What should you do to properly prepare your maternity suitcase?

Having just entered your seventh month of pregnancy, you're facing a new challenge: packing your maternity suitcase. While all maternity wards offer a list to help you prepare your belongings and those of your unborn baby, there are still some gray areas... How to properly pack your maternity suitcase, what is absolutely essential, and what is more optional? As a concept store dedicated to women and their intimate life, we've been concerned with this question. Discover in this article everything you need to know to properly pack your maternity suitcase.

When should you pack your maternity suitcase?

Generally, maternity wards recommend having your maternity bag ready by the middle of the seventh month of pregnancy so as not to be caught off guard if the baby arrives a little earlier than expected.

Since the list of items needed for the baby and both parents is quite extensive, we recommend starting to prepare it during the sixth month. This will give you time to put it together at your leisure.

What to pack for your maternity suitcase?

The maternity suitcase isn't just for the unborn baby's belongings: it's also for yours, as well as any documents you might need on the day of the birth. Generally, maternity hospitals offer a list of essential items to have in your maternity suitcase, for both mother and baby. Don't hesitate to compare your list with ours!

The contents of the baby maternity suitcase

The first thing that comes to mind when we talk about a maternity suitcase is baby gear! This is also the suitcase you might be most excited about, as it involves gathering all the little clothes and accessories for the newborn to come!

The baby list for the maternity ward includes:

• 5 or 6 bodysuits, in several sizes (newborn size and 1 month, or even 3 months if your baby is announced as very big). Some babies are born so big that they never wear a newborn size, so it is important to plan for 3 bodysuits in newborn size and 3 bodysuits in 1 month size;

• 5 or 6 warm pajamas: just like for bodysuits, it will be interesting to anticipate your baby's size by buying 3 pajamas in newborn size and 3 pajamas in 1 month size;

• 2 wool vests: these little vests can be worn over baby's bodysuits and allow them to be warmer during the day. Ideally, you should have one in newborn size and one in 1-month size;

• A pair of newborn booties to keep your newborn's little feet warm if bodysuits and pajamas don't have feet;

• A newborn or 1 month size hat to cover your baby's ears on the day of discharge;

• 5 or 6 washable bibs: it will be difficult to wash them at the maternity ward, so plan on bringing plenty. Typical use is approximately one to two per day;

• 5 or 6 washable diapers: just like bibs, you need one or two per day, so don't hesitate to have a few more to be on the safe side;

• A sleeping bag: this garment allows the baby to sleep warm, without being bothered by a sheet;

• A body thermometer: you don't have to invest in a baby thermometer; a standard thermometer will do the job just fine;

• A bath thermometer: to ensure that the bath water is between 36°C and 37°C;

• Care products such as shower gel and moisturizer: you can ask your doctor/pharmacist/midwife for advice on the products recommended for your newborn;

• A bath towel: baby bath towels are smaller in size and are made of hypoallergenic fabric to limit the risk of skin irritation;

• Diapers, if applicable: Some maternity wards do not provide diapers. Don't hesitate to ask your maternity ward about their diaper policy in advance so you can plan ahead.

The contents of the maternity suitcase for the mother

Once the baby's suitcase is packed, it's time for the mom's! Here's what we recommend you pack to feel your best during your stay at the maternity ward.

Your maternity suitcase list consists of:

• Four loose and comfortable outfits: if you feel the need, you can also take an outfit specifically for when you leave the maternity ward, but don't be pressured! It's generally very hot in maternity wards, so don't be afraid of being cold;

• Slippers: When walking around your room or the hospital, you'll be more comfortable wearing slippers than if you have to put your shoes back on;

• Your own pillow to make yourself at home and sleep soundly during this potentially unusual time. If you've opted for a pregnancy and breastfeeding pillow, pack it in your suitcase too. It'll be useful for sleeping and cradling your baby;

• Your toiletry bag: in addition to your usual hygiene items, remember to bring shower gel; the maternity ward may not provide it. If you like to wear makeup, don't hesitate to bring your own to feel good, on a daily basis, during visits if you agree to them, or for your outing;

• A shower towel: Not all maternity wards will provide bath towels. Bringing your own shower towel or even your own bathrobe if you need one may be necessary;

• Supplies and snacks to help you cope with those hunger pangs. The second parent can also bring some back for you after the birth.

• A dirty laundry bag to store dirty items as they come in. Also, consider bringing small, waterproof, resealable bags if some of your diapers get wet or smell strong.

