One of the popular versions: so as not to steal the baby. Is this true?
Gathering to the hospital is a very troublesome business. The list of things to take with you is very long. It must be clarified in the antenatal clinic, which is assigned to the pregnant woman. But, as a rule, these are documents (passport, medical policy, SNILS, exchange card, generic certificate), water, toothbrush, comb, hair band, telephone, charger, bathrobe, compression stockings, washable slippers, socks, towel, a snack in the form of apples, baby things (a hat, socks, diapers for a baby), a bag for outerwear.
Some medical facilities have everything of their own: bathrobes, bed linen, and diapers for the baby. But often you need to familiarize yourself with a large list of things that need to be prepared and put in a transparent bag in advance. Or – as is often done – in a package.
Why should carry-on baggage be translucent? There are several functional reasons here.
1. First – and the main one. This is the requirement of the sanitary and epidemiological regime in maternity hospitals. Only bags, only plastic – no fabric or even leather bags, this is prohibited for hygiene reasons. It is believed that there is less dirt and germs on plastic surfaces. A warning about this must be on the website of the maternity hospital. Alternatively, they may be allowed to carry things in an oilcloth bag. But even a small handbag is unlikely to be allowed to be kept with you.
2. It is convenient to look for things. In a transparent bag, each item is clearly visible. You can instantly navigate and get what you need right now without turning the contents of the bag upside down. And even a nurse will at any time find the necessary thing in your package, if for some reason you cannot do it yourself.
3. Less unnecessary noise. You need three packages: one with things for yourself, another – with baby accessories, the third, most important – with what you need before and during childbirth. If you are not alone in the ward, then it is much more humane not to rustle in an immense bag or suitcase in search of what you need, but to quickly get everything out of a transparent bag.
4. Compactness – a plastic bag or bag can be folded and put away on the shelf, it does not take up much space.
Where can I get a transparent bag?
First, if you don’t want to spend money on a new bag, you can use a large blanket, pillow or blanket bag. These bags are usually made with handles and a flat bottom. They are easy to put on the floor, spacious and easy to clean.
The second option is a ready-made complete bag, it is sold already with a set of necessary things for a mother and a newborn. As a rule, it includes a package of diapers, a set of clothes for a baby, wet wipes, disposable diapers, postpartum and breast pads, breast cream, an electronic thermometer.
And the third is just an ordinary translucent bag, not necessarily perfectly transparent. It doesn’t look too glamorous, but functional and inexpensive.
By the way
As for the version that children are being stolen from maternity hospitals in opaque bags, this is just an urban legend, and nothing more.