Lately I have been seeing a lot of chatter about hospital bags to the point of people actually procrastinating because it gives them a feeling of anxiety. They have questions and concerns about what to pack for the time they will be staying in the hospital. It doesn’t have to go this way and can even be exciting.
One of the common questions about hospital bags is when to pack one. We all know that labor can spontaneously start at any time, but it is most common between 37 and 42 weeks. So, to give yourself some time to gather what you need, 34 weeks is a great time to start thinking about what you want to pack.
The other, and even more common, question is what to pack. Of course there is not just one answer to this because everyone has their own needs and preferences, but there are some common guidelines that can help everyone. A lot of second time parents admit that they’re first time around they packed so many unnecessary things.
A few good questions to keep in mind might be:
Does the hospital you’re staying at provide this? ( e.g. personal care products)
Do you have any special ideas in mind to enjoy labor? (e.g. music, affirmations, etc…)
Will you actually use it?
For everyone's convenience, a printable checklist has been included.