Packing for the hospital can be a big chore. It’s a great idea to pack long before the baby is due, just in case you go into labor early. You should have your hospital bag packed and ready to go four to six weeks before your due date – and make sure dad or your birth partner knows where it is.
Mom and the baby aren’t the only ones at the hospital, so below are a few items you could pack to occupy the time for siblings, grandparents, and of course Mom’s significant other. Some of the items below are just ideas to help you get started.
For mother during labour
• Birth plan and medical notes – print a few copies
• TENS machine – easy-to-use pain relief
• Old t-shirt or nightie – something you’ll feel comfortable in
• Bottle of water – choose one with a sports lid
• Energy-boosting snacks – labour can be a long and tiring business
• Hair ties – the last thing you’ll want is your hair getting in your face
• Water spray or hand-held fan – mums often say cooling down made them feel better
• Socks or slippers – conversely, your feet can get cold during labour
For mother after the birth
• Maternity towels – you can expect to bleed heavily after birth
• Maternity or old knickers – as above, this isn’t the time for your nicest knickers
• Two nursing bras – even if you’re not breastfeeding, your breasts need comfy support
• Breast pads – helps soak up leakage
• Nipple cream – works wonders on sore nipples
• Towel, robe and fresh nightie – will feel like a little bit of home
• Slippers or flipflops – nice for getting up for the loo or having a little walk
• Toiletries, makeup and hairbrush – a shower after birth will be heavenly
• Mobile phone and charger – let close friends and family know the happy news
• A comfy going home outfit – you’ll probably still look 5-6 months’ pregnant and you’ll want to be comfortable
For baby
• Pack of newborn nappies – not all hospitals supply them
• Nappy cream – good to have to hand
• Nappy sacks – for obvious reasons!
• Cotton wool or baby wipes – you’ll be changing nappies up to 12 times a day
• Hat, mittens and socks – you’ll need to make sure your baby is warm enough
• Baby clothes – three or four sleepsuits and three or four vests should be enough for the first day or so
• Going-home outfit or pramsuit – choose something special!
• Cosy blanket and soft baby towel – lovely for cuddles
• Soft muslin squares – useful for pretty much everything
• Car seat (Group0+ and ISOFIX base) – it’s illegal to take your baby home in a car without one
For dad/birth partner
• Magazines, newspaper, Kindle and music – there’s often a lot of waiting
• Camera/camcorder and spare batteries – for baby’s first pictures
• Phone and charger – everyone will want to know how you and baby are
• Change for car park/vending machine – in the rush, this is easy to forget
• Snacks and drinks
• Contraction timing app on phone – a very useful little app! Get it for Android or iPhone
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