The maternity bag – how to choose and what to pack?

It's only nine months of pregnancy, but many of the moments you'll experience during this time will be cherished memories and cherished moments in your heart forever.

Ultrasound scans, where you have your first contact with your baby, the moment you find out if you're having a boy or a girl, the baby shower, the first kick, or the day you pack your hospital bag are unavoidable milestones. This last one is undoubtedly one of the most special and few that will make you realize what is about to happen.

Choosing the baby's first outfit, preparing for their arrival and their adaptation is, at the same time, a sober moment – ​​because you have to think rationally about what is necessary – and a moment of fantasy – it's so close to happening that you daydream about every detail.

One of the most important aspects when preparing your maternity bag is to do it well in advance, around 34 weeks, in case the baby decides to leave the nest early, so you can gather everything calmly and peacefully and enjoy the moment.

There are several factors that dictate what should be included in a maternity bag, and the most important is the location where the birth will take place. The bag list varies from hospital to hospital (especially from public to private), so you should always consult the list that the maternity ward can provide in advance or, if they don't, contact them and ask. Most hospitals already have this information available online, as is the case with Cascais Hospital, which makes its list available here .

Here we provide the most relevant information, applicable across most hospitals and tailored to the main needs of mothers and babies, so you can prepare in advance.

How to choose a bag?

There is a huge range of maternity bags on the market, for all tastes and styles. However, the issue isn't just about design. Although it's effectively a bag that serves the purpose of carrying the first things for mom and baby, this will be an accessory that will accompany you for many months (even years)! Therefore, don't hesitate to invest in the quality and functionality of the bag. It will be your companion for outings with the baby, trips, doctor's appointments, overnight stays at grandparents' houses, etc.

Invest in a good brand bag that suits your style and preferences. You can even opt for a maternity backpack or a travel bag style. Some already include a changing mat inside, which is especially useful, in addition to complementary accessories that can be purchased together, such as a pacifier holder . Prepare to be amazed by the collections that combine the maternity bag with other accessories such as baby food containers, hygiene bags, document holders… and much more. Find various solutions here .

What should I pack in my maternity bag?

As mentioned, it largely depends on the place of birth, but also on what you personally want to bring with you to mark the moment. On the list of what is truly necessary are:

• The baby's first outfit (cotton) and three to four more changes are essential, but the most important things are bodysuits and protection for their extremities (warm feet and head, as well as protecting their hands so the baby doesn't scratch themselves). Depending on the time of year, adapt the outerwear and separate the outfits by bags/days to make the task and organization easier for you;
• A small blanket, cloth diapers for the baby, and a pack of diapers if the hospital doesn't provide them;
• If you choose to do this, also bring a pacifier (bring more than one with different shapes to see which one the baby gets used to);
• Bras and nursing pads , as well as a cream to help with the usual nipple fissures during the first few weeks;
• Slippers (suitable for showering) and at least two comfortable, stretchy pajamas with an easy-to-use front opening for the mother. A nightgown is best for ease of care and hygiene around the stitches. Bringing a bathrobe is also advisable.
• A toiletry bag containing your baby's hygiene products and first creams;
• Postpartum dressings and panties, as well as a postpartum support belt for new mothers who feel more comfortable with this solution (you should always consult with your doctor or nurses regarding its use). In some hospitals, postpartum underwear/pads are already provided;
• A document holder to store the baby's birth certificate, initial tests, discharge notes, and other medical or personal information (including the first photo!).
• Clothing for the day of discharge should be comfortable (from underwear to shoes). Believe me, you won't want anything more than comfort on that day (and the days to come).

We understand very well that it's tempting to pack your maternity bag with the best things for the baby (and mom), and that this represents a significant investment. That's why we now offer our baby registry service, a unique opportunity to share your first choices with friends and family and allow the people who are most important to you to participate in them.

Tips not on the list

This moment shouldn't be experienced in a purely practical way, nor should one of the most important days of your life be reduced to a checklist. While it's important to be prepared, also think about what's not on the list but could make you feel more comfortable.

This could include a book/magazine to fill the waiting time until delivery (after that you won't have much time for quiet reading, so take advantage of it), a playlist of songs that are important to you or help you relax, prepared on your phone, or even an instant camera to record and print the key moments.

Typically, you'll stay in the hospital for two to three days after giving birth, so pack accordingly and don't forget other practical items like your identification documents, your pregnancy health record, and any medical tests and information you have about your pregnancy to provide to the medical team if needed. Wishing you a quick and easy delivery!