Packing my maternity bag

Complete checklist for your stay at the maternity ward

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Preparing your maternity bag in advance allows you to approach the arrival of your baby with more serenity.
It is advisable to prepare two separate bags :

• a small bag for the day of birth , easily accessible

• a main suitcase for the stay at the maternity ward
  

This page brings together the complete list , for the mother, for the baby, as well as specific options in case of cesarean section or premature birth .

🎒 Prepare a small bag for the delivery room

🩺 Medical file:

• Monitoring your pregnancy
• The biological tests carried out throughout your pregnancy
• Your test results indicating your blood type
• Your ultrasounds

🩷 For the mom

• A comfortable change of clothes

• A small toiletry bag with the bare essentials

• Things to help you relax (music, headphones, a book)

• Fragrance-free sanitary products

• Comfortable cotton panties (or disposable briefs)

• A water bottle

• A mineral water mister (optional)

👶 For your baby

• A bodysuit

• A pajama

• A wool bra or cardigan

• A pair of socks

• A beanie

• A baby sleeping bag (small size, suitable for newborns)
  
  
  
  
  
  

👜 The maternity bag – Stay

🩷 For the mom

👚 Clothing and comfort

• Comfortable outfits

• 2 to 3 nightgowns or pyjamas

• Slippers

🫧 Underwear and hygiene

• 6 to 8 comfortable cotton panties or menstrual panties

• Fragrance-free sanitary products

• Complete toiletry kit

• Bath towel

• Bath towel

• Washcloth (according to your usual habits)

✏️ Useful accessories

• 1 pen

• 1 gourd

• A napkin for meals

• A bedside lamp for the night or a nightlight for added comfort if you wish, as rooms are often equipped only with a ceiling light.

🤱 If you are breastfeeding

• Tops or shirts that open at the front

• 2 nursing bras (wire-free)

• Nursing pads (preferably washable)
  

• Nipple care cream (lanolin recommended)
  
  

• Baby carrier (sling, headband – optional)
  
  
  
  
  

👶 For your baby

🌿 Clothing and accessories

• 4 to 6 bodies

• 4 to 6 pyjamas
  

• 2 to 3 woolen bras or vests

• 2 hats

• 2 to 3 pairs of socks

• 2 baby sleeping bags (small newborn size)

• 1 or 2 pacifiers (depending on your choice)
  
  
• 1 soft cuddly toy

🫧 Care and laundry

1 pack of newborn nappies (3-5 kg) (if not provided, check with the maternity ward)

• Cotton or washcloths

• 5 cotton muslin squares or bibs (tetra type)

• Baby thermometer with flexible tip

• Bath thermometer
  
  

• 1 bath cape or large towel

• 4 medium-sized bath towels

• Oleo-calcareous liniment (diaper change & massage)

• Gentle liquid bath soap
  
  
• Hairbrush / soft comb
  
  
• Saline solution in single-dose vials

🤱 For Baby's discharge from the maternity ward

• A warm garment (regardless of the season)
• 1 warm blanket
• 1 hat and booties

👥 Necessary for the co-parent's stay

• 1 sleeping bag or, failing that, a blanket

• 1 pillow

• 1 water bottle

• A set of cutlery, a cup and a glass

⚠️ Meals are generally not provided for the accompanying person.
However, catering options are available either within the establishment or nearby.

🌸 Option – Cesarean section

Additional list to be provided

In the case of a cesarean section, the stay may be slightly longer and requires increased comfort.

🩷 For the mom

• High-waisted underwear (non-compressive)

• Loose-fitting clothes that are easy to put on

• Pyjamas or nightgowns open in the front

• Personal cushion or small blanket

• Moisturizing body cream

• Mist spray or thermal water

• Long cable phone charger

👉 Opt for soft materials and clothes that are easy to put on.

🐣 Option – Premature Baby

List suitable for the first few days

🌿 Clothing (premature size)

• 4 to 6 crossover bodysuits

• 3 to 4 pairs of pyjamas

• 1 to 2 soft wool cardigans or vests

• 1 lightweight beanie

• 2 pairs of socks

• 1 sleeping bag suitable for premature babies

🫧 Comfort and care

• Premature baby diapers (if requested)

• 2 soft muslin squares

• Protective cream for diaper changes

💛 💛 For parents

• Comfortable fit for skin-to-skin contact

• Warm vest or shawl

• Notebook for recording medical information
  
  

📁 Administrative documents to take away

🩺 Your medical documents

• Blood type card
• Medical records: ultrasounds, blood/urine tests
• Radiopelvimetry (if you have one), other radiology procedures
• Maternity record
• Orders in progress
• Any useful documents related to pregnancy

🏛️ For the civil registry declaration

• Family record book (if you have one)
• Early recognition (if carried out)
• Parents' identity cards / passports

🪪 For your care

• Official photo ID
• Health Insurance Card
• Health insurance card
• Family allowance number