When you find out that you are going to have a baby, you probably start thinking about all of the things that you will need in your home for the baby.  However, many moms forget about the process of getting the baby home and being comfortable during the hopefully brief hospital stay.  A lot of moms know they need to pack a bag for mommy and baby for the hospital but can’t figure out what to include so we’ve taken the guesswork out of it and listed our top must-have items.

Note for Nigeria-based expectant moms: at the ante-natal/pre-natal classes, most hospitals give moms-to-be a list of requirements. What mom and baby require depends on the type of hospital; private or government owned. If it is the general/government-owned hospitals, be prepared to provide everything you will need for your delivery including cotton wool, baby combs, methylated spirit, baby bath, oil, towels, wipes and diapers, needles and IVs if needed. For those who deliver through CS, it is a longer list and so you have to be prepared to have a significant amount of cash on hand to get all the surgical requirements.

 

For most privately owned hospitals, the list is different as you don’t have to bring all of the above. For your baby, you need the baby dress, diapers, Vaseline or preferred petroleum jelly, baby combs, anti-bacterial liquid, wipes, and blankets. Beddings are provided.

We recommend packing two separate bags – one for you and the second for your baby. Two bags are easier to navigate when looking for items specific to either mom or the baby. We recommend packing a month or two in advance of the scheduled due date so that you are fully prepared for any unexpected surprises and don’t have to rely on someone else packing up your belongings and forgetting key items. 

Top five must-haves for moms!

1. Makeup – why is this #1? Because most moms forget to pack some and there will always be inevitable pictures taken by well-meaning relatives who are just happy to see the baby and don’t check to make sure mom is looking her best while snapping away. At the very minimum, lipgloss, chap stick or lipstick is key.
2. Comb, Hairbrush and/or Hair band for those with longer hair, braids etc. – to keep your hair neatly groomed or out of your face as needed.
3. Deodorant, toothbrush, toothpaste & mouthwash – can’t do without these for obvious reasons – you don’t want your guests to run away (but then again, maybe you do).
4. Nightgown, Slippers and Socks – recommend at least 2 comfortable one-piece (shirt, dress) nightgowns. If you must take pants, take pants that are loose-fitting at the waist and/or are band-less to avoid pressure on your belly. You will need the slippers for moving around the hospital room and other public areas. You may as well go for disposable pants!
5. Eyeglasses or contacts – if you wear contacts, don’t forget to take spare contacts, lens solution and glasses as backup in case you are unable to use your contacts. You might also choose to just go to the hospital wearing your glasses and save yourself some time/hassle.

Other must-haves:

• Any paperwork that your doctor has asked to you to have (e.g. list of medications, signed consent forms etc)
• A birthing plan, if you have one
• Relaxation tools (books, magazines, CD’s and any other go-to relaxation tools)
• Snacks, sugarless hard candy to keep your mouth moist during labor (candy with sugar will only make you more thirsty)
• Money for parking, toll, vending machine and other emergencies
• Cell phone, Camera and charger
• List of individuals to call and their phone numbers – while you will have your cell phone, it is also helpful to have a list on paper in case you forget your charger or something else
• Nursing Pillow, Nipple Cream, Nursing bra or a comfortable bra, larger underwear – some hospitals might provide you with disposable underwear but if you have sensitive skin, you might want to bring yours. Larger comfortable “granny” underwear should suffice.
• Pen, Paper or Laptop and Charger if allowed for writing down questions/list of people who stop by with gifts.
• Dressy outfits for baby for guest photos (including backup for accidental spills etc.)
• Weather-appropriate going home outfit for you and the baby – sleepers, onesies, casual pants, hat and mittens are great for baby. For yourself, pack comfortable clothing – dress, loose-fitting pants and t-shirt (include backup options in case there are accidents).
• Baby Blanket, Car seat must be installed ( but this is not a requirement if you have your baby in 9ja)
• List of your medications
• Nail clippers, Pacifier

What to leave at home:

• Jewelry – the hospital is usually not responsible for lost/missing valuables therefore it is advisable to leave any removable jewelry at home. If you’re married, your wedding ring should be okay unless otherwise instructed – if it needs to be taken off, make sure you hand this over directly to your partner or other trusted friend/family member.
• A lot of cash (for moms-to-be based outside of Nigeria and cash-based societies) – only take what is absolutely necessary for tolls or other emergency needs on the way in and back home; if cash payments need to be made, let your spouse or other designated contact hold onto the necessary cash.
• Medications - yes leave medications at home to avoid confusion but take a list of the medications you are on.
• Breast pump – if you’re planning on nursing, ideally direct nursing is advisable in the first few days to promote milk supply.
• Bottles – if you’re bottle feeding, the hospital may provide the disposal formula bottles which are great for the hospital environment (reduce stress of cleaning and sterilizing bottles). If the hospital doesn’t provide these, consider purchasing pre-packaged formula bottles and required nipples. (Note: Most hospitals in Nigeria frown at bottles in your baby bags, except for special considerations when the mom’s milk is not flowing and even then, the hospital will use a syringe or cup rather than bottles!).

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