This is something we all worry about during pregnancy and go back and forth on what we should include and what we shouldn’t. If you’re anything like me, the more you think about it, the longer the list seems to grow and after doing much research, I am writing this blog to help you pack an effective hospital bag that isn’t massive. Here is my hospital bag checklist.

My top Tip for when you’re going through your hospital bag checklist

The space around your bed post delivery is small. You don’t want to feel all crowded with stuff. The best thing I did was pack two or three bags. Genius right? Firstly, pack one for the labour itself and once outfit for baby. Then, pack a second for post labour. Lastly, pack a third incase you or baby end up with a longer stay. This way, you can take them all in the car and your birth partner can swap them out as needed. Simples!

Hospital bag checklist – what you need for labour – Bag 1

• Your birth plan and hospital notes – hopefully by now you’re used to carrying it around. I used to keep mine by the front door
• Something loose and cool for labour with access to the exit area that you don’t mind getting a bit messy
• Washbag and let’s keep it essential. Toothbrush and toothpaste, face washing and moisturising bits, hairbrush, hair elastics, deodorant, lip balm (because they get dry fast in that environment)
• Snacks and drinks
• Distractions – books, magazines, headphones for your phone, battery charger/energy bank
• TENS machine if you intend t use one for pain relief
• Any medications you or your partner are on
• Dressing gown/long cardi incase you go for a wander around the hospital
• Handheld fan, flannel or water spray… you will get hot hot hot (even I did and I’m cold like a lizard most of the time)
• Slippers, flip flops or sliders to slip on if you need to go for a walk
• A couple of nappies (the rest in bag 2)
• Something to throw your dirty clothes in for packing after

Hospital bag checklist – What you need after Labour – Bag 2

• Some extra loose comfy clothes. Think vest tops and leggings or loose and stretch y dresses. It is 36 degrees on ward so suggest your birth partner it also in something they will stay cool in
• A comfy bra/bralet. remember your breasts will be larger than normal and you need something to stick your breast pads in whether you are planning on breast feeding or not
• Milk in the ready made bottles if you are unsure about the breastfeeding, take the pressure off yourself
• Breast pads – I’ve seen some really awesome reusable ones, cooling ones and some that collect your leaky milk so defo give this some thought on what will suit your needs
• Maternity sanitary towels, they are different to normal sanitary towels. Take a pack (and maybe keep a second pack in the car, just incase you’re caught short over the coming weeks)
• Pants. Big ones. Black. Cotton. High waist. Supermarket. Nuff said
• Towel. Again I recommend a black one or super dark colour
• More snacks and drinks
• Extra pillow, for sleeping and for wedging under your arm when feeding
• Bodysuits and sleepsuits – Just take a 3 of each. if you need more birth partner can always grab some from bag 3
• Going home outfit, don’t make this too complicated and think about the season. they will be going into their carseat then into your car and home
• Some nappies. Both of mine were in size 1 but if you are expecting a dinky one, bring some size 0 too
• Baby bum cleaning stuff (whether that’s cotton wool or Waterwipes, I’d at least take some wet wipes for yourself)
• If its a bit nippy, you’ll want a blanket for over babies lap once they are in the carseat (over the buckles)
• Muslins. Lots. They don’t take up much room if you pack them effectively and useful for all kinds of leaky dribbles
• Above all, remember the car seat, obvious but sometimes forgotten in the hullabaloo

If you’re in for a longer stay – Optional Bag 3

• More bodysuits and sleepsuits – Take an additional pack of 5 of each. That should hopefully be enough and if not your birth partner can pop and get more
• More nappies
• If its a bit nippy, you’ll want a blanket for over babies lap once they are in the carseat (over the buckles)
• Muslins. Lots. They don’t take up much room if you pack them effectively and useful for all kinds of leaky dribbles
• Changes of clothes and undies for yourself

As always, any worries about any aspect of pregnancy, labour, birth or postnatal recovery, feel free to contact me. If I don’t know the answer, I will have a connection with someone who is in the know. Contact me here.