By Rachel Sammut
As your due date approaches, you’ll need to start preparing your hospital bag. It’s a good idea to have it ready a good few weeks before, just in case of an early arrival – aim to get it done by around week 30 of your pregnancy. I’ve put together some tips, as well as a handy checklist that you can tick off as you pack your hospital bag.
Tips for your Hospital Bag
- Pack two separate hospital bags – one or you and one for your baby. It will be easier to organise and find the things you want.
- Put your baby’s first outfit in a clear bag and label it. You can give this to your midwife before the birth.
- Layers of clothing, which can easily be put on and removed as necessary, are ideal for both you and baby.
- Take plenty of snacks. You’ll need them, especially if you get admitted at night and have a long labour.
- Pack some essentials for your partner. Just a change of clothes and a toothbrush should be enough until they go back home for a shower the next day.
- Once you have everything you need, go through the items with your partner – particularly if this is your first baby, as they may not know what everything is.
- Make sure you or your partner know how to install the infant car seat. You don’t want to be figuring it out when you leave hospital.
- Do not take bottles and formula. The hospital will provide these if needed.
- Remove any jewellery, false nails and nail polish.
Hospital Bag Checklist ✓
Use this handy checklist to make sure you don’t forget any essentials. Simply print it our and tick off the items as you pack your bag.
|
FOR MUM |
FOR BABY |
| ☐ Ante-natal (blue card) and ID card | ☐ Newborn / size 1 nappies (x20) |
| ☐ Birth plan (if you have one) | ☐ Towels (x3) |
| ☐ Cosy pyjamas or nightdress (x3) | ☐ Sleepsuits / babygrows (x4) |
| ☐ Warm socks and slippers | ☐ Bodysuits / vests (x4) |
| ☐ Dressing gown | ☐ Socks (x2) |
| ☐ Disposable underwear (or old pants you’re happy to sacrifice to the cause) | ☐ Little hat |
| ☐ Maternity / maxi pads | ☐ Mittens (x2) |
| ☐ Toiletries (shower gel, shampoo, deodorant, toothbrush, toothpaste, hairbrush, etc) | ☐ Muslin squares (x4) |
| ☐ Flip-flops (to use in the shower) | ☐ Shawl / cellular blanket |
| ☐ Dark towels (x2) | ☐ Swaddle blanket |
| ☐ Nursing bra (x2) | ☐ Baby wipes |
| ☐ Breast pads | ☐ Nappy bags |
| ☐ Breast balm | ☐ Top & tail bowl |
| ☐ Nursing camisole | ☐ Baby toiletries (hair & body wash, body oil) |
| ☐ Feeding pillow | ☐ Soft sponge |
| ☐ Water and straw | ☐ Cotton wool |
| ☐ Snacks and sweets | ☐ Nappy cream |
| ☐ Face cloth | ☐ Comb and brush |
| ☐ Hair tie | ☐ Newborn pacifier / dummy |
| ☐ Pre-natal vitamins / medication | ☐ Going-home outfit |
| ☐ Maternity skincare | ☐ Car seat |
| ☐ Lip balm | |
| ☐ Mug (or reusable coffee cup) and cutlery (a spork is a great choice) | |
| ☐ Mobile phone and charger | |
| ☐ Entertainment (book, ipad, etc) | |
| ☐ A bag for your dirty clothes | |
| ☐ Comfortable going-home clothes |
Have a look at Bump & Me’s selection of Hospital Bag essentials here. You can shop from the comfort of your home and have these delivered to your door, bag and all!