To manage postpartum bleeding

Following childbirth, new mothers experience a period of heavy postpartum vaginal bleeding. This is a natural process by which the uterus cleanses itself and expels everything that helped the baby develop. To manage this bleeding in the maternity ward, we recommend postpartum panties.

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Unsure how to choose your postpartum underwear? For maternity, we strongly recommend opting for disposable underwear to avoid the hassle of washable logistical issues. Once you're back home, opting for "classic" menstrual underwear may be sufficient, depending on your comfort, blood loss, and habits.

To manage breastfeeding and milk supply

If you plan to breastfeed, you may also want to consider a nursing bra, nipple soother, and nursing pads. These may also be helpful if you choose not to breastfeed to prevent milk from staining your clothes while your milk supply stops.

To manage the change in your body

Childbirth and the body : this is a big topic. In the hours and days following delivery, your body slowly returns to its pre-pregnancy functioning, but it doesn't immediately return to its original shape. To help you reclaim it, bringing skincare creams and oils, as well as any other products that make you feel good, can be essential. Don't hesitate to ask your midwife for advice to ensure the products you like are safe for your baby.

The contents of your maternity bag

In addition to your maternity suitcase, which will contain your baby's and your belongings during your stay in the maternity ward, we recommend taking a separate bag with the things you'll need so they're easily accessible. This bag will follow you into the labor and delivery room, while the suitcase can be kept in the car or brought back later by the second parent.

The list of the bag that will accompany you during childbirth consists of:

• Your papers and your wallet: an identity card, your credit card and around fifty euros in cash will be more than enough;

• Your health insurance card and your medical file;

• The family record book, if applicable. If this is your first child and you are not married, the family record book will be given to you by the town hall, either directly upon presentation of your identity documents, or by post;

• A mist spray if you feel too hot during labor;

• Proof of early recognition;

• Baby's first outfit: To avoid rummaging through your maternity suitcase after birth, pack a complete baby outfit in your bag. Choose the 1-month size in case your baby is older!

• Juice cartons and water: Since labor can be long, having water and tonics available will be nice, especially if the second parent is not there to bring them to you;

• A spare T-shirt, a pair of slippers, socks and a cardigan: take something to be comfortable during work.

• Your phone charger.

And what about Dad's bag?

And the last suitcase to pack: the second parent's bag! Depending on the distance between your home and the maternity ward and whether or not the second parent can stay overnight with the mother, this last bag will be more or less substantial. Some items can also be slipped into the mother's maternity ward suitcase.

Your maternity suitcase list consists of:

• Your papers and your wallet: an identity card, driver's license, your credit card and some change for the coffee machine will be sufficient;

• Spare T-shirts and underwear: the number will depend on the number of days spent in the maternity ward and whether the second parent is going back and forth to the house;

• A toiletry bag: it can be shared with the mother's;

• The phone charger;

• A list of people to notify: the mother may be a little too tired to contact your loved ones, so it may be up to the second parent to do so. Agree on this in advance;

• Provisions for small appetites.

Our latest tips for packing your maternity suitcase

Your maternity suitcase is almost ready! We conclude this article with some tips for packing your bag so you don't forget anything at the last minute!

Tip: Hang a list on your bag

Are some of your belongings too small to fit in your suitcase because you'll need them until the last minute? Are you afraid that you or your second parent might forget something due to stress and emotion?

To ensure you avoid forgetting as many items as possible, don't hesitate to write down a list of items to add to your suitcase at the last minute. Attach this list to your suitcase's zipper using a rubber band or a safety pin. That way, on the big day, all you have to do is follow the list and you won't forget anything!

Compartmentalize your suitcase with pockets

To avoid having to drag all your belongings out of your suitcase onto the hospital floor, we recommend the Russian doll method, organizing your bag using pockets.

Our tip: Clear plastic pouches are a great upgrade for your suitcase! In addition to being waterproof, they allow you to find all your belongings in the blink of an eye.

Does the season really affect the maternity suitcase?

When it comes to packing your maternity suitcase, the season will ultimately have little impact on the contents of your maternity suitcase. In fact, in both winter and summer, maternity wards are generally overheated for the comfort of babies.

The season will only have an impact on the day of the outing. Remember to choose clothes for both you and your baby that will be comfortable for you.

And finally, don't panic!

Last but not least: it's okay if you forget one of the items on the list! Don't put too much pressure on yourself. The second parent or members of your family (if you allow visitors), will always be able to bring you what you're missing! The few days at the maternity ward are a break, a time of discovery and rapid learning, don't spoil it by feeling guilty ❤️. Just forgetting a bath towel or booties won't change everything for your baby's future.