What to pack in your bag also depends on which maternity hospital you will give birth in, because each maternity hospital requires and also provides mothers with something different. Some maternity hospitals have everything necessary for mothers and babies, whether it is nightgowns, cosmetics, diapers or baby clothes. Before you start packing, see what your maternity hospital will provide for you and your baby. Also, be aware that what you will need may differ between standard and superior rooms. However, to be on the safe side, we recommend not relying on the superior room being available to you at the time of your birth and that you will have everything at your disposal. When choosing your luggage, find out what the conditions are at your maternity hospital. Some hospitals do not like to see suitcases because they are bulky.

When is the right time to prepare your bag? The latest is when you start maternity leave, which is about 6 weeks before the due date. You can get everything you need, pack it calmly, and then you don't have to stress about packing quickly just a few minutes before leaving for the hospital.

Documents

• Pregnancy card along with reports from all examinations, ultrasounds and monitors you have had during your pregnancy

• Citizenship card (foreign passport)

• Health insurance card

• Child name questionnaire signed by both parents

• single mothers – birth certificate

• married mothers – marriage certificate

• divorced mothers – birth certificate, divorce certificate

If a single or divorced mother wishes the child to have the father's surname, a document establishing paternity must be attached. This will be issued by the registrar before the birth in the presence of both future parents (bring your ID cards and birth certificates with you).

To the maternity hospital for you

• 2 nursing bras

• 2 nursing nightgowns, if the hospital doesn't provide them or you feel better in your own

• Bra inserts

• Bathrobe

• Nipple healing ointment

• Postpartum pads, if the maternity hospital does not provide them

• Towels - at least two, or you can pack Perlan for wiping so you don't get the towels dirty

• Shoes to change into, ideally ones you can wear in the shower

• Mesh or disposable panties that you can buy at a drugstore or pharmacy

• Hygiene items – toothbrush, mouthwash, cream, lip balm and everything you are used to using. Using deodorant or perfume is not appropriate after giving birth, the baby needs to get used to your natural scent.

• Socks, because it can be colder in the maternity hospital.

• Dirty laundry bag.

• Drinking in a small PET bottle

• Grape sugar or energy candy to replenish energy (not gum)

• A cell phone, headphones, something to read, a pencil, paper, and anything else that can make your wait more enjoyable.

If your husband, partner or anyone else will be with you at the birth, don't forget to pack things for your companion as well. We recommend comfortable clothes, slippers, a drink and a snack.

What else might come in handy?

• Protective nipple caps

• Breast pump, some maternity hospitals lend it out

• Oak ointment for healing

• Seating circle

• Moist toilet paper

• Toilet paper in case the maternity hospital does not provide it

For baby

You can prepare a baby bag at home for your partner, who will bring it to you when the time comes; it is not necessary to take everything with you to the hospital before the birth.

• Diapers – usually in the maternity hospital you will only get diapers for the first 24 hours, for the smallest babies in the maternity hospital we recommend our DELUXE VELVET TOWELS , which are soft and have a moisture indicator

• Cloth diapers – if you want to use cloth diapers, find out if you can use them in the hospital, but you will definitely want to bring a classic cloth diaper to cover your baby.

• Wet wipes or Perlan for wiping the baby

• Disposable diaper changing pads

• Buttock cream

• You usually don't need cosmetics or clothes for your baby during your stay, but of course, find out what your maternity hospital is doing.

What to prepare for your baby when you go home

• Diapers

• Bodysuits, rompers, jacket or jumpsuit, hats (warmer in winter), socks, gloves

• A swaddle or blanket to cover your baby

• Car seat or stroller, it depends on how you will be transported from the hospital

Practical list - What to pack for the maternity hospital download