Packing Checklist for Childbirth

When my sister is on her last term of pregnancy, I gave her my previous baby things including the baby books where the packing checklist is written. She and her husband already started packing before he left for almost 2 months of business trip in Japan since she could go into labor at any time before due date. Here is my own packing checklist for childbirth which I merged from every info I got from baby articles, other moms, and my own experience.

~Raine's baby doll...she's just too excited for her first cousin~

Prepare 3 bags - one for baby, one for mommy and one for daddy or whoever is the guardian. Orient the people around you which is for what to avoid rummaging through the bags especially the one that contains baby things as they should remain sterile.

For Daddy or Guardian:

• Valid IDs 
• PhilHealth and/or insurance documents inside a clear envelope 
• Fully charged cellphone and charger - do not forget the adaptor if your charger has 3 plugs. 
• Pen - for signing countless hospital forms 
• Notepad 
• Water 
• Pairs of clothes 
• Extra blanket 
• Snacks 
• Plastic bag for laundry 
• Cash money - ATM terminals might not be in near sight 

For Mommy:

• Mother's book 
• Maternity dress - halter strap or tube dress are recommended for easy breastfeeding 
• Maternity pads or large diapers 
• Travel size toiletries - toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, face wash, feminine wash, shampoo, conditioner, lotion 
• Sarong - to serve as blanket or bath towel 
• Wet wipes
• Slippers 
• Going home outfit 
• Hair clamp 
• Pairs of socks
  

For Baby: white color is recommended to easily spot dirt or insect

• Receiving blanket with hood 
• 3 pairs of tie-side shirts and pajamas 
• 3 pairs of booties and mittens 
• Hat 
• Bolster or pillow 
• Bodysuit 
• Newborn diapers 
• Liquid baby bath 
• Baby wipes 
• Cotton balls 
• 3 Feeding bottles 

These will be provided by the hospital so take them off the list:

• Thermometer 
• 1 Roll of dry tissue 
• Alcohol 
• Lubricant 
• Gloves 

***Most important tip: Keep calm! So when the baby decides it's time to meet mom and dad, you will be at ease as the tough gets going.

Breathe in...breathe out!