I'm a sucker for lists and with four kids running wild it really helps me stay organised and keep some sort of routine. When it came to making my maternity hospital bag it was no different. I had each of my hospital bags packed to perfection. And thankfully hospitals don't impose restrictions on baggage so you don't need to worry about room.
I'm a sucker for lists and with four kids running wild it really helps me stay organised and keep some sort of routine. When it came to making my maternity hospital bag it was no different. I had each of my hospital bags packed to perfection. And thankfully hospitals don't impose restrictions on baggage so you don't need to worry about room.
Before we get started I recommend three bags and the main one should have wheels, preferably. There will be a labour ward bag, your hospital bag and your birthing partners bag because realistically you don't know how long you will be in labour.
I highly recommend anyone packing their hospital back to organise babies outfits into zip lock bags. Fill each bag with complete outfits for baby. It makes it so handy especially when you're tired and sore.
And finally, make sure all babies clothes are prewashed in non-biological powder before packing and that you've installed your car seat ready for discharge.
Labour Bag
- An old t-shirt or a night-dress
- Comfy socks, slippers with a hard sole and a dressing gown
- Wet wipes, lip balm and cooling spray/face cloth
- Lots of snacks
- A book, camera, iPod/iPad and earphones
- Bring in your own pillow from home, you won't really understand it until your in there
- Hair bobbins, clips and lip balm
- 1 complete outfit for baby
- Sports cap water bottle or normal bottle with a straw
Hospital Bag For Mum
- A million extra large maternity pads
- Nursing bras, breast pads and multi mam compresses
- Disposable knickers. These can be bought in packs and are very handy. Loosely fitted t-shirts and night dresses with front-openings are very useful in the early days of breastfeeding
- PJ's, preferably dark in colour
- Toiletries, towel, shampoo & conditioner, hairbrush, moisturiser and deodorant
- An eye mask and earplugs will come in handy to help you sleep in a brightly lit, noisy ward
- An outfit for leaving the hospital and remember you most probably won't fit back into your pre-pregnancy clothes so pack something comfortable
Hospital Bag For Baby
- Six prewashed vests and babygrows
- Blanket for swaddling
- A pack of disposable or 16 cloth nappies
- Cotton wool or Waterwipes
- Lots of muslin squares.
- A pair of socks, a hat and scratch mittens if onesies don't come with envelope sleeves
- A warm all in one outfit for the journey home if it's winter
Birthing Partners Hospital Bag
- Items to freshen up with eg. deodorant, toothbrush & toothpaste etc.
- A spare change of clothes
- A book, magazine or something to keep them entertained
- A phone charger
- Lots of snacks and water
- Spare change for parking and vending machines
- Announcement strategy. Will your birthing partner be sharing your good news? Who will they call? Who will they text?
Written by Kellie Kearney staff writer at FFHQ who also blogs at www.mylittlebabog.com.