Hospital bag essentials

Some of us live by lists, some people just seem to cruise on through life without the need. But heading to hospital to give birth is one of those times you do NOT want to leave things to chance or memory!

Of course, essentials are subjective – we know mamas who ensure they had a mani, pedi and blow wave in the week ahead of due date, while others care more about packing cosy, comfy clothes to have at hand.

Here is a list to start your planning: 

For Baby

• Clothes: A number of outfits and layers for baby – onesies (with zips!) are definitely the easiest, don’t forget beanies, socks and mittens. While most people only stay a few days, it’s always better to take more baby clothes than you think you will need (they’re so teeny-tiny and sweet anyway, it doesn’t hurt to pack more).
• Going home outfit: Pack something cute to take baby home in – and a back up in case the inevitable occurs and it gets soiled!
• Blankets: A couple of beautiful blankets to keep baby cosy (and take those precious first photos). We have some beautiful organic cotton blankets.
• Newborn nappies and wipes – take more than you think you need (we’re talking at least a packet of newborn nappies). It’s less annoying to take them home than to send someone to buy more! And hospitals don’t supply nappies.

For Mama

• Comfy clothes: Warm and cool options. Hospitals are often air conditioned and chilly – take extra cosy jumper and warm socks. Take the clothes you like, but think about stretchy and comfy waistbands – whether you are having a vaginal birth or caesarean, your stomach can feel super sensitive after birth.
• Clothes for labour: Clothes you’ll be comfy in and don’t mind if they get ruined!
• Breastfeeding bras, and button up shirts or stretchy tees. If you’re breastfeeding, there will be a lot of time spent learning to feed in hospital – make life as easy as possible for yourself with clothes that allow you to easily feed, like a soft button up shirt.
• Super comfy undies and maternity pads
• Phone charger
• Toiletries: Toothbrush & toothpaste, moisturiser, massage oil (for labour), essential oils, hairbands or hair clips
• Notebook: you get so much valuable information from the hospital staff after birth, and inevitably so many questions pop up during the first few days (often at 3am), it’s handy to jot them down to ask later.
• Snacks! Is it just me or did other people get ravenously hungry in hospital!? Good to have some favourite snacks on standby, especially things you can eat in one hand (muesli bars).
• Thongs, slippers, shoes: If you’re in a shared bathroom, nice to have thongs, and some comfy slip-on shoes for walking around the ward.
• Some light scarves and an eye mask: We learnt this hack from a mama friend – hospitals are full of bright lights, things that flash and beep. Some light cotton scarves thrown over the brighter lights can be a godsend when you need to catch some sleep.
• Bathers: If there are baths at your chosen hospital, don’t forget bathers.

Partner/Birth partner

• Change of clothes
• Toiletries
• Snacks
• Bathers
• Make sure they fit the car seat before you head to the hospital (as in, weeks before!).