What to take to motherhood? Items for mom and baby

For first-time moms, knowing what to bring to motherhood can be a big dilemma. There are several lists and models on the internet that can help a lot, but also leave even more in doubt, as they vary a lot of items and quantity.

The truth is that there is no rule, but items that need to be taken to the baby and mom during this period, such as clothes and hygiene products.

What goes in the bag for maternity can also vary due to factors such as season and number of days the pregnant woman will be hospitalized.

Normally, the woman spends 2 to 3 days in the maternity hospital after cesarean delivery and 1 to 2 days after vaginal delivery.

Some doctors recommend that the maternity bag be ready when the mother is 36 weeks pregnant , others suggest that it be made from the 32nd week.

Anyway, with the pregnancy coming close to the end, the woman must already be attentive and with the suitcase prepared.

Read more: What is Maternity Leave, how it works, when to enter, new law

Below is a suggested list of what to take to the maternity hospital on the day of delivery:

Contents

What to bring to the baby on the day of delivery?

The most important items to take to the baby in the maternity hospital are changing clothes, hygiene products and diapers. The amount of clothes depends on how many days the woman will have to stay in the hospital after delivery. Usually the lists suggest 3 to 6 exchanges.

Clothes and blankets

Some of the most indispensable items are baby clothes. It is important to separate some pieces and blankets, as it is important that the newborn is well warmed. Check out a list:

  • 3 to 6 long-sleeved bodysuits;
  • 3 to 6 full body jumpsuits open at the front (easier to put on and take off);
  • 6 pairs of socks;
  • Gorrinhos;
  • Gloves (for the cold and to prevent the baby from scratching himself with his nails);
  • 3 to 6 mouth rags;
  • Cloth diapers to support the shoulder when breastfeeding and the baby burping;
  • Blankets or shawls;
  • Clothes to go home.

Hygiene products

The main products for baby hygiene that need to be taken to the maternity hospital are:

  • Antiassadura ointment;
  • 1 pack of diapers for newborns;
  • Hypoallergenic baby wipes;
  • Liquid soap for babies;
  • Cotonetes;
  • Cotton balls;
  • Sachet to put dirty clothes.

What should the mother take to the maternity hospital?

Sometimes, the pregnant woman is so focused on the moment of delivery and the baby’s list that she may even forget to prepare the essential items for herself. Therefore, it is important that she has the help of a support network to not forget anything and be more calm for the birth of the baby. In these cases, the lists help a lot!

To be more organized, the woman may prefer to organize two suitcases: one for her personal items and one for the baby’s. Check out what to bring:

Clothes

At that moment, the woman needs clothes that should be synonymous with comfort and practicality. Indications include:

  • Specific pajamas to use when breastfeeding (open in the breast region);
  • Pajama pants or other comfortable models;
  • Comfortable panties (2 for each day of hospitalization);
  • Socks;
  • Breastfeeding bra;
  • Clothes to leave the maternity hospital;
  • Blankets or shawls.

Hygiene products

Like the baby, the woman also needs to prepare to spend a few days in the maternity ward. Therefore, the following hygiene products must be separated and placed in the suitcase:

  • Night absorbent pack;
  • Toothbrush;
  • Creme dental;
  • Shampoo;
  • Conditioner;
  • Soap;
  • Deodorant;
  • Brush for combing hair;
  • Toe slippers for use in the bath;
  • Slippers or another comfortable slipper for walking in the hospital;
  • Absorbent for the breasts;
  • Shells for breasts.

What companions should take to the maternity hospital?

There is no list of what the companion should take to the maternity hospital. It is important to pay attention to documents, snacks and, if the person goes to sleep in the maternity ward, clothes and hygiene items.

The partner or family members can also help at this time if the pregnant woman forgets some product or clothes.

Read more: Doula: recovering the meaning of humanized childbirth

Tips and care when planning

Knowing what to take is important, but planning is essential to avoid exaggeration and would rush in the nick of time. There are some tips for pregnant women and their partners that can make organizing the suitcase and the baby’s arrival at home more peaceful. Check it out:

Baby clothes care

Regardless of the brand, whether present or purchased: all baby clothes must be washed before being taken to the maternity ward for the newborn to use.

The ideal is to use neutral soap or specific soaps for babies, which are not aggressive or can cause allergies on the newborn’s skin.

Therefore, the clothes must be washed and ironed. The ideal is also to avoid the use of fabric softeners or any product with a very strong smell.

Don’t forget documents and exams

In this final stretch of pregnancy, parents need to be aware that the baby can arrive at any time. When going into labor, the suitcase must be ready and documents and examinations must be easy to find.

Some pregnant women may prefer to even include it in the maternity bag. The important thing is not to forget to bring personal documents of the mother and father (RG, CNH, CPF), prenatal exams, ultrasound, health plan card (if it is at the private hospital) and, if the woman has it, birth plan.

Accessories and souvenirs

It is not mandatory, but parents who wish can bring souvenirs and a comic with the baby’s name to leave at the door of the maternity, for family members who are going to visit.

Suitcase organization

There is no more appropriate model to take to motherhood. The pregnant woman can take advantage of what is available at home, if it is of a size that will fit all her belongings and the baby’s.

If the pregnant woman wants to invest in a new bag, a good option are those that have different organizers, dividers and compartments. Thus, it is easier to separate the clothes, hygiene products, towels and blankets.

Another tip is to take the change of clothes in kits. To do this, just separate into bags what the baby will need each day.

Read more: Postpartum period: what is puerperium, phases (late, immediate) and more


For anxious moms, planning the maternity bag can even be a hobby. Gradually, they can go shopping and finding all the items for the kit and, when the long-awaited time comes, everything will be in hand.

In the case of pregnant women who have no idea what it really is necessary to take, having a list makes this job a lot easier.

That way, it is possible to organize everything without leaving anything essential behind. Just check the list!

We hope to help pregnant women with this content. To read more about pregnancy , continue to access the Healthy Minute!

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