Bare Essentials Needed For Your Hospital Bag

The time is fast approaching for packing a hospital bag. I personally am hoping for a home birth for this delivery and have prepared for that. But, with that being said it is still vital that we have a hospital bag packed incase of any unforeseen or unexpected changes to our ideal plan.

So with that in mind, I will be packing essential items in my hospital bags on the basis that if we end up having to go into hospital, my partner can always get additional items for me and the baby, if a longer stay is required.

When packing your hospital bag there are two (or more if you’re having twins or more) essential people to pack. The baby and you. So I’ll write a basic list out with my reasonings but there will be a down loadable checklist included for you as well.

Baby Essentials

As the most of the items for the baby will be quite minimal, I will be taking them within our changing bag.

• 3-4 outfits – I pack all of the babies out fits individually in zip lock bags – each out fit will include vest, sleep suit, scratch mits and a hat . This makes your life easier once the baby is born in getting them dressed. I would also recommend packing 2-3 outfits in newborn and 1 in 0-1 so you have at least have one out fit in place if you end up having a slightly larger baby.
• 2 muslins
• Cellular blanket
• Nappies
• Pack of water wipes and cotton wool.
• Sudacream
• Pre-made formula if you plan on formula feeding.
• Nappy Bags
• Car Seat

Mum’s Essentials

• Maternity notes
• Nursing bra (or bra with no under wiring) – your boobs will thank you for this – they can get so sore especially if you breast feed whilst you and the baby adapt.
• Breast pads
• Nipple cream
• Lots of knickers – take a minimum of 5 – you can buy disposable ones designed for after birth, however I personally prefer the comfort of cotton so I just bought lots of cheap ones to wear.
• Maternity pads – take a lot. If you struggle to get maternity pads buy the night time sanitary pads as they are longer.
• Nighty – you might want to take a dressing gown as well.
• Wash bag – toothbrush, toothpaste, shower gel, shampoo and conditioner, hair brush, bobbles.
• Loose clothes to travel home in.
• Dark coloured towel for your after birth shower.
• Drinks and Snacks – water or sports drinks are good to help keep energy levels up and snacks like energy bars, bananas, sweets/chocolate – I also pack straws as it makes it easier for your birth partner to support you more with drinking.
• Money for car park – food/coffees.

Extra’s

• Spare outfit for your birth partner – birthing can be messy and it’s good to have them covered with something clean to wear after.
• pillow – not everyone likes hospital pillows and prefer a home comfort so a pillow is a perfect choice.
• Phone charger
• Entertainment – iPad, tablet, book, Nintendo – labour can take a while so if you can worth taking something to help pass the time.