When it comes to hospital bags, you don’t have to pack too much. The basic necessities are already there. From Medications to Snacks, Entertainment, and Practicality, you will find the right contents to pack for your stay. Read on for some helpful hints! You can be prepared and worry less! Here are some items you should not leave home without. You will be thankful that you have them! But remember, a hospital is not a hotbed for crime!
Medications
There are many things to pack in your hospital bag to ensure that your stay is as pleasant and comfortable as possible. You may need to go to the hospital more than once, and preparing everything in advance will make the experience a lot easier. Sudore suggests that you make a list of all medications, and keep a copy of the list in your hospital bag. You should also include any diet information, as well as the names and contact details of your nearest and dearest.
A hospital’s television will be limited, so a laptop or iPad is recommended. It is also helpful to pack earbuds for listening to music or movies. A Kindle charger is a must if you want to read books or listen to music on the hospital’s TV. Some hospitals also have ice packs, which can be helpful for helping a baby latch on and preventing vomiting after a C-section.
Pregnant mothers often cause a lot of chaos when they go to the hospital. A famous “I Love Lucy” episode shows Lucy Ricardo going into labor at home, and Ricky and the Mertzes almost leave her at the hospital! While it may not be ideal to prepare for labor and delivery, being prepared and packing a hospital bag strategically will reduce your stress levels and make you feel calmer and more prepared. In addition to helping you feel better during your stay, it will also help you remain healthy and safe.
Besides these items, your bag should also contain your picture ID or insurance card. Also, you should take a copy of your birth plan and an extra copy. Lastly, you should bring a cell phone and an extra charger cord, in case you need to recharge multiple electronics. If you have to use a laptop or a mobile phone while you are in the hospital, make sure that it has a multi-plug outlet.
Snacks
During labor, packing snacks for the new mother-to-be is a must. Salty and sweet snacks can keep her satisfied while the baby is in the womb. You should also pack healthy snacks to keep her energy up while giving birth. If you live far away from the hospital, you can order food from nearby restaurants. You can also bring reusable water bottles. It’s a good idea to check with the hospital ahead of time to see what they will serve.
Besides a bottle of water, pack some fruits and vegetables. You can pack a variety of fruits and veggies in your hospital bag. Pretzels, crackers, and honey sticks are excellent options. A few gummies and honey sticks will be welcome additions to your hospital bag. Other healthy snacks include sandwiches, oatmeal cups, and mac & cheese. If you’re prone to nausea, you can opt for soup. You can also pack oatmeal cups or yogurt cups. They can stay chilled for a long time.
Another snack option is canned fruit. Canned fruit is available in individual serving sizes, so they won’t get squashed during transit. You can pack several pieces of canned fruit in an insulated lunch bag. You should remember that you will not have time to peel or slice fruit while you’re preparing the baby. A baggie of canned fruit can also make for a great hospital bag snack. If you’re having trouble finding room for the fruits, choose fruits that are easy to cut.
Another easy-to-pack snack is honey sticks. You can buy them in many varieties, including honey sticks and chocolate raisins. These delicious treats are great for the hospital bag because they are portable and won’t spoil. You can also pair them with other snacks. You’ll never go wrong with honey sticks or a packet of cinnamon raisin – two of the best things to put in a hospital bag.
Entertainment
You might think that entertainment for your newborn is an unnecessary item to pack in your hospital bag. While hospital facilities may have TVs, DVD players, and WiFi access, there are ways to avoid boredom while you’re in the hospital. And since hospital pillows are usually white, you may want to bring some non-white ones, too. Entertainment for your newborn is important, especially for the mother and dad who won’t have much to do while the baby is in the hospital.
You’ll want to pack magazines, audiobooks, and podcasts to keep yourself entertained during labour. A favorite movie or sitcom may be just what you need to stay entertained. For some women, playing music on a tablet or playing music from a music player will help them relax and pass the time. Alternatively, if you have a mobile internet connection, you could load up a few episodes of your favorite sitcoms to enjoy during your stay.
Practicality
There are many things to consider when packing a hospital bag for a new mother. In addition to practicality, the bag should also be comfortable and contain some forms of entertainment for you and your new baby. Though it is likely that you will be in a hospital for a short period of time, you will still need to pack practical items such as your photo ID and hospital insurance card. Keeping a few creature comforts in your bag will help you relax and recover from your pregnancy.
The first step in preparing your hospital bag is to visit the hospital. This way, you can get a feel for the location of every area. A hospital bag may be small, but it’s crucial that it’s easy to access. It is also important to keep a form of ID, as well as medical documents such as your antenatal care record. It’s also a good idea to let a birthing partner know where to find your bag and what you’re going to put in it.
Comfort
While a hospital bag can hold a lot of necessities, you should also include some comfort items. A comfy blanket, a tablet for watching television, and some overnight stuff for the new mom and partner are all great additions to your hospital bag. Besides these essentials, you should also bring the necessary medications, such as ibuprofen or paracetamol. Besides that, you should also bring a few valuable items, including cash. Keep in mind that hospital food is expensive, so you do not want to bring too much with you. Also, make sure to bring your phone charger and a few helpful apps that you may want to download, like a baby monitor.
Other items to consider packing for a hospital stay include nursing pads, pacifiers, and extra underwear. Depending on the length of your stay, you may also need to change your clothes more often. For women, flannel pajamas may be appropriate as they allow easy access to the chest and abdomen. If you have kids, pack extra diapers and pacifiers. You may also want to pack extra pajamas for them to wear.
Besides comforting your body with music, you may also want to bring your cell phone. You can even add a playlist of your favorite songs on it, and listen to them while you labor. You might also want to film your first moments together, so a cell phone will definitely come in handy. Your birth partner may also need a cell phone for filling out paperwork after delivery. Some paperwork needs to be filled out before you can leave the hospital.