No one wants to be the one turning up to the hospital with a suitcase on wheels, two holdalls and a birthing ball, but if you look online it can really seem as if there’s a lot of stuff you need, making the whole task feel a bit stressful and something you therefore just… put off.
But once you reach the 35-week mark it’s a very good idea to have your pregnancy hospital bag ready to go just in case. So to help, we’ve compiled a hospital bag checklist so you can see what you need to feel prepared for your big day (and the good news is - it really isn’t that much).
What to pack in your pregnancy hospital bag – for mum
Your maternity notes and birth plan
So the midwives and healthcare professionals are clued up on what you want and need.
Comfortable pjs and slippers
You may like the idea of wearing new silk pyjamas when receiving hospital visitors, but believe us – comfort is the only thing you’ll care about post-birth. (Also – take a couple of PJs for different temperatures as you never know whether the maternity ward will be baltic or boiling).
Underwear
Big cotton underwear (disposable paper ones are uncomfortable) and maternity pads, plus nursing bra and breast pads if you’re planning on breastfeeding.)
Music/tablets/books
You may be in for a while so it’s a good idea to have something to pass the time and/or help relax you during labor.
Toiletries
Just some travel-sized essentials will do - shower gel, shampoo, conditioner, toothpaste and brush, moisturizer and lip balm.
Snacks/drinks
To keep both mum and birthing partner going.
Going-home outfit
The clothes you arrived to the hospital in might be a bit worse for wear, so something clean and comfy for going home in is a good idea.
Phone and charger
Because how else are you going to let everyone know that ‘HE’S ARRIVED!!’?
What to pack in your pregnancy hospital bag - for baby
For obvious reasons, really.
Clothes and hats
A few newborn babygrows and hats, maybe 4-6, plus a few pairs of socks.
Baby wipes
The closest alternative to cotton wool and water, WaterWipes are the world’s purest vegan, cruelty-free and sensitive baby wet wipes; the number one choice for newborn skin and are used in maternity wards across the UK and Ireland.
Blankets
Just one or two, cellular ones are a good idea, as they’re cosy yet breathable.
Muslins
For mopping up the various fluids there’s sure to be.
So there you have it! Obviously there might be more you want to add depending on your needs, but by getting the essentials together you can feel well-prepared for the first step of your parenting journey, and you can cross something off your to-do list. And really, is there anything more satisfying than that?
If you found our pregnancy hospital bag checklist helpful then why not check out our other articles like our hospital bag checklist for dad.
But don't stop there, our Parenting Hub explores many other topics to help you on this special journey, including bonding with baby, skin to skin contact, newborn baby skin care and the fourth trimester.