What to pack in your hospital bag?

Are you a new parent to be? Do you know what to pack in your hospital bag? Is this a question you have asked yourself? Well this blog post is the one for you! Below you will find a checklist of all the essentials for both mum and baby. We will also include a few little essential items for your birthing partner too. Let’s get packing!

For Mum

• Maternity notes.
• Birth plan – if you’ve made one.
• A few nighties just incase you’re in hospital longer than you think. Anything loose and comfortable for you to give birth in. A big baggy T-shirt will do.
• A water bottle with a straw – essential if you’re planning on using gas and air as you will get DRY!
• Lip balm.
• You own pillow. This can really help having a home comfort in a hospital environment.
• Fan or a cooling bottle spray.
• Phone charger with a long enough cable. You can find really long lengths on Amazon here.
• A TENS machine if you intend to use one. A TENS machine attaches to your back and it releases small electric jolts when contractions start which should help alleviate some of the pain.
• Dressing gown and slippers.
• Flip flops. Don’t forget a bikini if you are opting for a water birth.
• A towel.
• Maternity pad and breast pads.
• Loose comfortable ‘going home’ clothes.
• Snacks, snacks, snacks.
• Something to pass the time like a book, a game, magazines etc.
• Large comfy knickers.
• Dressing gown.
• Toiletries – toothbrush, toothpaste, flannel

For Baby

• A few body suits and vests.
• A sleep suit.
• Hat and scratch mits
• Their ‘going home’ outfit.
• A cardigan or jacket if you are travelling home in the colder months. They say babies should wear one extra piece of clothing to what you are wearing.
• Nappies.
• Muslin cloths.
• Blanket or shawl.
• Baby wipes.
• Make sure to bring or get your partner to bring the car seat for the journey home.

For your birthing partner

• Something to keep them busy like a book, magazine, podcast, music.
• Cash in case you fancy something from the vending machine or need to pay for parking
• A change of clothes
• Lots of snacks and water.

We hope this helps you pack your hospital bag for the big day. May you never need to ask the question ‘what to pack in my hospital bag’ again! If you have had your little one and want to record their tiny little features, click here for information on our newborn shoots. X