Maternity Bag: What to pack and when?

If you’re a mom-to-be and your due date is approaching, then you might be wondering what all the essentials for your maternity bag.

Below you will find a complete list of all the products, clothes and documents you will need for the maternity ward.

When do I pack the maternity bag?

Although opinions differ, we recommend that you start preparing your maternity bag from the 7th month of pregnancy. This way, you will feel more confident about the day of delivery and you will be prepared, even if something unexpected happens. If you think that this period is too early to prepare, we recommend that you have your maternity bag ready by the 35th week at the latest.

Maternity list

Private maternity hospitals usually supply new mothers with essential baby products to make their days more comfortable and restful. Additionally, they take on changing babies’ diapers to help new mothers get used to the new reality easily.

What to pack for the baby?

If the maternity hospital offers the basic necessary baby products (for example, diapers), we recommend that you bring the following products with you.

• Muslin squares 

They are necessary so that the father can hold the baby in his arms, or any relative/friend who may visit you. You should decide which side will rest on your baby and which side will rest on the other person.

• Bodysuits, Socks, Outfit to go home

Although the temperature in the maternity wards is usually high, there is always the possibility that your baby may feel cold. For this reason, we recommend that you bring 1-2 bodysuits and a few pairs of socks to put on in case he/she colds. In addition, you should also bring an outfit for your baby to gor home,  as well as a jacket in case it’s winter.

• Car port-bebe

The port-bebe is essential so that you can leave the maternity ward with the new family member. Many maternity hospitals make it mandatory that you have a port-bebe before you can leave. Search the market for certified port-bebes, so that you can provide safety for your baby during your travels.

• Coton bibs

It may be a small accessory, but it’s really useful! Baby bibs or small cotton towels can be used to place the baby on the shoulder or to wipe baby gulps.

• Sheets & blanket

Before putting the baby in the car, you will need to remove the jacket and place a blanket on the port-bebe to prevent baby from cold. If you want, you can also bring a sheet with you, to place it between the port-bebe and the seat.

What will I need as a new mum?

Below are all the essentials to have in your personal maternity bag/suitcase so you don’t overload your bag. Whether you are going to give birth in a public or private maternity hospital, you will need to bring about the same things with you.

• Personal stuff

Remember your important personal items: ID, money, keys, charger and anything else you would like to have with you.

• Pajamas or nightgown and robe

Choose whether pajamas or nightgowns are more comfortable for you, depending on the season, and don’t forget to take a robe as well. It is essential that the pajamas or nightgown you choose is easy to open so that you can breastfeed.

• Slippers/socks

Slippers are necessary for you to move around the corridors of the maternity ward, if it is summer. You can also bring socks with you, in case you cold.

• Hair accessories

Don’t forget to take hair bands so you can grab your hair if needed during the days you will be in the maternity ward.

• Personal hygiene products

Toothbrush, toothpaste and shampoo, shower gel are essential and will definitely come in handy. Optionally, you can take lip balm for you and antiseptic wipes for the others!

• 1-2 Bath towels

Although bathing/showering after childbirth is not an easy task, it will make you feel relieved! Make sure you have a bath towel for your body as well your hair.

• Going out clothes

Choose a comfortable set of clothes for your exit from the maternity hospital. Tight clothes such as jeans are not a good idea as they might make you feel uncomfortable (because the body doesn’t bounce back right away, after giving birth!).

• Sanitary napkins

Choose pads ideal for high flow, so you feel more comfortable and confident.

What do I need for breastfeeding?

• 2 Breastfeeding bras

There are special nursing bras that open and close easily so you can breastfeed comfortably. In the market you will find different types.  possibly in the first few days you will find that you are comfortable even not wearing a bra while breastfeeding.

• Nipple cream

There are 2 different nipple creams: those that prepare the nipples for breastfeeding and those that relieve them. You can choose the one that suits you best, as there are many options available in the market.

• Breast pads

In the trade you will find reusable breast pads (or even disposable ones) so that you don’t get dirty from droplets.

Maternity list: public VS private hospital

As for private maternity hospitals, usually the lists of products they provide are similar or have slight differences. Most of them also provide free gifts or samples for you to try. You can contact the maternity hospital directly so they can tell you exactly what products they provide.

If you choose to give birth in a public hospital, this does not necessarily mean that your experience will be any less good. As the supplies in the public hospitals are less, we recommend that you bring more disposable items, such as: tissues, baby wipes, soap bars, cream, diapers, pads, underwear and surgical pads.

For your baby, you will need vets (4-5), bodysuits (3-4) and socks. In addition, you will need 3-4 bathrobes, alcohol and sterile gauze. Some sheets and blankets are also essential and, of course, nappies.

Maternity bag: Winter VS Summer

Depending on when you’re due to give birth, you’ll need to make a few extra additions to your maternity bag.

If it is autumn or winter: we recommend that you also bring a jacket, as well as a hat for the baby.

If it is summer or spring: you can bring flip flops for you, as well as a summer hat for the baby.

Documents for the maternity hospital

Each maternity hospital may request different documents from the parents, for this reason we recommend that you contact it by phone, so that you can correctly collect all the necessary documents that will be requested of you. These can be all, or any of the following:

• Social Security Number of both parents
• TIN (Tax Indentification Number) of both parents
• Medical examinations
• Details from a private insurance carrier (if you have one)
• IBAN in a Greek bank (where the mother is a beneficiary or co-beneficiary)
• Identity card or passport of the 2 parents (may need 1-2 photocopies as well)
• Marriage certificate or cohabitation agreement
• Certificate of marital status

Find at Vita4you.gr a great variety in products for mums and kids.