How big is a hospital bag and how should you pack it?

As the due date approaches, the stress and desire to be well prepared for the big day increases. When should you start packing your hospital bag? What should go in your hospital bag? In most cases, birth and hospital stays can be planned well, but sometimes the baby decides to come into the world sooner than expected. And then it's good to have your hospital bag ready.

But how big should the hospital bag be and what should definitely be in it? If you only start looking for your hospital bag and documents shortly before the birth, it can be exhausting. We will tell you what you really need, whether a hospital bag or a suitcase makes more sense and when you should start packing. The size of the hospital bag is also an important factor. If there isn't enough room for all the necessary things, you will miss something later in the hospital or have to take an additional bag with you.

Don't panic about space problems - you can then store the packed bag for the hospital in the closet and always have it to hand when your offspring decides to enter the world.

Hospital bag – how big is perfect: Which bag should I use as a hospital bag?

The size of the hospital bag is a challenge for many mothers and fathers. Which bag is suitable for the hospital and birth stay depends on various factors. The most important thing, however, is that your bag is easy to transport. In the hospital itself, you have very little space; you have a small cupboard at your disposal in which you can store your belongings.

If you consider the average stay of two to five days, a medium-sized travel bag with a capacity of 35 liters is completely sufficient. Alternatively, you can use a trolley, which has advantages for you. Above all, it is easier to transport than a travel bag that you or your companion have to carry. If you then have to go quickly, it is practical if the luggage simply has to be pulled along behind you.

Backpacks are less suitable because, on the one hand, they don't give you the opportunity to sort things thoroughly and, on the other hand, you don't need the weight on your back during pregnancy. The XL suitcase is also superfluous; you won't find enough space for it and it will be difficult to transport if you have to check into the hospital alone. We have a rule of thumb for you: choose a large hospital bag rather than a small one. It's better if you have a little more space, so that you can't take some things with you.

Large hospital bag for birth – what do you really need?

In addition to the question of the size of the hospital bag, one of the crucial questions is: What goes in the hospital bag? The birth and getting to know your offspring are events that you will never forget. Of course, you don't want to be annoyed about not having enough luggage, but rather have everything to hand.

Plan your hospital bag, birth and hospital stay now with our checklist

To make packing easier for you, we have put together a few checklists that will help you pack your hospital bag, get through the birth and hospital stay, and then meet your baby. Using the list, you can estimate exactly how big your hospital bag should be.

Pack a large hospital bag and secure documents:

• Parents’ identity card or passport

• Maternity record and medical documents

• Parents’ birth certificate or marriage certificate, alternatively family register

• Health insurance card

The size of the hospital bag doesn't matter for the documents, but the way it is divided does. Ideally, your bag should have a separate compartment where you can store your papers without them getting damaged.

Hygiene checklist:

• Toiletry bag with toothbrush and cosmetics

• Hair ties and hairbrush

• Nursing pads for the bra

• comfortable XL pads

• Glasses, contact lens accessories, hearing aids and other medically necessary items

• Medications you take regularly or medication plans

If you have chosen a large hospital bag, your cosmetic products will fit in there easily. If, on the other hand, you choose a suitcase and an additional small bag for your "hand luggage", you can pack your hygiene products in here so that they are always ready to hand.

Tips for the rest of your luggage:

• Baby clothing (bodysuits, burp cloths, jackets and hats)

• Mum clothes (nightgowns, nursing bras, jogging pants, cardigan, slippers, bathrobe, comfortable sweater, cotton underwear (one size larger), socks)

• Mobile phone and charging cable, camera, earplugs for the night, sleeping mask, change for vending machines in the hospital, bag for used laundry

Depending on the size of your hospital bag, you can of course also pack something to keep you occupied. If your hospital bag is big enough, headphones, for example, are a good idea in case you need a little distraction in the hospital.

Which snacks to pack in your hospital bag – when hunger strikes

The hospital stay usually begins in the delivery room, and this can sometimes take a while. It is therefore not just about the size of the hospital bag, but also about how well equipped you are. You and your companion may spend several hours in the delivery room if the baby wants to take a little time. To quell the hunger pangs of the expectant father and mother, the hospital bag should also contain a few snacks. You should therefore factor in a few snacks for the size of the hospital bag.

It is practical if you put these in a separate bag so that you have it ready to hand in the delivery room. There are hospital meals, but if you have to go to the hospital at night or if you are accompanied, this is not enough to cover hunger. Snacks that are suitable for the hospital bag are:

• Fruit juices that give you energy

• Water in small bottles

• Dextrose as an additional energy booster

• Sweets for in between

• Cereal bars and trail mix

• Cookies for Mom and Dad to snack on

Is your hospital bag big enough for these snacks?

Packing a large hospital bag – when is it time to make preparations?

The right size hospital bag? When to pack? What to pack? Questions upon questions that can pose a challenge to expectant parents. In principle, your baby can be born at any time from the 36th week of pregnancy without being counted as a premature birth. So by this point at the latest, it is advisable to have your bag packed and ready for the big day.

You can also pack your toiletry bag for your hospital stay if you include small cosmetic samples, an extra toothbrush and disposable washcloths. This way you will have everything ready in case the contractions suddenly start and you have to leave.

But don't worry: Even if your baby surprises you and you haven't finished packing, it's no big deal. Most hospitals will provide you with everything you need for the first day in case of an emergency. Your companion can then bring you everything else.

With a large, well-packed hospital bag you are prepared for the birth

Whether it's your first or fifth child, a stay in the hospital is always stressful. You can avoid this if you're well prepared. This includes choosing the right hospital, finding the right hospital bag size for you and packing at the right time.

When choosing the size of your hospital bag, you should not only think about clothes, but also about other practical things. However, you cannot pack some important documents weeks before the birth, such as your maternity record. So set up a compartment in your bag or suitcase where you can put something in a few seconds in an emergency.

The perfect hospital bag model is designed in terms of size and transportability so that you can access it alone in an emergency and get to the hospital with your luggage on your own.

Important tip: Do not store the hospital bag for the birth of your baby in the trunk of the car if your partner regularly takes it out and about with him. Otherwise, in the worst case scenario, the father-to-be could be taking the hospital bag for a walk while you are getting ready.