Pregnancy is already an experience that brings its share of anxiety (and happiness). So when the fateful due date approaches, our thoughts turn to preparing the maternity bag. And to put your mind at ease, we advise you to prepare it in advance: it avoids last-minute forgetting and anxiety.
Find out everything you need to know about this experience in this article. (checklist to tick and print at the bottom of the article!)
When should you pack your maternity bag?
It all depends on your stress level and your organization. Not stressed at all? Pack the bag when you have time or at the last minute.
Otherwise, it is preferable to pack it at the beginning of the ninth month of pregnancy (37 weeks) so as not to forget anything — the birth can happen at any time.
What to put in the maternity bag?
Let's be efficient and pragmatic. We're going to offer you a simple list (well, maybe not so simple…) but comprehensive enough to cover all situations.
When you see what needs to be packed, you'll quickly understand that it will be more practical to organize everything into several bags or suitcases so you don't have to search for hours :) (1 bag per person for example!)
| Haven't you chosen the companion that will accompany you to the maternity ward? Discover the CaravanBAG: changing bag compact and innovative, ideal for the maternity stay and especially after! |
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| I DISCOVER THE C-BAG |
The baby bag or suitcase
Not all hospitals and clinics provide the same recommendations and products. Make sure to check with them to adapt!
- 5 bodysuits (get newborn size and 1-month size)
- 5 pajamas
- a pair of slippers
- 5 pairs of socks
- 1 cardigan
- 1 sleeping bag
- 1 outfit for going home
- 1 or 2 pacifiers (not mandatory)
- 1 comfort toy
- towels (sometimes provided by the hospital)
- saline solution
- diapers (same, sometimes provided by the hospital)
- cotton wool
- muslin cloths
- liniment
- a hat for leaving the maternity ward
- 5 bibs
- 1 pair of mittens (we don't always think of it and it's not mandatory, but baby can scratch their face)
With all these items, you shouldn't be missing anything for baby :) You'll be supported by the maternity staff throughout.
| THE LITTLE EXTRA YOU CAN'T DO WITHOUT |
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The classic baby wrap or the sling is very useful for practicing skin-to-skin contact in a good position during the first days after baby's birth. Temperature regulation, building the parent-baby bond — skin-to-skin contact is full of benefits. Beyond skin-to-skin contact, the wrap will be useful for breastfeeding as well as when leaving the maternity ward to keep your baby close to you while keeping your hands free. |
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Learn more about skin-to-skin contact.
Mom's suitcase
Mom's suitcase includes things for the birth and for the maternity stay. Here we go:
- 1 misting bottle / 1 thermal water spray to cool down during labor and moisten lips
- cooling wipes
- maternity or loose-fitting clothes
- a bathrobe (to stay warm and feel comfortable)
- A nightgown
- slippers or flip-flops to get around if the hospital doesn't provide any
- daytime clothes
- underwear and socks
- something to keep you entertained (book, phone (+charger!!!))
- 1 night light to avoid neon lights at night
In your toiletry bag:
- all the usual essentials (toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo, soap…)
- a stretch mark oil or cream
- a nipple cream
- (some makeup for the photos?)
| What sanitary protection should you use after giving birth? |
| All births are different but the vast majority of women experience postpartum bleeding, also called lochia, which can be very heavy. This bleeding can last several weeks. It is important for you to use a sanitary protection suited to your needs: sensitive skin, episiotomy scar for example, or simply the desire to feel comfortable. The period underwear by Elia is a revolution. Indeed, they offer effective absorption and provide a very gentle and healthy solution for your body and the environment. Surprise — our customers get -15% off the entire collection! |
Dad's (corner of the) suitcase
We shouldn't forget dad, right? Even if it's a very small space allocated, it's better to plan ahead:
- snacks and drinks — even if mom does (almost) all the work, the partner waits and gets tired by her side
- coins for the coffeeeee machine
- phone, games, book… something to keep you entertained while waiting
- a camera and its charger (if not using the phone) to take lovely photos of this moment
- 1 toothbrush and a change of t-shirt
If you plan to breastfeed
- 1 or 2 nursing bras
- Nursing pads
- 1 baby wrap: very practical for skin-to-skin contact and also very practical for breastfeeding
LEARN MORE ABOUT BREASTFEEDING WITH A BABY WRAP
Important documents
- ID document
- Health insurance card and supplementary insurance card
- Health record booklet and blood type card
- Insurance documents
- The maternity booklet
- CAF beneficiary number
- Family record book
- Antenatal recognition document
These useful papers and documents can simply be kept in your handbag.
This maternity bag list prepares you for all the situations of these sublime moments that are the birth and the days following. Home stretch!
Find our maternity checklist where you can make sure everything is there :)
