Essential Items for Expectant Mothers, Don’t Forget to Bring Your Hegen Bottle!

Sudden contractions often force expectant mothers and their companions to rush to the hospital. In urgent situations like this, many only realize too late that their hospital bag has not been prepared. Confusion quickly follows as they try to gather multiple essentials at once, from items the mother needs, newborn necessities, to breastfeeding supplies for the first day. It is common for mothers to bring too many unnecessary items, while unintentionally forgetting the most important ones.

This situation frequently occurs when a hospital bag has not been prepared in advance. In fact, the list of essential items for pregnant women should ideally be planned and packed starting in the third trimester. Doing so helps reduce stress, save valuable time, and ensure a more organized journey toward delivery. With a well-prepared and neatly packed hospital bag, mothers can focus fully on the birthing process without panicking over last-minute essentials. Read on for the complete guide in the following article.

Why Should a Hospital Bag Be Prepared Starting in the Third Trimester?

The third trimester is a phase when anything can happen at any time. Some mothers give birth at 38 weeks, others at 36 weeks, and some experience sudden water breaking without clear early signs. Medically, normal labor can begin within a very flexible time range. This is the scientific reason why preparing the essential items a pregnant woman needs from the third trimester onward is highly recommended. From a practical standpoint, having a ready hospital bag offers several key benefits.

1. Reducing Stress and Panic

When contractions begin, it can be difficult for a mother to think clearly. A fully prepared bag allows for a quicker and more organized departure.

2. Saving Time

There is no wasted time searching for chargers, nursing bras, or administrative documents when the situation becomes urgent.

3. Improving Comfort for the Mother and Companion

Essential items such as spare clothes, maternity pads, and toiletries help support the mother’s comfort and recovery.

From an educational perspective, the checklist of essential items for pregnant women should also include important administrative documents. Many hospitals require patient data, medical history, pregnancy records, and insurance information. All of these should be neatly stored in one bag from the start to ensure a faster registration process and to prevent unnecessary exhaustion for the mother.

Also read: What’s the Difference Between Supplies for Normal Delivery vs. C-Section? 

Main Checklist of Essential Items Every Pregnant Woman Should Bring

Source: Freepik 

Preparation for childbirth should ideally begin as soon as you enter the third trimester. Even though your doctor can estimate the due date (EDD), the actual day of delivery often comes unexpectedly. To ensure a smoother and more organized birthing process, here is a list of essential items every pregnant woman should pack for herself when heading to the hospital.

1. Important Documents

These documents are mandatory to ensure a smooth administrative process at the hospital. They typically include your ID card, BPJS or insurance card, and your pregnancy book or medical records. Having these documents ready is crucial, as they will be required during patient registration.

2. Comfortable Change of Clothes

Pack one to two sets of clothing that are easy to put on and take off, comfortable, and breathable. Don’t forget to include a nursing bra to support early breastfeeding initiation (IMD).

3. Maternity Pad

After delivery, mothers will experience postpartum bleeding. For this reason, maternity pads are an essential item to support recovery after childbirth.

4. Toiletries and Basic Skincare

Bring travel-size items and only what you truly need, such as soap, shampoo, deodorant, face wash, moisturizer, and lip balm.

5. Charger and a Small Essentials Pouch

Mothers will need frequent communication with family members and healthcare providers, making a phone charger a must-have. Keep chargers and small personal items neatly organized in a pouch for easy access.

Also read: 5 Ways to Help Breast Milk Come In Before Delivery, Did You Know These, Mom?

Essential Items for Newborns That Must Be Ready from Day One

Source: freepik

Not only mothers, but babies also require specific essentials that must be ready from the very first day. Below is a list of items pregnant women should bring for their newborn’s needs.

1. Swaddle or Baby Wrap

A swaddle helps babies feel calmer by recreating the comforting sensation of the womb. This soft wrap keeps the baby warm, minimizes the startle reflex, and promotes more restful sleep. Proper swaddling also supports safe sleeping positions and helps newborns adapt to their new environment outside the womb.

2. Newborn Clothing, Socks, and Hat

Newborn clothing should be made from soft, breathable cotton to allow the baby’s skin to breathe and reduce the risk of irritation. Front-opening outfits are more practical, as they can be worn without pulling fabric over the baby’s head.

Socks help maintain body warmth, while a hat protects the baby’s head, which is highly sensitive to temperature changes. These items are essential because a newborn’s thermoregulation system is not yet fully developed.

