The arrival of a baby is a joyful but intense event, which requires careful preparation! And the maternity suitcase is clearly your best ally for approaching this period with serenity. It contains everything you need for the delivery, the stay in the maternity ward, and the return home. But when should you prepare it? And what exactly do you put in it? Don't panic. We'll tell you everything! In this article, discover how to efficiently prepare your maternity suitcase, making sure you don't forget anything for you and your baby. Let's go!
What is the maternity suitcase?
Maternity luggage is much more than just a suitcase! It's the essential item that will accompany you through one of the most exciting moments of your life: your first days as a mother-to-be. This bag symbolizes the beginning of a new adventure. Therefore, inside, you'll pack everything you need to make your hospital stay as comfortable and reassuring as possible. Both for you... and for your baby!
We often imagine a small, lightweight suitcase that we carry under our arm. But no, that's not true. The maternity suitcase, in general, is also the baby's suitcase. It contains items for the delivery room, clothes for you and your newborn, care products... and essential administrative documents. Each item will be important, whether it's to meet your immediate needs right after delivery, or those of your child. The idea is to have everything you need right from the start.
Why plan ahead when preparing your maternity bag?
Spoiler alert: packing a travel bag between contractions won't be easy. That's why we recommend planning your maternity bag in advance. You don't need to start six months in advance, of course! But by already preparing it in the weeks leading up to your due date, you can reduce your stress and take the stress off your mind.
Yes, knowing that your bag is ready, with everything you need carefully chosen and organized... Believe us, you'll give yourself significant peace of mind at the end of your pregnancy! And above all, you'll avoid last-minute rushes, which could lead you to forget essential items (like your ID card, for example).
When should you pack your maternity suitcase?
We recommend packing your suitcase around the 34th week of pregnancy. This timing ensures everything is ready well before your baby's expected arrival, even in the event of premature delivery. Conversely, try not to wait beyond the 36th week, as the last two weeks can be unpredictable. And sometimes, you give birth earlier than expected!
This short preparation period allows you to purchase or order all the necessary items that you don't already have at home. And to assess what you already have. This will allow you to calmly consider what you will actually need at the hospital for you and your baby, without the pressure of last-minute planning. Of course, your co-parent can also pitch in and help you pack the maternity bag, thinking about the items they want to bring as well.
The essentials of the maternity suitcase
So, what should your maternity suitcase contain? We've put together a list of essentials for the delivery room, your stay in the maternity ward, and your return home.
For you, the future mother, remember to bring:
- A bathrobe or nightgown that is easy to open, if you plan to breastfeed.
- A pair of socks (if it's winter) to keep your feet warm during labor.
- A water mist and a sponge to refresh you.
- Snacks and a bottle of water.
- Your administrative documents (identity card, health card, medical file, etc.).
For your baby, you can take:
- A newborn outfit with a cotton bodysuit, a hat, and socks.
- A small blanket or a sleeping bag/nest, depending on the season, to keep your baby warm from birth.
The co-parent or accompanying person may board:
- Snacks and water to keep you going during the potentially long labor.
- A camera or your cell phone to capture the first moments.
- Comfortable clothes, especially if he/she plans to stay with you for the entire trip.
For the stay in the maternity ward
To feel your best during the few days after giving birth, remember to put in your bag:
- Comfortable nursing nightgowns or pajamas, if that's your choice.
- Nursing bras (if needed).
- Nursing pads (if needed).
- Comfortable underwear and specific postpartum sanitary napkins.
- Disposable panties.
- A pair of slippers.
- Bath towels.
- A toiletry bag with your essentials (toothbrush, hairbrush, etc.) and your favorite beauty products.
- Comfortable clothing (or several if you are staying for a few days).
- A nursing pillow that can also be very useful for keeping the baby comfortable while you breastfeed or bottle feed.
- A small lamp with soft light, for breastfeeding or bottle feeding at night.
- Our postpartum products to take care of you from the first days!
For the baby, you can add:
- Several changes of clothes (bodysuits, pajamas, bibs).
- A pack of diapers in his size.
- Baby toiletries (oleo liniment, physiological serum, cotton pads, sterile compresses, etc.)
NB: Generally, all maternity wards have these items available. So if you forget them, don't panic! They'll provide them for you without any problem.
- A bath cape.
Your companion can put in his bag:
- Toiletries.
- A baby sling.
- A phone charger.
- A dirty laundry bag.
- Snacks and drinks to avoid trips to the vending machine.
- Reading for quiet moments.
This article may also interest you: Grandma's tips for knowing when you're going to give birth
For the return home
Time to go home? Yay! To make your baby's transition home easier, consider packing:
- An outfit appropriate for the season for the journey (pilot suit if it is cold, or a light bodysuit if it is hot).
- A properly installed car seat to transport him safely.
- A blanket to keep him warm during the journey.
- A comforter or a small soft toy to hang on his seat to reassure him.
- Travel diapers if he needs changing before you arrive.
For you, the parents, plan a small travel bag with:
- Snacks and water for the journey, especially if the maternity ward is far from your home.
- A pocket of important documents to make your discharge from the maternity ward easier (family record book, mutual insurance card, social security card, etc.).
- A list of emergency contacts, including the pediatrician and maternity ward number for any postpartum questions.
So, now you know what to pack in your maternity suitcase. And trust us: preparing it well is the key to experiencing your baby's arrival with peace of mind (and lots of joy, of course). We wish you the sweetest of encounters with your little one!
