When to pack your maternity suitcase?

Ideally, you should have your suitcase packed (except for last-minute items like your toothbrush) by 36 or 37 weeks pregnant, in case labor starts before your due date.

Some items are essential (you'll need a car seat, for example), others will make you feel comfortable and remind you of home. We asked Lenappy's parents what their must-have items are, and we also drew inspiration from our own birthing experiences.

Here is a comprehensive list of everything you might want or need to bring with you to the hospital.

What to pack in your maternity suitcase?

Start by preparing what you will need for yourself.

• Birth plan. Print out a few copies - one for your records, one for your midwife(s) and one to display in your maternity room. It's a good idea to highlight some key points during a quick read.
  
  
• A bathrobe. A comfortable bathrobe is one of the best postpartum garments you can have.
  
  
• Toiletries. Don’t forget them! You’ll need a hairbrush, regular or dry shampoo, a toothbrush and toothpaste, deodorant, lip balm, extra hair ties, and facial wipes (Lenappy’s parents recommend these in case you’re not able to shower right away). Don’t forget your contacts and/or glasses, if you wear them.
  
  
• Comfortable clothing. If you plan to breastfeed after delivery, pack a nursing bra or tank top. Pair your tank top with loose, loose-fitting pants, like sweatpants or lightweight sleep pants. You can also pack a nice, dark-colored pajama set. Postpartum leggings can also be comfortable. If you plan to have a water birth, pack a dark-colored sports bra or swimsuit top. For your feet, socks are great for keeping warm. Pack slip-on shoes like Crocs or flip-flops for the ride home. Your feet are likely to be swollen from the IV (and pregnancy), so you'll be glad to have shoes that you can easily slip on.
  
  
• Drinks. Bring a bottle of water!
  
  
• An extra-long cell phone charger cable. Lenappy’s parents can’t recommend this enough. Hospital beds are usually far from power outlets, and you’ll need a fully charged phone for all those photos you’ll be taking of your new baby and video chats with friends and family.
  
  
• Nipple Cream. If you plan on breastfeeding, your nipples will appreciate you being so forward-thinking.
  
  
• Pillows and a bath towel. It turns out that hospital towels are the exact opposite of luxurious hotel towels: They’re thin, scratchy, and way too small. You might be glad you brought a towel from home for your first postpartum shower. Lenappy’s parents also recommend bringing your own pillow.
  
  
• Maternity pads. The hospital will provide you with pads and mesh underwear, but many Lenappy parents have reported that pads are more comfortable and safer. Perineal massage oil is also an invaluable addition to your postpartum arsenal.
  
  
• Portable Bluetooth Speaker and Spotify Playlist. Listening to music while working can be a plus for some. If you make a playlist, add lots of songs to it - work can last more than 24 hours straight, and you don't want to listen to the same 10 songs over and over... and over again for that whole time. But you might want some silence!
  
  
• Nice things to have: A parent of Lenappy says he brought a portable diffuser to the hospital and used it after surgery to make his room smell like a spa.

What to put in the maternity suitcase for baby?

Once you have everything you need in your maternity bag, move on to baby essentials.

• A car seat. If you're driving home, this is non-negotiable - they won't let you bring your baby home from the hospital without a car seat, and it must be already installed.
  
  
• Clothes. Pack outfits in different sizes, because you don't know if your baby will be big or small! Aim for newborn size clothes and others in 0-3 months. Don't forget hats and/or socks.
  
  
• Baby bottles, if using them. If you plan on bottle-feeding your baby from the start, pack at least two for the hospital.
  
  
• Diapers and cotton pads. In fact, some hospitals no longer provide diapers. It will therefore be essential to bring a pack of diapers and some cotton pads.

What to pack in your partner's maternity suitcase?

If your partner or support person is attending the birth and staying at the maternity ward, remind them to pack as well. In addition to clothes and toiletries (partners want to brush their teeth too!), here are some things to bring.

• Snacks! Try to bring something from each of these categories: salty (like sandwiches), sweet (like candy or M&Ms), protein (think protein bars), and healthy/fresh (some fruit, for example). During Covid-19, most hospitals are not allowing people to leave and come back to the hospital, so the snacks you bring will be very important! Also, look for nearby restaurants that deliver to your home. (Check with your hospital or maternity ward for their rules.) And bring a reusable water bottle.
  
  
• Book/iPad/laptop/headphones and general entertainment. Download some new podcasts to listen to in case you have some downtime.
  
  
• A lightweight sleeping bag and pillow. Hospital sheets and pillows can be rough and thin.

Once you have your bag packed, you will be ready to head to the hospital when baby wants to come out!