What to pack in your hospital bag: preparing your suitcase

Knowing what to pack in your hospital bag prevents stressful omissions: methodically preparing your bag, from the necessary documents to the smallest baby outfit, helps you go to the hospital more peacefully.

When and how to prepare your hospital bag

The best time is often between the seventh and eighth month. From the seventh month, use this time to get information from the maternity ward: some establishments provide diapers and toiletries, which lightens the content you need to prepare.

When to prepare the bag before delivery

To know what to put in your hospital bag, it's useful to start from the 31st week. Once the list is ready, finalize the contents about a month before delivery and keep the hospital bag near the entrance: this is a good habit from the first outings, and especially before leaving for the hospital.

How to organize the hospital bag by categories

A well-thought-out hospital bag is divided into three sections: documents, mom's belongings, and baby's belongings. In addition, a separate space for laundry or worn clothes prevents everything from getting mixed up, especially with a baby in daily life.

• Documents: to be placed in an external zippered pouch for hospital admission.
• Mom's belongings: comfortable clothes, toiletry bag, useful products, and small accessories for the stay.
• Baby's belongings: diapers, changes of clothes, and appropriate outfits in separate pouches to carry essentials without rummaging.
• Used linen: a dedicated bag allows for immediate separation of clean from dirty items.

Before closing the hospital bag, check what the establishment already provides upon arrival. Some maternity wards supply some diapers, toiletries, or a few items for the baby; conversely, others ask you to bring almost everything, including the mother's toiletry bag.

Which bag to choose for mom and baby

When preparing your bag or supplementing a hospital bag, format matters as much as organization. Mōom Paris offers an eco-responsible diaper bag that allows you to carry baby essentials in a structured bag, designed with recycled organic cotton: elegant and functional, both at once.

For a stay or shorter trips, the elegant diaper bag of 16 L (28 × 40 × 14 cm) weighs about 800 g empty and attaches to the stroller thanks to its integrated fasteners. You'll feel the difference on your back: the adjustable shoulder strap and PETA-certified vegan leather relieve your shoulders during long outings, with robust seams designed to last. If you're also wondering what to put in your hospital bag after birth or during the first outings, the Mōom Paris guide on diaper bag contents details the essentials based on the duration of the outing.

Complete list of baby and mom's belongings for the stay

A stay in the maternity ward usually lasts between two and five days. It's best to plan carefully from the start: the hospital bag, or maternity bag, avoids unnecessary back-and-forth trips between the room and home, especially after childbirth.

Essential clothes and care for the baby

The list of baby items for returning home is prepared from the birth bag. For a newborn, every piece of clothing counts: you need to bring simple-to-put-on items, adapted to the season, as well as everything needed for bathing and changing throughout the stay.

• Clothing and changes: 6 to 8 bodysuits with front openings, 6 to 8 footed pajamas, 1 to 2 undershirts, 1 hat, 3 to 5 pairs of socks, a sleeping bag or swaddle, and enough diapers (8 to 10 per day).
• Toiletries: cotton cloths, bath towel, hooded towel, gentle washing gel, moisturizing oil, physiological saline solution, liniment oleocalcaire, soft brush, and bath thermometer.
• Comfort: washable comforter, soft blanket or angel nest to keep baby warm, and a spare pacifier stored in a waterproof pouch.

Store each outfit in a mesh pouch: it's easier to find things once everything is in place, especially during the first changes at the hospital.

Comfort and hygiene items for mom

After birth, recovery requires comfortable, easy-to-wear clothes adapted to recovery: a loose nightgown for rest, lighter clothes for moving around the ward. For breastfeeding, front openings are naturally essential from the first nights, while the toiletry bag should focus on essentials without overloading the hospital bag.

• Comfortable clothes: nightgown with front opening, loose pajamas, warm cardigan or dressing gown, non-slip slippers, and thick socks.
• Breastfeeding: two nursing bras, nursing pads, lanolin cream, and ultra-absorbent sanitary pads.
• Toiletries and hygiene: disposable underwear, compression stockings, complete toiletry bag, lip balm, and healing ointment.

In addition, an extra towel and a few skincare products kept within reach prevent rummaging through belongings when fatigue sets in.

Checklist for baby's going home outfit

Before leaving the hospital, check the baby's going-home outfit and adapt it to the weather. A blanket, a hat if needed, and well-chosen clothes are often enough for a peaceful journey.

For mom, it's best to bring a comfortable outfit distinct from the one worn during the stay, as well as a towel and toiletry essentials in a separate bag.

Documents and well-being for the delivery room

The delivery bag for the birthing room should be light, easy to open, and distinct from the main hospital bag. This organization prevents having to move everything upon arrival at the hospital: maternity documents remain accessible, while comfort essentials follow the rhythm of labor.

What administrative documents to bring to the maternity ward

Slip them into an external zippered pocket: you'll be able to present each document without rummaging through the rest of the bag or mixing your change of clothes with administrative papers.

• ID and health coverage: mother's ID, Vitale card (French health insurance card), mutual insurance card, and blood type card.
• Medical file: analyses, ultrasounds, birth plan, maternity registration file, and list of current medications with prescriptions.
• Family documents: family record book or anticipated recognition of paternity, insurance documents, and useful contacts, including those for the hospital.

Once in place, this pocket serves at every stage: admission, post-delivery formalities, and exchanges with the mutual insurance company.

Well-being items for labor and stay

During labor, a few well-chosen items provide concrete support. The delivery bag can contain a heating pad, massage oil, snacks, and appropriate drinks: this helps the mother and accompanying person get through the longest hours, designed to last.

In addition, a long charger, headphones, and soft lighting are useful, especially for breastfeeding at night. If a C-section is planned, adapt the contents with high-waisted underwear, an abdominal binder, a light blanket, a restorative cream, as well as comfortable clothing for the return and stay.