As I approach 33weeks and we already know our little bundle and angel twin are coming early, I thought it best I got a start on my hospital bag. Luckily I’ve some lovely girlfriends who shared their packing lists with me so I had a good head start on the ‘essentials’. However, being a total over-thinker I wanted to make sure I hadn’t missed anything so I ask my fabulous Instagram followers for their suggestions.
I got so many great tips and ideas – some I will definitely be using and some that maybe don’t make sense for me but could really help someone else. So I decided I’d pop them all down here and anyone in need of some inspiration (or just wanting to triple check their own lists) could have a nosey.
A great tip a friend of mine and several of you shared with me was to pop the basics for a couple of baby changes into individual clear (sandwich) bags. So a vest, a baby grow, a nappy and some cotton wool. Then label these by size or in order that you want them used – for example ‘First Change – Newborn’.
As for the actual hospital bag – I will most likely pack a mini travel case for me and then a hold-all/separate bag for baby and snacks.
Hope this helps!
For Mum:
- Toiletries (miniatures ideal )
- Sample sizes of your favourite skin/makeup products (for a treat afterwards).
- Perfume
- Dry shampoo
- Disposable pants
- Maternity Pads
- Tena Lady ‘Big Pants’ (apparently a godsend) especially first few days)
- Breast Pads
- Nipple cream (can also double as lipbalm)
- Lip balm (gas and air + hospital heat can leave lips very dry)
- Witch Hazel (for maternity pad after delivery)
- Dark nightie or long vest for labour (one you’re happy to bin afterwards)
- Fresh PJs or Nightshirt (Make sure you size up and they’re loose to enable skin to skin)
- Light Dressing Gown
- Slippers
- Flip flops for shower
- Bra (Nursing bra)
- Dark BIG high-waisted knickers
- Dark Towels
- Facecloth
- Your own pillow
- Spare pillowcase for over hospital cot mattress
- Hand-held fan
- Hair brush and soft hear bobbles/scrunchies
- Spritz for Bits (Post-partum spray)
- Loose and comfortable going home outfit
- Handcream
- Going home shoes (be mindful of swollen feet)
- Wipes (not for baby but for mummy sweating/freshen up)
- Ear plugs
- Earphones for phone (especially if you’re an insta/snapchat obsessive)
- iPad loaded with netflix (especially if you’re being induced)
- Extra long phone charger (plugs can be a distance away)
- Essential oils for relaxation
- Soothing music for relaxation/hypno-birthing
- Notebook and pen (to write lists for birth partner or note baby feed times/amount)
- Any special prayers/momentos you’d like with you
- Money/loose change (for vending machines at night/car park)
- a4 envelope or folder to keep together all the handouts you get
- Plastic bag for dirty clothes
- Cooling mist for face
- Nursing vests (great for under pjs)
- Camera
- Book (if being induced)
For Baby
- Baby Blanket
- Baby Grows (consider a couple of sizes)
- Bodysuits/Vests
- Nappies
- Water wipes (normal baby wipes are generally not allowed in most hospitals for baby)
- Cotton pads/cotton wool
- Special 1st outfit
- Baby hat
- Scratch mittens
- Socks
- Muslin Cloths
- Bibs (useful if baby has tongue-tie)
- Vaseline (to use pre that 1st sticky poo)
- Baby coat/cardigan for home
- Car seat to take them home
For Daddy/Birth Partner/Snacking
- Lucozade sport (or other isotonic drink)
- Energy bars
- Energy gel
- Straws for drinking
- Water bottle
- Chocolate/sweets
- Sandwiches
- Charged Phone
- iPad
- Make sure they’re clear on your birth plan and post birth wishes
- Small toiletries set for partner to freshen up
- Numbers of everyone you wish contacted after birth
For all you expectant mummies – every ounce of luck and love with your special deliveries.
Danielle xx
