What to Pack In Your Hospital Bag for Birth
Here is the complete checklist...
30 April 2019
![What to Pack in your Hospital Bag What to Pack in your Hospital Bag](https://cdnewmums.expatwoman.com/s3fs-public/bag.jpg)
Preparing for the baby’s birth is a whole lot challenging, isn’t it?
Especially in the UAE when you have to abide by laws, renewal of housing contracts, sponsoring family for support etc.
One of the primary things that a couple should perhaps do is to prepare for the delivery at least 4 weeks prior to the due date. You never know when the little one arrives unexpectedly.
The very first thing after you figure out the hospital and obstetrician is preparing the hospital bag. ARound 34 weeks, mums-to-be gradually begin to pick items - and as easy as it might be to say, the task can be tough for first-time mums. It's always good to keep experienced mum friends and family members in the loop.
Doctors suggest that you be fully prepared by the 38th week of your pregnancy.
To help you prepare your hospital bag for birth, here are a few essentials that should go in there...
As a couple:
- Foremost, sort out all documents in one place and make a folder. This includes both parents’ emirates IDs, passport copies and the attested marriage certificate. Some hospitals may ask to submit documents right when you first register for delivery.
- If you have insurance to cover your delivery, keep your insurance cards and all approvals handy.
- Deciding the name for the baby in advance, saves life as the birth certificate can be made during your stay at the hospital.
- Pack of chocolates or sweets to give to the nursing staff and your doctor - not mandatory, just a sweet gesture to share your happiness.
For the baby:
- Baby diapers (unless you want to pay double price at the hospital, and some hospitals may not even cover the costs.)
- Baby wipes to help you & the baby keep clean.
- Baby care items such as separate baby towel, shampoo, bath gel, and a lotion. Some hospitals may just provide a gift pack but while you’re being discharged. So it’s always a good idea to keep small sized handy bottles in bag.
- Minimum of 4-5 full sleeves bodysuits as the hospital temperatures are generally too cold for the little one. And a few normal ones to wear under full suits.
- 3-4 pairs of mittens and socks along with a few caps to cover the head.
- 1-2 wrapping sheets as the hospitals generally don’t provide them.
- 2-3 sterile BPA free bottles if your little one needs to be top fed or you decide to pump out a little.
Here are some suggested items for baby: