital card
- your health insurance card
- your medical file (echoes, exams)
- your family record book
- your birth plan if the maternity ward asked you