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About to pop and not sure what to pack in your hospital go bag? Our hospital bag packing list has got you sorted!
At nearly 36 weeks pregnant, I was asked if I had packed my hospital bag yet and realised that it hadn’t even crossed my mind! So I got thinking. I don’t remember making a big deal of packing a bag the first time round with my eldest daughter Luella, but I definitely remember things I wish I’d had with me. So with that in mind and after a little reading around and helpful tips from friends… here are the essentials on my hospital bag packing list to make a hospital stay a little more pleasant mamas!
For mama….
- Comfy robe and PJs: Try H&M and Uniqlo for cheaper options, or splurge on something special like this maternity set available at Perk By Kate.
- Footwear: Would love to hang around in gorgeous slippers, but might just bring some flip flops because you can wear them in the shower.
- Toiletry essentials: Toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, hairbrush… and some favourite products to make you feel a little bit pampered and special like a nice scented shampoo and conditioner combo. Plus Palmer’s cocoa oil just because it’s now an everyday essential.
- Make Up basics: To look and feel good for photos and surprise visits from friends and family. Mascara and shimmer powder will do…it’s amazing how these two things can instantly make you feel a little more feminine and human!
- Nursing tops or bras: For comfort and practicality. I got mine from H&M as a starter pack.
- Tech stuff: Can’t be without my iPhone and MacBookAir and don’t forget to pack a charger!
- Camera: If you’ve got a DSLR or point and shoot, now’s as good a time as any to break it out instead of the camera phone.
- Paperwork: You’ll need copies of your marriage certificate to register baby’s birth at the hospital, and will also want to have all your hospital pre-registration forms handy to avoid any mix-ups. And of course don’t forget your birth plan!
- More stuff: Less glamorous but kind of essential: pack of maternity underwear, maxi pads, nipple cream to name a few necessities. Also a comfortable and feel good “going home” outfit…remember you’ll still have a tummy so nothing too tight!
Image courtesy of Perk By Kate
For baby….
- Things to wear: simple cotton onesies
- Receiving blanket: Practical and for multiple usages – as a nursing cover, for wiping little mouths, as a light blanket…totally versatile!
- Soothers: might be useful while waiting for milk supply to build up. Some babies love them, some don’t – best to be prepared though!
- Swaddle blanket: You could use a large receiving blanket but I like to use the pocket kind with wrap around for ease and comfort for the baby. I used The Miracle Blanket for Luella… was great!
- Going home outfit: Comfy and easy to wear like this Petit Bateau 2 piece set.
- More stuff… Scratch mittens, wipes and diapers, and don’t forget the car seat!
Image courtesy of Pexels
To make your stay cosier….
- Room scent spray or an aromatherapy oil diffuser: Candles aren’t allowed, so make sure your diffuser is electric!
- Your favourite pillow: It’s amazing how much more comfortable a hospital bed can seem when it sort of smells like home.
- Small picture frame with a picture of any absent family
- DVDs: Lots of hospital rooms have nice TVs and DVD players, and you’re most probably going to have a lot of downtime, so break out the box sets!
- Snacks: Hospitals aren’t known for their great food selection, so whether you want to nosh during labour or afterwards, best to come prepared. I loved sipping on coconut water throughout my labour.
- Flowers: Hopefully from your first visitor!
Think that’s got most things on the hospital bag packing list covered… now to get that bag sorted and wait for baby to arrive!
Lead image via Getty
