Are you expecting a new arrival soon? Congratulations! As you prepare for the big day, one essential task on your to-do list is packing your hospital bag. Knowing what to pack and when to pack it can alleviate stress and ensure you have everything you need for a comfortable and smooth hospital stay.
When to Pack Your Hospital Bag
Timing is key when it comes to packing your hospital bag. Ideally, you should have your bag ready to go by the time you reach 36 weeks of pregnancy. This ensures you're prepared in case your little one decides to make an early entrance.
However, life doesn't always go according to plan, so it's wise to have a basic bag packed by 32 weeks, just in case. You can always add any last-minute items as your due date approaches.
What to Pack In Your Hospital Bag
Now, let's delve into what should you pack in your hospital bag. Here's a comprehensive hospital bag checklist
Essentials for Labour and Delivery:
Birth plan (if you have one)
Insurance information and hospital paperwork
Comfortable clothing for labour (think loose-fitting items) night dress and dressing gown
Socks or slippers with non-slip soles
Hair ties or headbands to keep hair out of your face, hair brush
Toiletries
Lip balm to combat dry lips during labour
Comfy set of clothes
You may also want:
A TENS machine – for pain relief
Massage oil
A book
Your makeup bag (optional)
A candle or nice scent to make your room more relaxing
Postpartum Care Items:
Nursing bras and nursing pads
Maternity underwear or comfortable underwear
Maxi pads or maternity pads
Toiletries (toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo, conditioner, body wash, etc.)
Nursing pillow for breastfeeding support
Comfortable going-home outfit for you and your baby
Comfort and Entertainment:
Snacks and drinks (for both you and your partner/support person)
Phone charger and/or portable charger
Entertainment (books, magazines, tablet, etc.)
Music playlist or headphones
Camera or smartphone for capturing those precious first moments
Infant car seat (installed correctly in your vehicle)
Newborn nappies and wipes
Onesies or baby outfits (including a going-home outfit)
Swaddle blankets or receiving blankets
Baby hat and socks
Don’t forget your birth partner:
It’s equally important to ensure that your birth partner is comfortable, as it’s their job to help you relax and enjoy the experience before, during and after the birth. Pack these items in a separate rucksack or holdall.
A pillow and blanket
Plenty of loose change for parking and vending machines
A list of family and friends to call
A book or magazine
Drinks and snacks
A change of clothes
To simplify packing, here's a condensed checklist for you to refer to:
Birth plan, paperwork, and insurance information
Comfortable clothing for labour and postpartum
Toiletries and personal care items
Nursing bras, pads, and breastfeeding essentials
Snacks, drinks, and entertainment
Baby essentials including nappies, clothing, and car seat
By having your hospital bag packed in advance and including these essential items, you'll feel prepared and ready to welcome your little one into the world. Remember to tailor your bag to suit your personal preferences and requirements.
What to pack for mum and baby
If you’re planning a home birth it’s just as important to have a hospital bag prepared in advance to avoid a mad last minute packing panic, should you need to go to hospital.
It’s best to choose a practical and functional grab and go bag for your hospital visit. A weekend holdall, a roomy rucksack, or small cabin bag on wheels are all ideal options. Just make sure that there are sufficient internal pockets and compartments in which to pack everything you need.
We've found the perfect hospital bags and products for you - see them here
Hospital Bag Essentials
There are a number of essential items that you will need for you, baby, and your birth partner.
Mums Essentials
Your birth preferences plan and maternity notes
Several comfy nightdresses or sleep t-shirts
An open front nightdress, if you plan to breastfed
Slippers or non-slip socks
A lightweight dressing gown
Lip balm
Wet wipes, to cool you down
A hair brush
Hair clips or a hairband, if you have long hair
Toiletries – including toothbrush and toothpaste
Going home clothes – choose loose and comfy
2 or 3 nursing bras
Breast pads
Maternity pads – 2 packs of heavy duty
Nipple cream
Disposable pants – or old cotton knickers that you can throw away
You may also want to
A TENS machine – for pain relief
Massage oil
A book and/or MP3 player
A mobile phone and charger
A camera (optional)
Your makeup bag (optional)
Baby Essentials
Most new mums don't stay in hospital for too long after giving birth. When choosing essentials for baby it’s important that you consider the weather, and do your best to avoid over packing. Ideally, you should be able to pack baby’s items inside your grab and go hospital bag.
At least 3 each of newborn size vests, body suits and cardigans
3 or 4 all-in-one sleepsuits with popper fastenings
A cotton hat and 2 pairs of anti-scratch mittens
Muslin cloths or bibs
Newborn size nappies, baby toiletries and cotton wool
Sensitive baby wipes
Medicated cream for nappy rash
A super soft baby blanket or shawl
A going home outfit
Baby’s first soft toy
An all-in-one snow suit, if it’s cold outside
A baby car seat
We've selected our favourite hospital bag products on our Amazon Store - check them out here
For more information on birth check out our Birth Hub where you will find lots of freebies and useful information.
This blog post may contain affiliate links. We earn a small commission from products we recommend - We only recommend products we have used or are highly rated by our parent panel.
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