Are you ready for the big day when your baby arrives? In Nigeria, it’s essential to be well-prepared because your little one might come earlier than expected. To ensure a smooth hospital stay, it’s a good idea to start packing your baby’s hospital bag around the eighth month of your pregnancy.
Gathering the necessities a month before your due date is a smart move. Most Nigerian hospitals provide a checklist of what you should bring for delivery. Here is a list to help you get everything ready before your special day:
For Mom’s Hospital Bag:
- Documentation and Identification: Carry your hospital documentation, identification, and health insurance details. Having copies of your medical records ensures your doctors can review your medical history.
- Comfortable Clothing: Pack comfortable clothing like abaya, jalabia, joggers, and t-shirts for walking around during delivery or your hospital stay.
- Footwear: Bring flip-flops and slippers for ease of movement around the hospital, including shower time.
- Lip Balm: Keep lip balm on hand to prevent chapped lips during labor.
- Body Lotion or Massage Oil: Consider bringing lotion or oil for a soothing massage during labor.
- Cooling Tools: Include a sponge and water spray to help you stay cool if you feel overheated during labor.
- Comfortable Pillows: While hospitals provide pillows, bringing your favorite cushion from home can add extra comfort.
- Entertainment: Pack items like books, magazines, a tablet with downloaded movies or series, or a music player to pass the time.
- Maternity Pads: Have heavy-duty maternity pads on hand as you might need to replace them frequently after giving birth.
- Comfortable Underwear: Large, comfortable underwear is a must, especially with heavy-duty pads.
- Nursing Bras: Carry a few nursing bras or other comfy, well-fitting bras.
- Additional Items: Don’t forget your contact list for sharing the big news, toiletries (including hair elastics), a camera or phone for pictures, and any entertainment you prefer.
- Timing Tools: Bring a smartphone or watch to track contractions.
For Your Baby’s Hospital Bag:
- Olive Oil: Essential for baby massage.
- Spirit and Cotton Wool: For cleaning and disinfecting.
- Disinfectant: Ensure baby’s items are kept clean.
- Bathing Essentials: Include a bathing sponge or foam, bathing soap, baby oil, baby comb, and baby lotion.
- Clothing: Pack six long-sleeved bodysuits, six vests, bibs, and two cardigans.
- Baby Towels: Have two soft baby towels and one baby sponge.
- Diapering: Bring nappy cream or shea butter, gloves, and a pack of diapers with baby wipes.
- Warmth: Include two hats, two blankets or shawls, and a foldable bed net.
- Feeding: Carry a flask for warm water, a spoon, and a cup.
- Going-Home Outfit: Don’t forget a special outfit for your baby’s first trip home.
- Car Seat: Ensure you have an approved infant car seat with the base installed in your vehicle for the journey back home.
By packing these essentials, you’ll be well-prepared for your baby’s arrival in Nigeria. Keep your bags close to the door or in the car, so you’re ready to go at a moment’s notice.