3. Newborn Diapers

Newborn diapers are specially designed in size and absorbency to suit babies in their first days of life. Bringing enough diapers for the first 24–48 hours is crucial, as newborns may need frequent changes throughout the day. The right diapers help keep the skin dry, prevent rashes, and ensure comfort during sleep and feeding.

4. Baby Blanket

A baby blanket helps maintain a stable body temperature, especially in hospital rooms that tend to be cooler. It also supports bonding moments, such as when the baby is held or during skin-to-skin contact with parents. Choose a blanket that is soft and lightweight yet warm enough to provide comfort without causing overheating.

5. Clean Cloths or Soft Washcloths

Clean cloths or soft washcloths are very useful for wiping spit-up, drool, or other fluids that are common in the first days of life. They can also be used during feeding, as shoulder cloths, or to gently dry the baby’s face and hands. Opt for fabrics that are soft, highly absorbent, and safe for sensitive skin to avoid irritation.

Beyond clothing and basic essentials, there is one item that is often overlooked yet extremely important: first breastfeeding supplies. Many mothers do not realize that containers for colostrum and early breast milk are among the most essential items pregnant women should bring.

Also read: Newborn Won’t Breastfeed? Here Are the Causes and Solutions

Hegen PPSU Bottles as an Essential for the First Day of Breastfeeding

On the first day after birth, many mothers experience a situation where breast milk has not yet come in abundantly. With colostrum produced in very small amounts, mothers need a container that is safe, hygienic, and easy to use. This is where Hegen PPSU bottles play an essential role as one of the must-bring items for pregnant women. Here are the key advantages of Hegen bottles every mother should know:

• Heat-resistant up to 180°C and safe for frequent sterilization in the hospital without risk of damage.

• Made from medical-grade materials, BPA- and BPS-free, ensuring safety for storing colostrum and early expressed breast milk.

• Odor-resistant and does not become cloudy, helping preserve the quality of breast milk.

• Features the PCTO™ system (Press-to-Close, Twist-to-Open), allowing the lid to be closed simply by pressing, especially helpful for exhausted mothers after delivery.

• Multifunctional, suitable for pumping, storage, and feeding without transferring milk, minimizing the risk of contamination.

• Ideal for first-day feeding, particularly if the baby requires top-up feeding due to certain medical conditions.

With all these advantages, Hegen PPSU bottles are an essential item that pregnant women should always include in their hospital bag.

Also read: How to Breastfeed a Newborn and Pump Correctly

Why Must a Safe Storage Bottle Be Included in the Hospital Bag? 

From an educational standpoint, colostrum is the “liquid gold” that plays a vital role in building a baby’s immunity. Because it is produced in very small quantities, it must be stored in a container that is safe and does not absorb odors. Using non–food-grade containers carries risks such as microplastic release, poor heat resistance, plastic odors, and a higher chance of contamination.

As a scientifically sound solution, Hegen PPSU bottles meet health standards for newborns. That is why Hegen bottles are among the most medically and practically recommended items that pregnant women should bring. 

In addition, fathers or birth companions should also prepare their own essentials, such as a change of clothes, sandals, charger, snacks, wallet and important cards, a jacket, and basic toiletries. This ensures that companions can focus on supporting the mother, rather than scrambling to find personal belongings.

Also read: Stay Calm, Mom, Here Are 4 Ways to Help Breast Milk Come In Faster After Delivery

Practical Hospital Bag Checklist Summary 

Below is a concise checklist of essential items pregnant women should bring to ensure a smooth delivery at the hospital.

1. Mother’s Essentials

• Important documents

• Change of clothes

• Maternity pad

• Toiletries

• Charger

2. Baby’s Essentials

• Swaddle

• Newborn clothes and accessories

• Diapers

• Baby blanket

• Soft cloths

3. Companion’s Essentials

• Change of clothes

• Sandals

• Snacks

• Phone charger

4. Mandatory Breastfeeding Essentials

• Hegen PPSU bottles as a safe container for colostrum and early expressed breast milk.

Start preparing your hospital bag today. Review the essential items every pregnant woman should bring, complete your breastfeeding supplies, and turn your delivery journey into a calm, warm, and love-filled experience.

Complete your hospital bag with Hegen PPSU bottles. Purchase directly from the Official Hegen Indonesia Website to ensure guaranteed quality.