What to Pack in Your Hospital Bag
With your due date fast-approaching and in that unique mixture of excitement and nerves, it can feel like there is still that never-ending list to get through before the big day! Whether it's your first baby, or you've done this all before, having everything ready in advance can make your hospital stay much more comfortable. But what do you pack and when?
When Should You Pack Your Hospital Bag?
First up, when do you start even thinking about your hospital back and what to put in it? Most healthcare professionals will recommend having your hospital bag packed by around 36 weeks of pregnancy. You might be advised to pack it a bit earlier if you've been classed as a high risk pregnancy, or have other indications that you may have a preterm labour. By being prepared as soon as appropriate, you’ll reduce any last-minute stress and feel more relaxed as you approach those last few weeks of pregnancy.
Hospital bag essentials.
When spending any time in hospital you will want to have your creature comforts, alongside the absolute essentials to look after yourself and your baby. Below there is a checklist of some recommended items - but of course, what you take with you and what you need are your own personal choices!
Essentials for You.
Labour and recovery can be unpredictable, even with the most concise of birth plans. Those little ones make their way to the world in their own way, so the aim here is to pack items that will keep you relaxed and help with post-birth care.
- Birth plan - of course depending on how things can change during the labour, things might stray from the original plan but remember to take it as a guide for your choices and preferences during birth.
- Maternity Notes - This is important especially if you have had a high or medium risk pregnancy to make your birthing team aware of certain aspects which require additional care such as Gestational Diabetes or Group B Strep.
- Comfy clothes – Loose, comfy clothes for labour and after birth is a must. Maternity nightdresses or loose T-shirts are great for labour, and a dressing gown will be handy for walking around the hospital.
- Lip balm – It sounds like a strange one, but you'll be thanking us once you've experienced the air con in the hospital!
- Maternity Pads - After birth there will be a lot of bleeding. Even when you've had a c-section you bleed from your vagina. Be sure to pack plenty of maternity pads to last you until you are able to go home.
- Toiletries – Toothbrush, toothpaste, hair ties, and other essentials. If you pack shampoo and shower gels be sure to make them fragrance free to be kind to your skin and not mask your natural scent that will comfort your new baby.
- Snacks – You need to consider some snacks that will give you a boost of energy during the labour and also some to comfort and sustain you if you need to stay in hospital longer for any reason. But don't worry too much as hospitals always tend to have a good shop on site for emergency biscuits!
- Phone charger – Labour updates, baby photos, and staying in touch will drain your phone battery quickly, so a long charging cable or portable charger will be handy.
- Flipflops - Not only for walking around the hospital wards, but also a life saver in the shower!
- Towels - Again, a shower essential!
Essentials for Baby
- Nappies - Take a small pack of nappies to last the first few days, the smallest size will be fine and some brands have a small cut out for the umbilical cord so it doesn't rub!
- Hats and Mittens - Babies can't regulate their own temperature, so it's important to help keep them warm in those first hours.
- Blankets - Go for cellular cotton blankets for comfort and safety, remember to not ever leave your newborn or baby with a loose blanket unnattended.
- Sleepsuits - Whilst you will have a good indication of the size your baby will come out from the scans, you can never fully know until they arrive! So pack sleepsuits in both newborn and 0-3 month sizes to be on the safe side.
- Muslins - Some large muslins will be really handy for both baby spit up, milky dribbles and even swaddling.
- Car seat - And finally - the big one for going home! Your car seat!
Other Things to Consider:
- You might want to take your pregnancy pillow in with you, to provide additional comfort in the hospital beds. They also come in handy for birthing partners on the legendary hospital chairs.
- You could take a playlist on your phone for during the birth, and some headphones to listen to music when on the ward to help block out any disturbances.
You can also save and print the handy image below to remember the essentials!