Time flies ! You are starting to prepare things to welcome your baby, and now it is time to think about packing the maternity suitcase.

Preparing the maternity bag is an important step in welcoming your baby into your new life. You have to sit down and think carefully about the essentials.

But what are the essentials?

Don't panic, Milinane now answers the most frequently asked questions: "What should I put in my maternity suitcase?" » “When is the best time to pack my maternity suitcase?” »

Moreover, we often use the term “maternity suitcase” to include the baby’s suitcase, mom’s suitcase and the bag for the delivery room.

What is the maternity suitcase?

The maternity suitcase is one of the pieces of luggage that will accompany you during your stay in the maternity ward. It is in this suitcase that you will have everything you need to welcome your newborn in complete peace of mind.

The average stay in the maternity ward is 4 days, so you need to bring enough outfits and accessories for the first days with your baby.

When should I prepare my maternity suitcase?

If you are the type to do everything at the last minute, this is strongly not recommended at this time of your life... The ideal would be to start packing your suitcase between the sixth and seventh month of your pregnancy. There's no point starting it earlier, you'll have plenty of other things to think about.

We recommend starting the preparation of the maternity suitcase from the 6th month, to have everything you need in the event of an early birth. Indeed, for various reasons, it may happen that your child is premature. In France, there are nearly 10,000 very premature births, that is to say those occurring between the 29th and 32nd weeks of pregnancy.

The sooner you start, the less stressed you will be when you give birth.

What to put in my baby's maternity suitcase?

You are now registered in the maternity hospital of your choice and you have collected the list of items necessary to welcome your baby. Unfortunately, this list is not always complete and detailed. So it's difficult to make the right choices.

Here is a complete list to welcome this little piece of you in the best conditions:

• 6 pajamas, for a 4-day stay in the maternity ward. Small accidents happen quickly!
• 6 bodysuits, preferably crossed at the front to avoid putting it over the newborn's head
• 2 packs of diapers 0 to 3 months
• 6 bibs
• A blanket to welcome baby into his new cocoon
• 1 hat
• 1 pair of mittens to prevent baby from scratching their sensitive skin
• Cotton swaddles which can also be used as a cuddly toy because they are so soft and pleasant
• 1 bath cape
• 4 terry towels
• 2 pacifiers 0 to 3 months
• 1 baby soap
• Physiological serum

Baby's things will easily find their place in the large Week-end changing bag from Milinane!

What to put in mom's maternity suitcase?

After your delivery, you will have to spend a few days in the maternity ward with your child. These few days allow the mother to recover from childbirth and to rest.

You will also need what you need to make these few days go well.

We have prepared a complete list for your maternity bag:

In mom's maternity bag:

• Loose, comfortable clothing for day and night
• A pair of slippers
• A pair of socks
• Nursing bra
• Disposable briefs or mesh panties
• Maxi size sanitary napkins
• A soap for intimate hygiene
• An anti-stretch mark oil or cream
• A toilet bag with your skincare and beauty essentials (to look good!)
• A first aid kit in which you can put: painkiller tablets, arnica, homeopathy, nipple care cream, massage oil, etc.

A bag for the birthing room:

To better organize yourself, you will also need a birth bag which you will only use for the day of delivery. This will be the D-Day bag for you and your baby. Here is what will be needed:

For baby:

• Wrap-around pajamas (which open at the front)
• A cotton vest
• A cotton hat
• A pair of socks
• A sleeping bag or sleeping bag

For Mom :

• Comfortable clothing (nightgown or large t-shirt)
• A vest
• A pair of socks
• A mister
• Something to keep you busy while waiting for THE big moment

Don't forget the administrative papers:

• Family record book or early recognition document
• An ID
• A social security card
• A mutual insurance card, ME or CMU
• Blood group card
• The obstetric and anesthetic file
• The maternity registration file (or your file number)

Also remember to bring a nice health book cover to protect this little booklet that will follow your child all his life!

You are now ready to make your little one's birth suitcase and your own! Only a few weeks left before meeting your little one!