Our hospital bag essentials checklist
It's never too early to get together all the essentials you'll need for your hospital bag. Try to have a bag packed by the time you're about 36 weeks pregnant just in case your little one decides to arrive early. It’s also a good idea to keep your hospital bag close to hand; packing it in the car if you need to travel for work or socialising.
You may want to take a few items from home, such as your own pillows, music and headphones and snacks, to make the birthing environment more comfortable and to help you feel more relaxed. It’s also best to check with your midwife about what you are allowed to take in with you or if there’s any specifics they recommend bringing as this can vary from hospital to hospital. Whilst it’s our natural instinct to pack for baby, don’t forget to pack for you too!
Here is a handy checklist to help you pack...
What to pack for your room:
- A birthing ball
- Your own pillow
- Speakers for music
- Fairy lights to create a tranquil setting
- A fan to cool you down
- A tens machine (a form of pain relief)
What to pack for mum:
- birth plan (copy for you and copy for midwife)
- light dressing gown such as our maternity and nursing dressing gown.
-
Pyjamas such as our bamboo PJs or a nightdress for a planned C section
- Maternity knickers (opt for high waisted style)
- maternity pads
- slippers
- flip flops
- warm socks
- maternity & nursing bras
- breast pads (try our breastfeeding starter kit which comes complete with reusable pads and a nursing bra)
- nipple cream
- 3 nursing tops
- 3 pairs comfy leggings
- hair brush and hair bands
- toothpaste and toothbrush
- shampoo and conditioner (use mini bottles to take up less space).
- deodorant
- body wash
- Face spritz (great for energy and keeping cool on a hot labour ward!)
- face wash
- lip balm (many women struggle with dry lips during childbirth)
- phone/tablet
- charger
- camera
- going home outfit
- Snacks (a mix of easy to grab snacks for when feeding and high-energy snacks for labour).
- A breast pump in case you need to express (although many hospitals will provide this if needed).
What to pack for baby
- x 4 newborn vests
- x 4 newborn sleepsuits
- scratch mitts
- 2 - 3 days worth of nappies
- swaddle blankets
- muslin cloths
- newborn hat
- newborn socks
- cotton balls/pads
- wipes
- towel
- warm blanket for going home
- nappy cream
- going home outfit
- (If you’re planning on formula feeding, many hospitals no longer supply this and ask you to bring your own).
