Getting ready for the arrival of your little one is an exciting time. As you near 36-37 weeks, you may wish to pack your bag for the hospital with essentials, so having an idea of what to pack for you and your baby is important. Just in case you go into labour before your due date.
It is better to be prepared, even if your baby decides to wait beyond their due date to arrive. It also gives you time to think about what you might like to have with you during labour and your hospital stay. And to practice putting the car seat in and out of the car.
Recommended packing for baby:
- Diapers (newborn or size 1 (if baby estimated to be over 4 kilograms) and wipes (99% water-based wipes)
- Long sleeve and long-leg onesies/gowns
- Gowns can provide easy access for tired mums to change nappies. These should ideally be made of cotton, bamboo, or lightweight merino.
- Singlet or short sleeve shirts/onesies
- This is to provide an extra underlayer for warmth. Babies feel the cold very easily after birth. They will generally need two layers of clothing in the first 24 to 48 hours in the hospital.
- Hat/mittens/socks or booties
- Hat and booties or socks are important to keep your baby warm, especially during skin-to-skin after birth. A hat will only be needed while you and your baby are inpatient in the hospital. It should not be used during sleep after discharge (link to safe sleeping).
- Mittens can help cover your baby’s hands to stop sharp or long fingernails scratching the face. Many newborn outfits will have hand covers built in (the end of the arms fold over the hands). Socks and booties will help keep feet warm.
- Going home outfit for baby
- You may have chosen a particular outfit you would like to take your baby home in. Most babies will fit newborn outfits, at least in the first few days. Again, if your baby is estimated to be more than 4 kilograms it wouldn’t hurt to pack a 0-3-month outfit as well just in case.
- Muslins/swaddling cloths, and warm cot blankets
- Pack at least two light cloths to swaddle/wrap your baby and then a warm baby blanket to tuck over the top if needed.
- Carseat
- Make sure you have purchased a car seat for the baby. Usually, a baby capsule is either secured by a seatbelt or has a lift-in/out base/latch system. Your baby will need to be safely fastened in their baby capsule before you can be discharged from the hospital.
- If you choose not to breastfeed, pack ready-prepared (liquid) formula, sterilized bottles, and teats.
- Nipple shields only if nipples are flat or inverted.
Suggestions for Mum:
- Hospital gowns are available for you to wear in labour. But you may wish to pack something of your own to wear during labour. Such as an oversized t-shirt, shirt, or nightgown.
- Comfy breastfeeding clothes/bras
- Think comfortable, think easy access to the breast for feeding. Feeding singlet tops with soft in-built support are great along with some loose pajama pants or leggings. Hospital AC can be cold here in Cayman, so pack a sweater for you and your partner. Slippers or socks for your feet as well.
- Breast pads
- It is unlikely your milk will be in. But you will leak breast milk before being discharged from the hospital, so pack a few just in case.
- Sensible underwear and maxi sanitary pads
- Large boy short underwear or full brief underwear will help hold sanitary pads in place. One packet of sanitary pads. These should be maxi pads for heavy flow or overnight flow. Have extra packets at home that your partner can bring in if needed. Or, you may wish to use adult diapers.
- Toothbrush and toiletries
- In general, you don’t need to bring any nipple creams. If your nipples are sore, usually rubbing in expressed colostrum is enough while in hospital. Your baby should not need any diaper or barrier cream either in the first few days of life.
- Lip balm can help ease dry lips during labour.
- Essential oils/massage oil
- Downloaded Music on phone/iPad with a small wireless/Bluetooth speaker
- Birthing ball – check with the hospital beforehand, as they may have these available, or perhaps have a spare in the car just in case.
- Dual Tens machine (pain relief option – discuss with your obstetrician. These can be purchased at pharmacies here on Island, or you can inquire with a physiotherapist about hiring)
- Small plastic squeezy bottle for perineal rinses, calendula cream or witch-hazel wipes. It is best to check with your obstetrician specifically about care of your perineum after birth.
- Hair tie (and spares)
- Healthy snacks for breastfeeding and in between hospital meals.
- Book to read
- Water bottle
- Camera
- Phone and phone charger
- You may wish to pack a boppy pillow if you purchased one, to help position the baby for breastfeeding.
- Your own pillow
More Ideas on What to Pack for You and Baby
Join our Baby Facebook Group to get even more ideas on what to pack for you and your baby in Cayman. It allows you to ask questions, gain access to basic advice, and share experiences with others facing the same new experiences. You can join here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/babycayman/
