Packing your hospital can be extremely exciting! It suddenly makes having a baby feel very REAL.
We’ve put together some top tips of things to take with you. But don’t worry, if you’ve not packed your bag by the time you go into labour, or if you forget to pack anything. You can always send your partner out to get stuff later.
When to pack your bag
You should probably get your bag ready at around 36 weeks of pregnancy.
What to pack – for YOU
- Clothes – don’t pack lots of clothes, you’ll probably just need a nightie or one of your husband’s shirts. The hospital can even lend you a nightie (not ideal for breastfeeding as it opens at the back, but comfy). You’ll need one set of clothes to leave the hospital – maternity clothes (don’t expect to loose all your baby weight at the birth!).
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Underwear – don’t bother with disposable knickers (they are horrible). You can get a pack of cheap knickers that you can then bin later. If you have a c-section (and around 25% of mums do), waist-high knickers are great as they don’t rub on your scar.
If you plan to breastfeed, a feeding bra would be useful as well as sleep bras.
c- Dressing gown and slippers – you’ll want to cover yourself up a bit when you go to the loo and you won’t want to walk around in bare feet on the hospital floor.
c - Toiletries – pack all the usual and some special extras, anything that makes you feel at your best (e.g.: nice shower gel). You will also need heavy duty sanitary towels (maternity ones are available from your local supermarket). You might also need some breast pads if your milk comes before you leave hospital.
c - Relaxation items for labour – anything that makes you feel more relaxed:
music, a familiar pillow, a gym ball to lean or sit on, a water spray to keep cool, body oil for back rubs, … whatever you can think of that makes you feel calmer. A drinking straw can also be useful for sipping drinks.
c - Entertainment for your birthing partner – labour can take a long time, so it is worth taking food, magazines, books, video games… whatever will keep your partner entertained whilst he/she is holding your hand. Although bear in mind that they do sell food, magazines etc. at the hospital shop.
c - Camera or camcorder – you’ll want to take lots of pictures of your new baby and everyone you have ever met will also want to see them. If you decide to film your labour, bear in mind that you might want to leave it a few weeks/months before you watch it. Your brain will make you forget what labour was actually like and watching it back could be quite shocking.
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Home comforts – your hospital stay can be made more comfortable if you bring a few home comforts such as: your own mug (the mugs at Airedale are tiny), some earplugs (to help you get some sleep when the other babies are crying), a lovely fluffy dark coloured towel.
What to pack – for baby
- Clothes – 2 or 3 vests and babygrows will do. You can always send your partner home for more if you have to stay for a few days. It is probably best to take ‘newborn’ size, unless you know you are having a big baby (0-3 months size) or a tiny baby (premature size).
c - Nappies – although the hospital will provide you with a few Pampers nappies at the beginning. Size 1 should be ideal.
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Optional extras – you might want to take special items of clothing that you have knitted, or a blanket and a ‘going home’ outfit. Go crazy! It isn’t every day that you get to take a newborn baby home from hospital.
What local mums say
Chris from Yeadon says: “There is little you can do to prepare for labour, other than getting your head in the right place. But if packing all the nice things in your bag helps you get there, then do it. Just don’t obsess about getting the right facial spray or massage oil, as you really won’t care when the time comes.”
Louise from Bingley says: “Don’t bother with snacks for you and partner, they’ll just go soggy in your bag!”
Have your say
If you would like to add to this feature with any of your own top tips, please contact us.
