Your hospital bag checklist
Globally, there are an average of 36,000 online searches a month about what to pack in your hospital bag. That’s a lot of expectant parents getting ready for their new arrival (I miss those newborn days so much!). Thinking about it like that, I’m reminded that we’re all part of a massive community as parents, experiencing the same milestones, feelings and checking off our ‘things to do’.
If your most pressing to-do list item is your hospital bag, we’ve pulled together a list of the essentials you might need. This will vary depending on whether you’re expecting multiples, or indeed giving birth with lockdown restrictions in place, but it will give you what you need without feeling too overwhelmed.
With both of my children, I packed the minimal amount and took just one soft bag. I figured that if I ran out of anything, forgot something, or wanted something I hadn’t thought about, that my partner or the midwives would be on hand to help.
Which of course, they were.
What to pack in your hospital bag
For you:
Your maternity notes - you’ll need to bring the maternity pack that you’ve taken to all of your midwife appointments. The midwives at the hospital will keep it once you’ve given birth.
Birth preferences - if you have them, I didn’t write them for either of mine as I was quite open to being guided by the medical team given that I don’t handle disappointment well.
Water bottle, drinks, and snacks - simple H20 is good, you could also take weak squash or isotonic drinks. Be wary of eating too much or drinking fizzy drinks during labour, but listen to your body and have what you need to get you through.
Spare clothes - you’ll likely spend most of your time in nightwear, but you’ll need something comfortable to go home in.
Nightwear - a short-sleeved loose nightshirt is a great option for feeding and for when your nurses do your regular observations.
Dressing gown or cardigan - it can get a bit chilly on the ward or in a side room.
Flip flops, sliders or slippers - you’ll need these for your first walk to the bathroom for a shower!
Socks - believe me, your feet can get really cold.
Underwear - the bigger the knickers the better! I went three sizes up and the biggest briefs I could find. These were great after a c-section. I chose black to disguise any bloodstains.
Maternity pads - I packed one pack and once my bleeding started to get lighter switched to sanitary towels which were a little more comfortable.
Bras - a maternity bra that offers good support is great. You’ll need good support for when your milk comes in.
Breast pads - worth having whether you’re planning to breastfeed or not, for those early days.
Nipple cream - a must if you’re planning on breastfeeding.
Toiletries - travel-sized ones are great space savers. I packed shampoo, conditioner, face wash, moisturiser, deodorant, and make up. Maybe pack some face wipes for an instant refresh too.
Phone and charger.
Glasses or contacts - if you wear them.
Lip balm - I didn’t experience this, but a lot of friends tell me their lips got really, really dry. So worth packing if you want to be prepared.
Hair bobbles and hairbrush.
A book, kindle, or something to pass the time - think about downloading some of your favourite series before you go.
For baby:
Vests - 3 will do, more if you are expecting multiples.
Sleepsuits - again, 3 will be fine.
Cardigan - just 1 will do.
Nappies - I packed a small pack of size 1s. The hospital has some if you run out and you can always ask for more to be brought in.
Cotton wool or baby wipes.
Hat - just 1 will do.
Blanket - just 1 will do.
Scratch mitts - their teeny tiny nails are so sharp and they keep their little hands warm too. One pair is fine.
Muslin cloths - in my experience, you can never have enough muslin cloths. But for your hospital bag, just a couple will be fine.
Going home outfit - of course.
Car seat.
How are you feeling?
Packing your hospital bag can be emotional for some, and stressful for others. I hope this list is a useful guide and has some helpful insights into my experience. If you feel overwhelmed, that’s totally normal. I remember walking into Mamas and Papas at 18 weeks pregnant with my first - and walking straight out. I couldn’t compute the amount of stuff I was faced with and I didn’t have a clue what I was looking for, or doing. I went home, got my **** together, and went back in. Needless to say I’ve spent a lot of money in there now over the years!
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