Hi there, mama-to-be! Whether you're expecting your first or your fifth, I know too well how overwhelming it can feel to pack your hospital bag. It’s a daunting job! There are so many resources out there, and they all vary from one another. Because let’s face it, every pregnancy and labour is different.
So how do you pack for your stay if you don’t even know what kind of labour you’ll have? What if you don’t bring enough, or too much, or forget some things?
We had been through it four times, and I still forgot items in my bag. That is why my husband and I created Louis and Léa. We figured we could take our experiences and create subscription/gift boxes to better help prepare parents. We’ve done the hard work so you don’t have to. It is possible to just enjoy the journey with confidence, knowing you’re prepared. Our boxes are the best gifts for new parents!
We’ve compiled a list that (in our opinion) is the only one you need. It includes items for mom, baby, dad, and some items that are optional. Now, to explain what products are included in The Ultimate Birth Box, read on...
For MOM
1. toothbrush and paste – We’ve included these travel sized essentials so you can have them pre-packed in your bag to make sure they won’t accidentally be left behind.
2. warm socks – You may wonder, why warm socks? Well, postpartum chills after childbirth are a real thing. Trust us, you'll be glad you packed this pair!
3. perineal cold packs – Perineal cold packs are life savers! They provide cold therapy for postpartum relief. Not all hospitals or birthing centres offer them. And if you’re planning a home birth, you’ll be glad to have them at your disposal.
4. lip balm – Hospital air can be incredibly dry, so having lip balm is a must throughout labour and after delivery.
5. tumbler – If you plan to breastfeed, aim to drink lots of water. The oxytocin that your body releases is responsible for triggering your extreme thirst. We highly suggest a tumbler with a straw, which will come in handy while you’re holding your baby!
6. shower cap – You may want to shower during your stay, but you may not want to wash your hair. You’ll be happy to have a shower cap so you can feel like yourself again.
7. shampoo/conditioner/body wash – It will feel so good to take a shower with all your own products! And let’s face it, packing your regular sized shampoo, conditioner and body wash isn’t ideal. These are the perfect size for your stay.
8. traceless elastic hair band – Having a creaseless elastic hair band will keep your hair out of your and baby’s face. You won’t have much time to style your hair after having a baby, so throwing it up in a bun or pony will be helpful!
9. hairbrush/mirror case – Having this convenient bedside accessory will surely be useful after going through labour.
Our Birth Boxes are fantastic first-time mom gifts and are just as appreciated by experienced mamas going into labour. Here's a list of mama items that are not included in the birth box but should be added in your bag. – A robe, loungewear, a nursing bra, comfortable underwear, a going home outfit, slippers, flip-flops, makeup, makeup remover, deodorant, and a razor.
For BABY
1. baby clothing – A baby nightgown with fold-over hands will take baby to dreamland and make diaper changes so easy!
2. baby scratch mittens – Babies nails are surprisingly long at birth, so having an extra pair of scratch mittens will prevent baby from scratching their delicate skin.
3. knotted bamboo hat – When babies are born, they come out of a warm, moist environment – the womb – and into one that can be downright chilly. That's why we've included an adorable newborn hat.
4. muslin swaddle blanket – Although hospital and birthing centres will offer blankets, this one will become baby’s favourite in no time. It will make for beautiful first photos and can also be used as a nursing cover during your stay.
5. hello my name is card – What better way to announce your baby’s name than with an adorable “hello, my name is” card.
6. birth story card – We strongly suggest writing your story within 48 hours after baby is born. The perfect keepsake you can add to your baby book for preserving your baby’s birth story.
7. clean-touch ink pad – Capture and cherish your little one's prints forever with a clean-touch ink pad. This ink pad achieves a highly detailed print of your little one’s hand or foot without ink ever getting on their skin! Absolutely no mess! We highly suggest doing this during your delivery stay because life gets very busy once you’re home, and you don’t want to forget this very important milestone.
8. drawstring bag – Our versatile bag is perfect for carrying all the toiletries you need for your delivery.
9. zippered tote – Having an extra tote aside from your hospital bag is ideal for storing all your baby paperwork and staying organized.
Our Birth Boxes are perfect if you're looking for gift ideas for new moms and moms who have given birth before. Here's a list of baby items that are not included in the Birth Box but should be added in your bag. – Sleepers (3-5), newborn diapers, wipes, going-home outfit, car seat (install ahead of time), car seat cover, a few extra blankets, pen or marker to write on the baby name announcement card.
For DAD – Eye mask, tumbler or water bottle, ear buds, pillow, blanket, pyjamas, t-shirts, sweats or comfy jeans, underwear, socks & slippers, toiletries.
OTHER – Phone, camera, chargers, batteries, list of photos to take, snacks, list of people to call, cash for parking/vending machines, photo identification, insurance info, hospital forms, birth plan, gum/mints.
OPTIONAL – Nipple cream, nursing pillow, swimwear (if planning a water birth), birth ball, sibling gift, hair dryer, nail file, pacifier, Bluetooth speaker/earbuds for relaxing music.
I hope this list helps you gain confidence and clarity. Happy packing!
Christine Musick
