What to take in your maternity hospital bag can be really tricky especially if it’s your first baby. Space for bags in maternity hospital can be cramped and you don’t really know how long your labour will last or how long you’ll be admitted for.
I have put together this post in hope it will guide you on what you should bring during your stay. My number one tip for preparing your hospital bag is packing all small items in labelled zip lock bags so you can find them easily. I also couldn’t live without my own pillow either.
I was admitted early on my second after a heavy bleed as a precaution due to thrombocytopenia. I wasn’t prepared for those extra days in the hospital, so a spare bag at home for dad to bring in with essentials like underwear, pyjama’s, a towel and socks are always handy. Also, the baby may be a little bigger than expected so be prepared in advance and have some larger onesies and vests set aside too.
My Labour Ward Bag
- An old t-shirt/night-dress
- Comfy socks
- Slippers (with hard sole)
- Dressing gown
- Wet wipes
- Lip Balm
- Light snacks
- Magazines/newspapers
- Own pillow
- Hair bobbins/clips
- Camera
- iPod/iPad and earphones
- 1 complete outfit for baby including vest, long-sleeved onesie, reusable or disposable nappy, socks, hat and mittens (if onesie doesn’t have integrated mittens) in a ziplock bag.
- Sports cap water bottle
- Straws
- Cooling spray/facecloth
Post Delivery Bag
- 2 x packs of large sanitary towels
- 2 x dark coloured towels
- Turban
- 3 x pyjamas
- 2 x nightdresses with buttons down the front
- 8 x old underwear
- Tracksuit
- Socks
- Flip Flops
- Miniature Toiletries (shampoo, conditioner, shower gel, deodorant, toothpaste, toothbrush, moisturiser)
- Witch-hazel
- Sports cap bottle of water
- Disinfectant wipes
- Shower cap
- Notepad & pen (you will have to take notes of all babies feeds and wet/soiled nappies)
- Mobile phone charger
- Book/magazines
- Laundry bag
- Travel hairdryer & brush
- Earplugs (wards can be very noisy)
- Mirror and make-up
- Prescribed medication
- Arnica tablets (for bruising)
- Multi-Mam compresses
- Moisturizing nipple cream
- Breast pads
- 2 x support/nursing bra
Baby Bag (all pre-washed)
- 4 x Long sleeved baby grows/onesies with integrated mittens
- 4 x Short sleeved vests (long-sleeved in winter)
- 1 x Cardigan
- 1 x Hat
- 2 x Socks
- 1 x Sock on’s
- 8 x Bibs
- 2 x Baby blanket
- Baby towel
- 1 pack of newborn nappies or approx. 16 cloth nappies
- 2 x WaterWipes
- Handful of nappy bags
- Cotton wool
- Small plastic bowl
- Muslin clothes
- Cot sheet
- Hand sanitizer
- Newborn soother
Dads Hospital Bag
- Snacks
- Phone charger
- Wash bag with tooth-brush and deodorant etc.
- Spare clothes
- Magazine/book/iPod
- Change for car park
Discharge Bag (to be brought in by dad)
- Comfortable loose clothes and Converse
- Hat, coat and blanket for baby
- Car seat (with base fitted into car)
- Change for car park
Other things you may need…
- Birth plan (if you have one)
- Tens Machine
- Birthing Ball
- Duvet in the car for dad (some maternity hospitals will send dad home if labour isn’t progressing and he may not want to drive all the way home).
It’s long, I know, but I hope this helps guide you through packing your hospital bag and if there is anything I have missed add it to the comments below.
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