1) Preparing the Hospital Bag

  • Letter of admission
  • Documents for birth registration. Births should be registered within 14 days from the date of birth. Some hospitals have a birth registration centre so if you intend to do it there, prepare both parents’ identity cards, your marriage certificate and the Notification of Live Birth issued by the hospital.
  • Toothbrush, toothpaste and facial care products
  • Comb or hairbrush
  • Nursing gowns that open in front to facilitate breastfeeding
  • Slippers
  • Cardigan and socks to keep you warm
  • Nursing bras and nursing pads
  • Maternity sanitary pads
  • ​Underwear. Some mums prefer disposables, or pack your old undies which can be thrown out after wear.
  • A maternity outfit to wear home. Mums who are doing a caesarean section (C-section) may prefer something loose around the waist.
  • A new set of clothes for the baby
  • Breast pump

Below is a list of items you may wish to prepare before the baby’s arrival:​

2) Items List

  • Towels. Handkerchiefs, bath and face towels for the baby.
  • Wash basin. For bathing the baby.
  • Toiletries. Baby wash, nappy wipes, nappy rash cream.
  • Nappies. Cloth diapers are washable and cheaper over the long term. Some come with Velcro fasteners or you can use nappy pins. If you are using disposable diapers, buy just a few packs in “newborn” size; your baby may outgrow this size quickly.
  • A changing pad. More practical than buying a changing table as a pad is light and portable and allows you to change your baby’s diapers anywhere you want.
  • Baby clothes. Buy just enough to last him through each growth spurt. You may consider choosing one-piece body suits (or onesies) with an opening so that you can change diapers easily without having to undress your baby. Also prepare enough socks, booties and mittens.​
  • Small table lamp or night light. Very useful during night feeds.
  • Baby cot. The cot should be sturdy with smooth moving parts so that fingers or clothing would not get trapped. If you are recycling a borrowed or old cot, make sure you get a new firm mattress.
  • Baby Stroller: Look out for strollers with multiple functions. Some can convert from a pram (with the baby facing the mummy) to strollers. Others can transform from a pram to a bassinet and to a stroller. Some also come with a carry-cot fixed onto the pram, which can later be removed and converted into a stroller when the baby outgrows it.

credits: Heathhub Singapore