Giving Birth During the Pandemic: What Should Be in Your Baby Bag

It is only natural for expectant parents to feel scared and anxious during these challenging times. Giving birth is challenging as it is, and with the COVID-19 pandemic still dangerously present, it is perfectly understandable to feel apprehensive during what is supposed to be a joyous occasion.

While some are reevaluating their birth plans, carefully weighing the pros and cons of delivering their babies in a hospital, many will argue that it is still the safest place to give birth. If you are only a few weeks away from your due date, you should prepare as early as possible to avoid unnecessary worries.

Here are some essential items that you should include in your hospital baby bag.

General items

If you have not yet created a birth plan, this is the time to do so. Before writing, research your hospital’s labor and delivery protocols. Make multiple copies and give them to your doctor, nurses, and everyone concerned. Place them in a secure folder, include your insurance card and any necessary paperwork.

Pack your chargers, especially a long charging cord, as hospital beds are relatively far from the electrical outlets. Bring several snacks and drinks for you and your support person since he might not be allowed to go in and out of the hospital. Bring a tripod so you can facetime or video conference with your loved ones while in labor but check the hospital policies first since most of them do not allow video recording while inside their premises.

Pack some hand sanitizer, preferably one containing at least 60 percent alcohol and a few extra face masks. Do not forget your hair tie, massage lotions or oils for labor, lip balm to prevent your lips from cracking, extra pillows and blankets, baby bottles if you plan to bottle-feed, and any diversion materials that will help you during a long labor.

Personal Care Items

Some hospitals will provide you the basic toiletries but consider bringing your own. It should include a shampoo, conditioner, face wash, soap or body wash, your toothbrush, toothpaste, and mouthwash. If you will be breastfeeding, make sure to pack a nursing bra and comfortable clothes loose enough to move around. Include a nipple cream, breast pads, a few adult diapers or maternity pads, disposable underwear, and bed pads.

Bring your makeup or any essentials you think you need if you want to feel glamorous during and after labor. Include your deodorant, moisturizer, eye-glasses or contacts, socks, and your favorite nightgown or personal robe.

Clothing for Mommy and Baby

After delivery, you will need postpartum or elastic waistbands, so make sure to include those. Remember that you might deliver by cesarean section so your clothes should be comfortable and not tight or restrictive.

Pack two or three going-home baby outfits in different sizes as you do not know how big your baby will be. Include baby socks or booties, receiving blankets, mittens, cap, and additional baby blankets. 

Having a baby during these scary times can be overwhelming for parents-to-be. With the proper mindset, correct information, and a calm heart, they will be able to safely welcome their newborn into their loving arms.