Hospital Bag: What Should You Take With You? (Full List)

After passing the 30th week of pregnancy, every mother-to-be is overwhelmed by the "Nesting instinct." The desire to clean the house, prepare the nursery, and most importantly — pack that famous **Hospital Bag** — reaches its peak. Packing the bag on time and correctly will save you from unnecessary stress. When contractions start, you do not want to be thinking, "I wonder if I took my toothbrush?" So, what should be put in the bag? Which items are essential, and which are just extra weight? Taking into account the realities of Azerbaijani maternity hospitals, we have prepared the most optimal list for you.When to prepare the bag? The ideal time is **36-37 weeks** of pregnancy. - **Twins:** It is better to have your bag ready at 32-34 weeks. - **Advice:** Keep the bag near the door or in the trunk of the car. Also, show your partner the location of the bag and its contents.Section 1: Documents (The Most Important Part) Keep these in a separate folder for hospital admission and baby registration:1. **ID card:** Both yours and your partner's. 2. **Exchange card (Pregnancy card):** The booklet given by the women's consultation clinic containing all your test results. Without this, they may place you in the infectious disease ward. 3. **Marriage certificate:** May be needed to register the baby's birth certificate and "Child money" (600 AZN). 4. **Medical insurance or Contract:** If you are giving birth in a private clinic (e.g., *Baku Medical Plaza*, *Leyla Medical Center*), the contract documents.Section 2: Essentials for the Mother These items are indispensable for you to feel comfortable.For the Delivery Process and Ward: - **Nightgown or Pajamas (2-3 sets):** Choose models with front buttons or special openings for breastfeeding. It is important that they are natural cotton. - **Robe:** To wear when walking in the corridor or when visitors arrive. - **Slippers (Slides):** Washable rubber slippers (also comfortable for the shower). - **Socks:** Feet often get cold during and after labor. - **Phone and Charger:** With a long cord (the outlet may be far from the bed).Hygiene and Care: - **Postpartum pads:** Regular pads may not be enough. Buy special urological or postpartum pads from the pharmacy. - **Disposable underwear:** Very practical to throw away when soiled. - **Nursing bra:** 2 pieces. - **Nipple cream (Lanolin):** To prevent sores and cracks in the first days of breastfeeding (safe for the baby, no need to wash off). - **Breast pads:** To prevent milk leakage. - **Hygiene bag:** Toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, shampoo, comb, moisturizer, deodorant.Section 3: Essentials for the Baby The baby's skin is very sensitive, so do not forget to wash the clothes beforehand with "baby powder" and iron them. - **Diapers (Pampers):** "Newborn" size (size 1 or 2-5 kg). 1 pack (20-30 pieces) is enough for your hospital stay. - **Wet wipes:** Alcohol-free, paraben-free, and fragrance-free (water-based). - **Diaper cream:** Zinc-based cream (against rashes). - **Clothing sets (3-4 sets):** - Body (onesie) – with bottom snaps. - Romper (jumpsuit with legs). - Thin hat and mittens (so the baby doesn't scratch themselves). - Socks. - **Swaddle or thin blanket:** According to the season (cotton or flannel). - **Discharge set (Outfit):** A decorative or simple set for wearing when going home from the hospital.Section 4: Food (Snacks) Hospital food may not always be available when you want it. - **Water:** Water in small bottles (it is difficult to drink from a large bottle while lying down). - **Energy:** Dried fruit, walnuts/hazelnuts, crackers, chocolate (with doctor's permission).What NOT to take? - **Valuable jewelry:** Risk of loss. - **Tight clothes:** You will not fit back into your pre-pregnancy jeans immediately after leaving the hospital. Take your maternity clothes. - **Lots of makeup:** Minimum cosmetics for the discharge day is enough.Checklist – Download Now! Don't want to deal with a paper list? The **Anacan app** has a **"Smart Hospital Bag"** function prepared for you.1. Mark items on the list one by one (tick). 2. Add your own items. 3. See the completion percentage of the bag.If everything is ready, take a deep breath. The big meeting is almost here!