What to pack in your hospital bag?

Preparing yourself for the big day when you can finally hold the little kickboxer in your arms, can be quite exciting.  

One of the most important things to be done when you are in your third trimester is packing your maternity bag. A maternity or hospital bag contains all the essentials required to ensure that you and your baby's stay in the hospital is comfortable. 

The average hospital stay for a vaginal delivery and C-section is 3 days and 5 days respectively. Always anticipate staying at the hospital for 5 days and pack accordingly. 

Here are few useful tips I would like to share, especially for new moms - 

• Pack your maternity bag atleast 2 months before your due date. Learn to expect the unexpected. You don't want to be caught off-guard.
  
  
• Keep your maternity bag in a room where it's clearly visible so that you don't forget to carry it along. 
  
  
• You don't need to buy a fancy, designer bag for the hospital. I used the cabin trolley bag that I already have. 
  
  
• All toileteries can be kept in a travel pouch.
  
  
• Maternity night gowns with front zip are quite comfortable to wear during your stay at the hospital and are ideal for breastfeeding. Incase you are unable to buy, you can always grab your husband's old shirts. I packed few of my husband's shirts for the hospital stay. I must say they were quite loose, comfy and perfect for breastfeeding.
  
  
• Carry few empty bags to pack soiled clothes so that you can wash them at home. Your little one  will have plenty of poop, pee and puke accidents.
  
  
• Cotton wear (also known as 'jablas' in India) is ideal for newborns especially born in summers. If your baby is born during monsoon/winter or you in live in a cold place, you can buy appropriate winter wear clothes. Avoid buying outfits that are dark coloured and have zips / classic buttons. Outfits with press buttons or snap buttons are preferred and are generally safe.
  
  
• Having a handsanitizer /alcohol based hand rub is essential especially when you have visitors coming in to see the baby. Always insist on using the handrub before touching the baby. 

Here's a printable list of things to pack for you, your baby and daddy. Hope the tips and the list come in handy 👍