Your maternity suitcase

Prepare before your baby arrives
For the newborn, the advice is to take a special change bag, a wicker basket or a new beauty case, for hygiene reasons.
Clothes should be soft and easy to put on. For example, rompers that close in front are better than those that slip over the head. To limit the risk of allergic reactions, wash your baby's new clothes (with a specific detergent or Marseille soap) before putting them on.
At birth, the baby does not yet have the ability to thermoregulate: cover it well. Then he will have to carry an extra layer of clothing than you.
Unless you are sure you have a baby of a certain weight, buy a 'premature' or size 0 onesie so that the little one is comfortable in his new clothes.If you or your dad-to-be are prone to allergies, know that organic cotton rompers exist.

Here is a small list to help you organize the baby bag.

• Postpartum bag
  6 rompers
  6 pajamas
  5 covers
  3 sweaters, including at least one in soft wool
  6 pairs of socks
  1 pair of baby shoes
  1 cap
  6 bibs
  4-5 cotton diapers
  3 towels
  1 cover to leave maternity leave

See also

Going to early motherhood: how it works and who it is for

The guide to optional motherhood, to know how it works and how long it lasts

Surrogacy: when another woman gives birth to your baby

Give priority to your comfort and intimacy

For motherhood, think that you will be happy and tired. You will need to sleep and rest. Prepare clothes that are comfortable, made of soft fabric, and plenty of them that you can change as soon as you feel the need.

• Mom's briefcase
  4 nightgowns, with buttons that open enough to allow you to breastfeed
  1 super soft blanket to cover your breasts when you are breastfeeding
  1 dressing gown
  1 bathrobe and two towels
  3 easy shirts or blouses can put on if you want to receive visitors dressed well
  5 disposable maternity briefs
  Maternity-specific hygienic wipes
  Your toiletry bag
  1 water sprayer to keep next to the bed
  If authorized by your motherhood, take an mp3 player or cd player with your favorite music with you.

Photo: Vanessa Braun