What to Pack for the Maternity Hospital

📋 General Rules for Packing Your Hospital Bag

Start packing your hospital bag well in advance — from week 36 of pregnancy. Labor can begin earlier than expected, so it is best to be prepared. Here are the key rules:

• Clear bags. Most maternity hospitals in Ukraine require belongings to be packed in clear plastic bags or special transparent bags. Fabric bags, suitcases, and backpacks are usually prohibited for hygiene reasons.
• 3 separate bags. Divide your items into three bags: #1 — for labor, #2 — postpartum for mom, #3 — for baby. Prepare a separate bag for discharge day, which relatives will bring.
• Label each bag with a marker or sticker — so your partner or family can quickly find the right one.
• Check the list with your maternity hospital. Each facility may have its own requirements — some provide disposable gowns and diapers, while others require you to bring everything yourself. Call ahead or check the hospital's website.
• Do not overpack. Ward space is usually limited. Bring the bare essentials; the rest can be delivered by family members.

Below is a detailed list for each bag.

🧳 Bag #1: For Labor

This is the bag you take with you right away when heading to the maternity hospital. It should contain the bare essentials for admission and the delivery room.

📄 Documents

• Passport (or ID card) and a copy
• Prenatal medical record (exchange card, form No. 113/o) — the most important document!
• Referral to the maternity hospital (if applicable)
• Health insurance policy (if applicable)
• Birth certificate or contract with the maternity hospital (if applicable)
• Tax identification number (IPN)
• Latest test results and ultrasound reports (if not included in the exchange card)

👗 Clothing and Footwear

• Nightgown or long t-shirt (preferably with front access for breastfeeding — button-down or wrap-style)
• Lightweight robe
• Slippers — rubber, washable (not fabric!)
• Socks — 2 pairs (the delivery room can be cool)

🧴 Hygiene

• Soap or shower gel (preferably unscented)
• Toothbrush and toothpaste
• Small towel
• Toilet paper (some maternity hospitals may run short)
• Wet wipes
• Disposable toilet seat covers (optional)

🍼 For the Delivery Room

• Still water — 2-3 bottles of 0.5 L (with a sport cap for easy drinking)
• Light snacks — plain crackers, granola bar, banana (labor can last a long time)
• Phone and charger with a long cable
• Headphones (for music or meditation during contractions)
• Lip balm (lips get very dry during labor)
• Hair tie or clip
• Compression stockings (if recommended by your doctor or for a planned cesarean section)

🧳 Bag #2: Postpartum for Mom

This bag will be brought to your postpartum room. It contains everything for your comfort and recovery in the first days after the birth.

👗 Clothing

• Nursing nightgowns — 2-3 pcs. (front-button or wrap-style)
• Disposable underwear — pack of 5-10 pcs. (much more convenient than regular underwear)
• Nursing bras — 2 pcs.
• Robe

🩹 Hygiene and Care

• Postpartum pads — 2 packs (special maternity pads, not regular overnight ones — they are larger and softer)
• Disposable breast pads — 1 pack
• Nipple cream (lanolin, e.g., Purelan or Medela) — a must! Helps prevent cracking in the first days of breastfeeding
• Shampoo, shower gel
• Deodorant (unscented)
• Towels — 2 pcs. (one large, one small)
• Toothbrush and toothpaste
• Hairbrush
• Toilet paper
• Disposable underpads (60×90 cm) — 10-15 pcs. (for yourself and the changing table)

🍽️ Food and Drinks

• Cup, spoon
• Still water — extra supply
• Light snacks: crackers, bagel chips, apples (you will be very hungry after delivery!)
• Tea bags (optional)

📱 Other

• Phone charger
• Book, magazine, or tablet
• Notebook and pen (to record feeding schedule, doctor's advice)
• Bags for dirty laundry

🧳 Bag #3: For Baby

Everything your newborn needs for first clothes, hygiene, and comfort in the maternity hospital.

👶 Clothing

• Long-sleeve bodysuits — 2-3 pcs. (size 56)
• Sleepsuits (footed onesies) — 2-3 pcs. (with front snaps — easy for changing)
• Thin hats — 2 pcs.
• Socks or booties — 2-3 pairs
• Scratch mittens — 2 pairs
• Warm sweater — 1 pc. (in case the room is cool)

🧷 Hygiene and Care

• Newborn diapers (size 1 or Newborn) — at least 24 pcs.
• Baby wipes (alcohol-free and fragrance-free) — 2 packs
• Disposable underpads (60×60 or 60×90) — 10-15 pcs.
• Diaper cream (e.g., Bepanthen or Sudocrem)
• Cotton pads or cotton swabs with safety tips
• Baby liquid soap

🛏️ For Sleep and Comfort

• Cloth diapers (swaddle cloths) — 3-4 pcs. (cotton)
• Thin blanket or throw
• Pacifier — 1-2 pcs. (optional; some doctors advise against it in the first days to support breastfeeding establishment)

Tip: Do not buy too many clothes in size 56 — babies grow very quickly. 2-3 outfits for the hospital stay are enough.

👗 For Discharge Day

This bag is usually brought by family members on discharge day. Prepare it in advance and leave it at home in a visible spot with a label.

For Mom

• Comfortable clothing (keep in mind that your belly has not fully shrunk — clothes similar to what you wore around month 6 of pregnancy)
• Comfortable shoes (feet may still be swollen)
• Outerwear appropriate for the season
• Makeup (if you want to look nice in photos)

For Baby

• Discharge envelope or snowsuit (depending on the season)
• Bodysuit or sleepsuit
• Hat (thin + warm depending on the season)
• Socks
• Blanket (if needed)
• Diaper

🚗 Car Seat

• Group 0+ car seat (0-13 kg) — an essential item for a safe ride home
• Install and test the fastening system in advance
• Never hold a newborn in your arms in a car — it is dangerous even for short distances

Important: In Ukraine, transporting children without a car seat has been a traffic violation since 2021 and is subject to a fine.

❌ What NOT to Bring to the Maternity Hospital

Many first-time mothers tend to overpack. Here is what you should leave at home:

• Large bags and suitcases — clear bags only
• Valuables — jewelry, large amounts of cash, expensive electronics (except your phone)
• Perfume — strong scents irritate the newborn and may cause allergies
• Formula and bottles — do not bring these in advance if you plan to breastfeed. A lactation consultant or neonatologist will advise if supplementation is needed
• Many books, laptop — the first days will be fully occupied with baby care; there will be almost no time to read
• Too many baby clothes — 2-3 spare outfits are sufficient
• Perishable food — there may be no refrigerator in the room
• Medications without a prescription — the hospital will provide everything necessary

💡 Tips from Experienced Mothers

Advice that will save you stress and time:

• Take a photo of the contents of each bag and send it to your partner or family — so they can quickly find the right bag if you need something delivered.
• Put a charger in every bag — phones drain fast, and the outlet may be far from the bed. Bring a 2-3 m cable or a portable battery (power bank).
• Iron baby clothes in advance and pack them in a zip bag — so they stay clean.
• Do not unpack the diapers — bring an unopened pack for better hygiene.
• Bring a small nightlight (or use your phone) — to avoid turning on bright lights during nighttime feedings.
• Prepare a cheat sheet with phone numbers: doctor, midwife, insurance, taxi.
• Pack by the "less is more" principle — anything you forget can be delivered by family within the day.
• Bring items you do not mind discarding — nightgowns and underwear after delivery often cannot be reused.
• Do a test run — load everything into the car a week before the due date and check the route to the hospital.
• Pack a small "first 2 hours" kit — water, snack, charger, documents. You can sort the rest later.