I’m packing my bag… or maybe a suitcase? How much do I actually need to bring? Should I take the medium-sized weekender or the large suitcase I use for vacations? Questions like these are common for most pregnant women at least 4 weeks before their due date.
We’re here to clarify! Keep in mind that hospital rooms have limited space, wardrobes are usually small, and storage is shared with other roommates. Therefore, we recommend a medium-sized travel bag or a small carry-on suitcase. A volume of 30 to 35 liters is perfectly sufficient. Bags or suitcases with wheels are especially practical because you can easily and comfortably transport your hospital bag. This leaves one hand free and saves your back. On the way to the hospital, you can focus on yourself and simply pull the luggage behind you.
Bags or suitcases with wheels are definitely recommended as hospital bags!
And dear expectant mothers, rest assured, this size is absolutely enough! In the end, you usually pack too much anyway, so it’s better to get comfortable with a smaller piece of luggage and a compact packing list. ;-) If needed, your partner can always bring any forgotten or urgently needed items later.
Speaking of which: What do you need to bring to the hospital? To keep mom and baby happy, here’s a checklist for your hospital bag:
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Documents: Maternity record / ID card / health insurance card
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Pack things for the delivery room separately: shirt & warm socks for the birth
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Slippers / comfortable shoes
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Hairband / hair tie
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Glasses
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Lip balm
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Favorite music + headphones
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Camera + charger
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Packed lunch with snacks in case it takes a while — also, usually only you get meals, and dads often don’t, so pack a little extra (glucose tablets, favorite snacks, etc.)
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Baby items: clothes for the baby (bodysuit, romper, burp cloths, jacket & hat, baby blanket for covering) — baby items for the hospital stay are usually provided, the partner can bring the baby car seat when picking up
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Mom’s items: clothes for yourself (comfortable clothes, underwear, nursing nightgowns/pajamas, nursing bras — about 2 cup sizes bigger than your original size)
Tip: If you wonder about sizes, clothes you wore in your 5th or 6th month should fit well. Choose comfort — there’s no dress code for new parents. -
Towels & toiletry bag with essential daily care products (cream, shower gel, dry shampoo, deodorant, maybe a bit of mascara & blush)
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Electronic friends: phone + charger, e-book/tablet
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Some cash
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Possibly your own nursing pillow (though hospitals usually provide them too)
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Possibly change of clothes for your partner
With your choice of bag or suitcase and this checklist, you’ll be well prepared for your hospital stay and can look forward to the birth with peace of mind!
