The list of things to put in your maternity suitcase

There maternity suitcase is essential on the day of delivery and during the stay in hospital or maternity. Expectant mothers also begin to prepare it from the end of the 8th month of pregnancy with a detailed maternity list, so as not to forget anything for the baby and the mother. Health establishments also provide their own maternity list, which may differ from one structure to another. From when should the maternity suitcase be packed? What are the essentials to take for baby and the future mother? Midwife Anh-Chi Ton gives us all her advice.

When to prepare your suitcase for maternity?

The mother-to-be can start packing her maternity suitcase in the third trimester of pregnancy. “I advise that she be fully ready for 37 weeks of amenorrhea (WA), from the beginning of the 9th month of pregnancy“, recommends Anh-Chi Ton, midwife. So as not to forget anything in the maternity suitcase, the expert advises to “make a checklist“.

“The maternity suitcase must be completely ready from the beginning of the 9th month of pregnancy.”

What for baby in the maternity suitcase?

The maternity suitcase should include a good number ofthings for the future babywhether in terms of clothes or care products for baby’s body and face. For the size of the clothes, mix the birth size and the 1 month to be sure that the clothes fit him.

• 5 to 6 cotton bodysuits
• 5 to 6 pajamas
• 2 or 3 wool vests
• a cap so that it does not have cold at the level of the head
• 2 pairs of socks
• 1 pair of slippers
• mittens (optional, can be useful if baby has long nails and scratches)
• a sleeping bag or sleeping bag
• 1 pacifier (just in case)
• 6 bibs
• nappies
• a security blanket
• towels
• 1 pack of diapers 2-5 kg
• 1 packet of saline
• oleo-calcareous liniment
• cottons and compresses
• a bath thermometer
• baby medical thermometer
• a small brush
• a skin-to-skin fleece blanket
• a pilot suit-type outing outfit

What should mum put in her maternity suitcase?

During your stay in the maternity ward, you will need to change, use sanitary protection, bathe, but above all to feel comfortable. Don’t forget your mobile phone charger too, so you can take the first pictures of your baby in the first few days. Here is the list of things to put in your maternity suitcase:

• 2 or 3 pajamas or nightgowns or nursing pajamas (if that’s your choice)
• 2 or 3 comfortable pants or joggers (to be comfortable thanks to the stretchy side)
• 2 or 3 light tops (pregnancy ones can still be suitable, or breastfeeding ones if you wish)
• 1 vest (if despite everything, you are a little cold)
• 1 pair of slippers and a few pairs of socks
• 1 dressing gown (optional)

• mesh briefs or stretchy cotton panties
• a toiletry bag with everything you need for 3 or 5 days (shower gel, shampoo, toothbrush, toothpaste, brush, cotton swab, day cream). “An essential for the postnatal mother, creams for stretch marks because they can appear postpartum”recommends the midwife.
• towels
• thick, heavy-flow sanitary napkins
• magazines, a book, crossword puzzles or a tablet
• the phone charger
• a small night light (to be lit without disturbing baby from his sleep)
• a pen and a notebook to record the feedings or bottle intakes
• cash (for coffee and candy machines if needed)

What to put in the maternity suitcase for breastfeeding?

If you want to start breastfeedingsome things are very useful to put in your maternity suitcase, such as nursing bras. For this type of underwear, you must plan for a size above your size at the end of pregnancy (example: for a 95 D at the end of pregnancy, take a size 100 D).

• tops suitable for breastfeeding (with opening on the front or on the side)
• 3 nursing bras
• cellulose nursing pads (if breastfeeding)
• to prevent cracks, a Melicare-type cream, breast shields or silicone or nursing shells
• a nursing pillow (optional)

What papers to take in the maternity bag for childbirth?

After putting the baby’s things and your own, also remember to put in your maternity suitcase, in a pocket at hand, all administrative documents useful for childbirth. Among them there is your ID (CNI or passport), your vital card and/or a copy of the certificate of social security rights with the mention “100% maternity”, your mutual card if you have one and your family record book.

Your maternity file (including the latest test results, including those for the epidural if you choose, your blood group card, your vital card, your latest ultrasounds and your birth plan if you have written one…) must also be put in your maternity bag.

What should be planned for the eldest child who will be looked after?

To avoid having to worry on the day of delivery, you can also anticipate the your eldest child’s bag which will be looked after by a member of your family during your stay in the maternity ward. On D-Day, your first child’s bag will be ready. In it you can put:

• pyjamas
• a pair of slippers
• an outfit
• a toiletry bag (brush, toothpaste, toothbrush, etc.)
• a little note from your hand or a little surprise
• small toys and activity books

Thanks to Anh-Chi Ton, liberal midwife in Paris.