What to pack in your hospital bag?

Have you started to pack your hospital bag yet? Or thought about what you need to pack for you and your newborn baby? Being pregnant is so exciting and there is so much to organise for your new arrival.

Its a really good idea to pack a bag of essentials in preparation for your hospital stay during labour and after the birth of your new baby at least 2 weeks prior to you due date.  Here's our hospital bag checklist to help you get started. 

What should I pack in my hospital bag for labour?

  • Maternity notes.
  • Birth Plan- If you do have a birth plan.
  • A nightie or baggy T-shirt so that your comfortable and cool, ideally in a darker colour to hide stains.
  • Dressing gown- hospitals can be warm so a lightweight one for walking up and down the corridors or nipping to the toilet would be good.
  • Comfy backless slippers or flip flops to slip on and off easily.
  • Entertainment- Magazines, Books, pre downloaded films on an ipad/ phone or games to pass the time during the early stages of labour.
  • Lip Balm- your lips can get really dry especially if you have gas and air.
  • Hair bobbles or Clips to tie long hair back.
  • A fan or water spray to cool you down.
  • Extra pillows- a pregnancy pillow can help keep you comfortable and be a great support if you are planning to breastfeed.
  • Most hospitals will have the option to access birthing balls and TENS machines but if they don't and you are planning to use them during labour, have them ready to go too.
  • Phone charger.
  • Any aromatherapy oils you plan to use for relaxing or hypnobirthing.

Make a playlist of music that's soothing and will help to relax you as well as a list of your favourite songs, you never know you may fancy dancing to pass the time.

what to pack in your hospital bag for your new baby. Baby clothes also what you need for labour and after the birth of your newborn and during your hospital stay.

What should I pack in my hospital bag for after the birth?

  • Nursing bras- 2 or 3 if you are planning to breastfeed.
  • Breast pads- Even if your not planning to breastfeed you will need them as your body will start to produce milk.
  • Maternity pads- A few packs of large pads.
  • Big Knickers, you may want to bring some disposable ones.
  • Nursing nightdress that can be easily unfastened at the front for breastfeeding.
  • Towels- Hospitals will have towels but they can be thin and scratchy so if you prefer then pack your own.
  • Nipple soothing gel if you are breastfeeding your nipples will feel sore whilst you and your newborn baby get the hang of feeding.
  • Toiletries- Toothbrush, toothpaste, hair brush, shampoo, conditioner, soap etc.
  • Going home outfit - Loose and comfortable.

Run through whats in your bag with your birthing partner so they can be on hand if anything is needed in a hurry. Then once packed leave it by the door so its ready to leave with you on the way to the hospital

What should I pack in my hospital bag for baby?

  • Bodysuits or vests.
  • Sleepsuits/ Babygrows.
  • Hat.
  • Cardigan.
  • Scratch mittens.
  • Socks or Booties.
  • Comfortable going home outfit.
  • Blankets.
  • Cotton wool - Delicate on baby's skin when doing nappy changes, its advised to only use cotton wool and water in the beginning.
  • A pack or 2 of nappies- New Baby's will go through 12 a day on average.
  • Muslin squares.
  • Snowsuit if its cold.
  • Car Seat.

Baby clothes, newborn baby sleepsuit, baby bottle, baby hospital bag, baby vests, baby mittens.

Birthing Partners Hospital Bag Checklist!

  • Snacks and drinks.
  • Toiletries to freshen up.
  • Comfy clothes.
  • Cash and spare change.
  • Comfortable change of clothes.
  • Swimwear- If you have a water birth and they want to get in.
  • Phone and Charger.

Some hospitals allow you to book a tour so you can familiarise yourself with the surroundings on where to go and what to expect as you progress through labour, this can be helpful making you feel a little more at ease knowing. if your planning to breastfeed.