Baby hospital bags may be the only thing you’re thinking about at this stage in your pregnancy, but what do you really need to take with you? What do you need for your baby? What do you need for yourself? What will your birth partner need to bring? These can seem like overwhelming questions, but this checklist can help you be prepared, and pack everything you need in your baby hospital bag.
When To Pack Your Hospital Bag
It’s always better to be over-prepared than under-prepared, so you might want to start packing your bags at around week 36 of your pregnancy. You should try to get into the habit of leaving your bags in the car, or by the door, so that even if your little one wants to make an earlier than scheduled appearance, you’re fully prepared.
Hospital Bag For Mum
Here’s a checklist of what you could pack for yourself for labour and delivery.
- Hospital paperwork and pregnancy records – It’s a good idea to keep these handy so that you can give your labour team all the information they’ll need.
- Birth plan – You may have had the opportunity to discuss you birth plan with your medical team, but things can change so it’s a good idea to have a few extra copies with you.
- Dressing gown and comfortable clothing – You may feel that you want to walk around a bit during labour, so a soft, warm dressing gown, and comfortable clothing is a must.
- Socks – Some mums have noted that their feet feel cold during labour, so pack a pair of warm socks.
- Slippers – Comfortable slippers that are easy to get on and off are great for walking around the ward in.
- Flip-flops – Pack some flip-flops in your baby hospital bag for use in the shower.
- Lip balm – Chapped lips are quite common during labour, so keeping a lip balm handy can help keep them moisturised.
- Body lotion – You may want your birth partner to give you a massage during labour, so a bottle of your favourite body lotion may come in handy.
- Water spray bottle and sponge – A spray bottle of water, or a sponge, can help keep you cool during
- Entertainment – A book, a few magazines, or a tablet can be very useful in labour. You may be able to use them to keep you distracted.
- Pillows – It can be helpful to pack your own pillows in your baby hospital bag. The hospital will have pillows, but for those of you who find it difficult to sleep with strange pillows, having your own from home can help you rest.
- Eye mask and earplugs – The maternity ward might be bright and loud, so an eye mask and ear plugs can be useful. You need rest, and these items might help you get it.
- Nightwear – You may be in hospital for a few days, and you won’t want to only have the clothing that you laboured in.
- Maternity pads – Some hospitals may provide some maternity pads, but you should pack your own anyway. Maternity pads are more absorbent than period pads, so make sure that you have the correct ones.
- Underwear – You’ll need a few pairs of comfortable underwear, but make sure that you don’t mind them getting messy. Alternatively, you may want to use disposable, maternity underwear instead.
- Bras – You may want at least one nursing bra if you’re breastfeeding, or a comfortable maternity bra.
- Toiletries – Things like towels, hairbrush, deodorant, toothbrush, toothpaste, skincare, shower gel, shampoo, conditioner and hair ties are important. Look for travel sizes to save space, and also pack a plastic bag for dirty clothes and towels.
- Glasses and contact lenses – It’s easy to forget the basics, so if you have a spare pair, pop them into your baby hospital bag.
- Phone charger – Your mobile phone can be a lifeline during the days after the birth of your little one. Make sure that you can keep it charged.
- Snacks and drinks – Labour can make you very thirsty and hungry, so pack a supply of snacks and drinks to keep you hydrated.
- Cosmetics – If you wear makeup daily, bring it with you. It can help you feel more like yourself after labour. Also, make sure to pack a good moisturiser as you might find your skin drier than usual.
- Clothing – you’ll need some loose, comfortable clothes to wear when you’re going home.
Hospital Bag For Your Birth Partner
Your birth partner can also take a bag to the hospital during labour. It can be helpful for them to have some things with them that can help to support you during labour.
- Snacks and drinks – Snacks and drinks for you and your birth partner can be incredibly helpful. Labour can be a long process, so these can help keep you both going.
- Phone, and camera – Your birth partner can bring a phone or a camera and take responsibility for the very first baby pictures of you and your little one.
- Clothes – A change of clothes for your birth partner might be needed.
- Toiletries – If you’re experiencing a long labour, then your birth partner may want to freshen up.
- Small pillow – Your birth partner may need a small pillow to help get comfortable during the wait.
- Entertainment – Music, books, or magazines can be a good idea.
Hospital Bag For Your Newborn
Your little one will need a hospital bag of their own. There are a few things that are absolutely essential for you to bring for your newborn.
- Babygrows – It’s always a good idea to bring items of baby clothing that you can layer up if it’s cold, but that are also easy access for nappy changes. Babygrows fit the bill.
- Socks and booties – Hospitals can get a little chilly, so pack some baby socks for your little one’s feet.
- Blanket – You might want to pack one of your own cute baby blankets in the baby hospital bag.
- Nappies – You’ll need approximately 30 newborn size nappies for your hospital stay.
- Sudocrem Care & Protect – The triple-action formula creates a protective barrier and guards against infection to help care for your new baby’s delicate skin by protecting against the causes of nappy rash every day
- Wipes – Newborn babies have sensitive skin, but sensitive baby wipes may be suitable. Otherwise, pack some cotton balls, and use them with plain water.
- Muslin cloths – Muslin cloths, or bibs are handy for keeping your clothing protected from baby drool and spit-up.
- Clothes for going home – What you pack for your little one to wear home from the hospital will depend on the time of year. Winter newborns will probably need a bodysuit, booties, a hat, mittens, and a jacket or snowsuit. Summer babies may only need a bodysuit, hat, booties, and maybe a light jacket. Always remember to remove thick outer layers before putting your little one into the car seat.
- Car seat – When you’re getting your baby hospital bag ready, take the time to have your car seat installed in your car at the same time.
