Packing a hospital bag for you and your baby may be one of the most exciting and daunting tasks that you’ll undertake ahead of your newborn’s arrival. It’s a chance to gather all the baby essentials that will welcome your little one into the world and make those first precious moments as comfortable as possible for both you and your new bundle of joy.
While some hospitals may provide some basic supplies for both mum and baby, you will need many more baby items for your hospital bag to help ensure that your time in hospital runs as smoothly as possible. It is always best to be prepared with essentials for your newborn baby, yourself, and your family to ensure you feel confident and have everything you need ahead of time. Having a well-stocked hospital bag packed and ready to go can also help to alleviate some of the stress and anxiety that can come with childbirth and allow you to focus on being in the moment.
When should I pack a baby hospital bag?
It’s always best to be prepared well in advance of your due date. Ideally, you’ll want to have your hospital bag packed by around 36 weeks of pregnancy. This (hopefully) gives you plenty of time to add or remove anything as needed and ensures you’re not scrambling at the last minute if the baby decides to make an early appearance.
You may want to consider a bag that has several sections so you can keep things together for the distinct stages of labour, items for you after birth and things for the baby. Your birthing partner may also want to add some of their own items or make up their own bag. Once your bag is packed, keep it in a convenient location near the door or in your car, so it’s easy to grab when you head to the hospital.
What will I need in my hospital bag during labour?
While you’ll be focused on the task at hand during labour, having a few creature comforts on hand can make a big difference. Here are a few things to consider packing for yourself:
- Birth plan (if applicable): Having a copy of your birth plan on hand can help to ensure your preferences are communicated to the hospital staff in case any confusion should set in when you arrive.
- Loose, comfortable clothing: Pack a loose-fitting shirt or outfit to wear during labour. Having clothing options for comfort is key.
- Socks and slippers: You may feel cold during labour or afterwards on the ward, so pack some cosy socks and slippers.
- Lip balm and moisturiser: Labour can be dehydrating, so pack some lip balm and moisturiser to keep your lips and skin from feeling dry.
- Pillow: Bringing your own pillows from home can help you feel more comfortable while in hospital.
- Personal entertainment: You may have downtime during labour or over the course of your time in hospital. Pack a book, magazine, or your phone and charger to keep yourself occupied.
- Relaxing items: Some people find relaxation techniques helpful during labour. Consider packing a few items such as moisturisers, aromatherapy sprays, calming music, or a pregnancy massage ball.
- Snacks and drinks: Having some light snacks and drinks on hand can help to keep your energy levels up during labour.
- Tens Machine: If you have bought or hired one keep it in the hospital bag until it is needed.
What will I need in the baby hospital bag for after labour?
Depending on how the birth went, and how tired you are, you may be allowed to leave soon after giving birth, or you may be at the hospital for a few days. Either way having a bag of essentials close by is handy. Once you’ve been through labour, you’ll need to look after yourself and your baby while resting, recovering, feeding, changing and bonding with your newborn. Here are some essentials for you and your baby to consider packing in your hospital bag:
- Nightgowns or pyjamas: Opt for loose-fitting, comfortable sleepwear that is comfortable and allows for easy breastfeeding access.
- Heavy-duty maternity pads: You’ll likely experience some discharge after birth, so pack plenty of heavy-duty maternity pads.
- Plenty of changes of underwear: Pack plenty of changes of comfortable underwear for your stay and to wear after you’ve given birth.
- Changes of clothes: Pack a few different changes of comfortable clothing for both your journey home and your hospital stay.
- Toiletries and cosmetics: Pack your usual toiletries and any cosmetics you’ll want to use while in hospital.
- Skincare products: Don’t forget to pack your skincare products, moisturisers, and body lotions to keep your skin feeling fresh.
- Phone and charger: Your phone will be a lifeline for staying connected with loved ones and capturing those precious first moments on camera with your baby.
- Snacks and drinks: Pack plenty of food and drinks to keep your energy levels up while you’re recovering. Hospital meals can be small in comparison to what a breastfeeding mum may normally eat.
What will I need in the hospital bag for the baby?
Your newborn baby won’t need a huge number of items initially, however there are some basic newborn essential items to ensure their comfort in the hospital. Here’s a list:
- Baby grows or sleepsuits: Pack a few newborn-size baby grows, vests, or sleepsuits in both short and long sleeves, depending on the season. Make sure to get newborn size as 0-3 months will be too big until around 6 weeks.
- Scratch Mitts: Babies can arrive with surprisingly sharp finger nails so scratch mitts or baby grows with integrated scratch mitts are very useful to stop them injuring themselves.
- Baby socks and booties: To keep your baby’s little feet and toes warm if your outfit doesn't have feet.
- Soft blankets: A couple of soft baby blankets or a blanket and a swaddle are ideal for keeping them warm.
- Muslins: These can work well as a breast feeding cover if you feel self conscious at first and can also be used to clean up possets.
- Nappies and cotton wool/wipes: Some hospitals may provide these, however it’s always best to pack your own nappies and baby wipes to be prepared.
- Going home outfit: Don’t forget to pack a cute baby outfit for your baby to wear on the journey home from the hospital.
- Baby car seat: This is important for transporting your baby home safely from the hospital.
What else might I need in the baby bag for the family?
While the focus will naturally be on mum and the new baby, your immediate family will likely be spending a lot of time at the hospital with you. Here are a few things they might like to consider packing:
- Food and drinks for your partner: Your partner will likely be by your side throughout labour and delivery, so plenty of snacks and drinks to keep them and yourself fuelled.
- Capture those magical first moments with your newborn with a phone camera, but don't forget the charger.
- Change of clothes: Your partner may want to pack a change of clothes in case of spills or accidents.
- Toiletries: Essentials like a toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, and lip balm will ensure your partner feels fresh.
- Pillow and blanket for your partner: Having their own pillow and blanket can help your partner feel more comfortable if the baby takes a while to turn up. Once you are on a ward partners may to be restricted to visiting hours.
Handy Hospital Bag Checklist
To help you stay organised, here's a quick checklist to refer to when packing your hospital bag:
For Mum:
- Birth plan (if applicable)
- Loose, comfortable clothing
- Socks and slippers
- Lip balm and moisturiser
- Pillows
- Personal entertainment (e.g. book, magazine, phone & charger)
- Relaxation items (moisturisers, calming music, massage ball)
- Snacks and drinks
- Tens Machine
- Nightgowns or pyjamas
- Heavy-duty maternity pads
- Plenty of changes of underwear
- Changes of clothes
- Toiletries and cosmetics
- Skincare products
- Phone and charger
- Snacks and drinks
For Baby:
- Baby grows or sleepsuits (short and long sleeved)
- Scratch mittens
- Baby socks and booties
- Soft blankets
- Nappies and wipes
- Muslins
- Going home outfit
- Baby car seat
For Partner/Family:
- Snacks and drinks for your partner
- Camera/ phone & charger
- Change of clothes for your partner/family
- Toiletries for your partner/family
- Pillow and blanket for your partner/family
Where Can I Get Baby Essentials?
Having a well-stocked hospital bag gives you peace of mind and allows you to focus on welcoming your little one. Being parents ourselves here at Bumbles and Boo, we understand the importance of being prepared. That's why we offer a wide range of high-quality baby essentials, from cosy sleepsuits and soft blankets to gentle skincare products and adorable going-home outfits for your newborn.
Browse our extensive collection online to find everything you need to pack the perfect hospital bag and create a warm and loving welcome for your newborn baby. Remember, preparation is key – so don’t wait until the last minute to start ticking off your baby essentials list!
