Maternity Hospital Bag - A Packing List For Mums (From Mums)
How exciting, you are about to welcome a baby soon! With the excitement comes a lot to prepare, setting up a bed for your baby, getting the essentials for the first few months, preparing for birth, wrapping up work… the list goes on. While doing all of the above you are probably being bombarded with advice from all directions and all your digital channels will only serve you baby things from now on introducing you to all the best and game changing (or so they claim) baby products that come with a hefty price tag.
One of the things you will be preparing at this time is your maternity hospital bag. I’ve asked my followers on Instagram to share their must haves. Here’s a list of what was mentioned together with my own recommendations.
For Mum
The Bag - there are companies that sell specific hospital bag with lots of compartments which can be really handy and make great changing/travel bags for later on as well. I simply used one of our hand luggage suitcases and a small changing bag which worked well for me.
Your Maternity Notes / Birth Plan - if you are in the UK you are familiar with your notes. You hand them to your midwife as soon as you get on the ward.
A pillow - hospital pillows are awful. They are flat and you only really get one. Bring a cushion from home you like. Put your favourite scent on. This will make you feel more comfortable. I would advice to put a pillow case you are not too precious about on and maybe bring a spare cover too.
TENS Machine - if you are planning on using one make sure it’s packed and you know how to work it. It has batteries etc all charged.
Lip Balm - Your lips will probably get dry during labour, a nice lip balm will be a welcome remedy.
Comfortable / Light Clothing - Postnatal wards are HOT! make sure you bring light and comfortable clothing. Leave that comfy cuddly dressing gown at home. It just takes up space and it will be too warm to wear it. For your pyjama make sure it’s nursing friendly, i.e. a button down shirt
Hair bobbles / pins - Is there anything more annoying than losing a hair bobble and not having another one at hand. Pack a few in the bag.
Snacks - bring plenty of snacks and drinks. Bring a variety from your favourite treats, to some healthy snacks, and most importantly something that will give you energy. I brought lots of Lucozade sport but ended up just really craving an apple after delivery.
Water bottle with straw - Bring a bottle with a straw. Something you can close easily with one hand to avoid spillage and where you can drink without having to move your head back etc. Trust me during labour and also during breastfeeding this will be a lifesaver.
Flip Flops - definitely pack them. I personally wouldn’t bother with fluffy slippers for two reasons. Firstly, as mentioned postnatal wards are very warm. Secondly, let’s be honest births and babies are messy. I would advise to bring washable footwear thinking of bathrooms etc.
Headphones - Make sure they are fully charged if wireless! Download your favourite playlists, podcasts, hypnobirthing tracks etc. Often reception and wifi is weak in hospitals depending on where you are and you don’t want to be without your favourite tunes blocking out the hospital noise.
A towel - I think most hospitals won’t provide towels, make sure you got one with you to shower.
Nice Shower Gel & Shampoo - The first shower after birth is dreamy. Make it a special one by treating yourself to a lovely set. You’ll be amazed what a nice shower can do! I bought a little travel set from Cowshed - it was the best!
Toothbrush and Toothpaste - the feeling of freshly brushed teeth - dreamy!
Extra Long Phone Charger - Plugs are often in awkward positions in hospitals and most standard size charging cables won’t reach to your bed. Make sure you got a long one with you to avoid disappointment.
Handheld Fan - Sorry, I’m sounding like I’m repeating myself but postnatal words honestly are a sweat box. Especially if you are giving birth in the summer make sure you pack one of them. I do think they’ll still come in handy in winter as well though.
Postpartum Underwear - Yup, you’ll not just need nappies for your baby but also yourself. Bring some good high waisted postnatal underwear. I used the Frida Postpartum Underwear and loved it. They were so comfy I was almost sad when I stopped using them.
Postpartum Pads - You want to have super absorbent pads for the first few days post delivery. Avoid anything with plastic in them, instead go for soft cotton. I was recommended Natracare by my midwife and they were great. I’ve also heard good things about the cooling Frida ones.
Breast Pads - Just bring a couple of those. There is some really nice washable, eco-friendly options out there now. Have a little look and see what you like.
Nursing Bras - if you are planning on breastfeeding bring a couple of nursing bras
Medication - any medication you have to take regularly
Going home outfit - I personally say don’t put too much pressure on yourself. Wear something comfortable. You will still wear your pregnancy things for a bit, so just bring what you feel good in and that is comfortable. If you are breastfeeding make sure it’s got easy access.
For Baby
Short sleeve baby grows - I would suggest to bring about 5-7 just incase you have to stay in hospital longer. Plus there is a good chance of sick, wee or poo explosions ruining a few outfits. In terms of size I recommend newborn or if your baby is measuring big 0-3 months.
Sleep suits - same as above, I would suggest to bring about 5-7. If you need more you can always send your partner or a friend home or to the shop to get some more.
Nappies - bring a pack of Size 1 / Newborn nappies with you.
Cotton Wool - My midwife recommended using just cotton wool and water at the start so we stuck to that. Newborn skin is very delicate and it’s best to avoid any scented products.
Baby hat & mittens - Bring a little hat and mittens. Baby nails are super sharp - that to me was one of the biggest surprises. You don’t want them to scratch their beautiful face straight away.
Muslins - I’d suggest brining about 5-7 of them
A blanket - not all hospitals provide blankets. Bring a cellular blanket with you, this will also be handy for the going home journey.
Ready Made Formula - Even if you are planning on breastfeeding, I always just brought 1-3 ready made newborn formula bottles in case the baby wouldn’t latch or any other feeding issues
Going Home Outfit - this is something you probably have all planned out already - get yourself excited by packing a cute outfit for your little one.
Pram Suit - if you are having a baby in the colder winter months make sure you got proper outdoor clothing for the journey home
Car Seat - If you have your own car you can just install the car seat in the weeks leading up to your birth. If you don’t have a car and will get a taxi or lift home from hospital I would recommend sending someone to pick the car seat up before you go home, rather than having to carry it with you from labour onwards.
Anything else?
Make sure your birth partner knows where things are in the bag and what they are called! You don’t want to have to explain during labour what it is that you are looking for and where it is located.
Maybe you want to think about a little gift for the midwifes and staff in the hospital. They are doing an amazing job and I was lucky to have wonderful midwives working with me during my births. Giving them a little something to show your appreciation might make their day!
I hope you found this helpful, if there is anything else you recommend to be added to the list, just send me an email to maria@bymariaoconnor.com with your suggestion!
I'm Maria O’Connor, a family & newborn photographer based in South West London, England. I am a mum of two boys and love capturing natural family moments in my clients’ homes. Are you ready to get in the frame? Contact me today!
