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