Toiletries

[Rainy88]

I'm just putting a list together for a big Boots shop - in terms of toiletries what are your go to products, for baby, changing bag and yourself/hospital essentials etc! x

Bumping - also any first aid items to have in the house would be useful too!

I usually use Amazon, I often find it is cheaper on there than other stores. I also have prime so I get free next day delivery which is so helpful when baby arrives for any bits you might have forgotten! When baby is newborn you probably won't find you will need that much in terms of toiletries (you don't want to be putting much on their delicate skin!). But I would recommend Aveeno baby wash and their body lotion, and we used Sudocrem for the occasional sore bottom (do not use baby powder- nasty stuff!!!). We took cotton wool into the hospital and then switched to huggies wipes (97% Water) for nappies (now use reusable clothes). We also found incontinance pads really useful in the early days, they are basically absorptive disposable pads and they are great for when you have an explosive poo on your hands! We now use Muslins as we don't have so many leaky nappies but they were handy in the early days! I think that was about all we needed! Hope that helps x

Thanks, that's really helpful! What about hospital bag items for yourself?

I didn't really get many toiletries for baby, just what previous poster has said really. I did get some mini shampoo, conditioner and shower gel for the hospital bag to save space. Also put in my bag lip balm, face spritzer thing, hairbands, cleanser, and massage oil.

I know it sounds like I'm going to a spa! but I was on the prenatal ward for a few days recently and felt so manky because I had hardly anything with me and I thought 'fuck it I'm taking stuff that will make me feel comfortable in case I end up here again!'

I completely agree, it's important to take things to make yourself feel nice and just more you! I'm all for that approach!

You will want lip balm for the hospital, it can be very warm and dry.

I had mini toiletries for showering at hospital, lots of hair bands as they are good at disappearing at the best of times. Roll on or stick deodorant as the aerosol ones feel a bit antisocial in a room full of newborns. Spare toothbrush and mini toothpaste. Hand cream.

Maternity pads are essential, you can find ones with wings if you look if you prefer wings.

Breast pads are needed whether you plan to breastfeed or not.

Lanisoh is good but I found I didn't need it whilst at hospital but others might.

As for baby you'll need

Nappies (I bought size 1 and 2 in advance as wasn't sure how big baby would be)
Wipes, I used water wipes in hospital where cotton wool seemed a faff
Cotton wool
Bum cream, I used sudocrem more as he got older but metatanium ointment/treatment is magic.
Try to find the least fluffy cotton wool pads. I used mostly to put nappy cream on as the yellow metatanium stuff gets everywhere!

You don't need baby bath stuff when they are teeny tiny but I loved the burts bees one as he got bigger. He smelt like honey but I'd didn't overpower the baby smell!

That's really helpful, thanks!

Random question I know but what happens when you wash your hair in hospital? I can't imagine taking a hair dryer in?? 🤷🏻‍♀️

@Rainy88

That's really helpful, thanks!

Random question I know but what happens when you wash your hair in hospital? I can't imagine taking a hair dryer in?? 🤷🏻‍♀️

I didn’t bother with my hair. To be honest, both babies the shower was filthy and there was other people’s blood everywhere. I wouldn’t have bothered with a shower but I had sections so they made me as I had to wet the dressing plaster to get it off. I refused until the shower was cleaned the last time and Christ, you’d think I just asked for the Crown Jewels. I was just in and out as soon as possible.

@Rainy88 also, the post natal wards are boiling. If you took a dryer I think you would melt! Also with covid My trust aren’t even allowing fans, so I don’t think they would allow hair dryers on the ward at the Mo.

@Wankpuffin Oh god, I didn't even think about the state of the showers...that sounds horrendous! 😱

@Rainy88 take flip flops or sliders for the shower!

I brought a hairdryer and half the ward used it. Was in for longer than expected too so it was nice to be able to dry my hair. Also helpful to dry section wound if you have one.

Maternity pads wise, I bought lots of different types but found the big green hospital ones to be the best - there was no plastic on them so my stitches could air without worry. When I got home I tried using the sticky ones but couldn't get comfortable with them at all.

I'd bought all of the lotions and potions, spritz for bitz etc but doctor told me just to use water to clean myself and it was grand.
Highly recommend the my expert midwife no harm nipple balm though - it's expensive but brilliant. I found it much better than lanisoh for my sore nipple and it cleared it up much quicker too - also doubles up as a lip balm so it's a win win!

I'd bring some antibac wipes for around the bed and table on ward, they can get a bit grubby and lots of lip balm. Good to have a little notebook for anything you need to write down and some easy to open snacks like flapjacks for night time as I found meals in hospital lovely but very intensively given during the day ie 3 meals from 8-4 and nothing then all evening!

I was worried that I might look like a diva bringing a hairdryer! 🙈It's so hard not knowing what's acceptable when it's your first time...

Bring a refillable water bottle! Otherwise the midwives will just give you tiny cups of water

Take flip flops for the shower, although I found the bathrooms to be really clean. I would recommend:
Water wipes - never used cotton wool it was too faffy
Cotton wool - in case your having a boy, air hitting them when you take a nappy off triggers a wee fountain reaction so I'd use a cotton wool pad and it saved my face quite a few times!!
Weleda baby wash - have tried them all and always come back to this, never had any issues on DS sensitive skin and smells lovely
Metanium - as PP said it's magic on nappy rash
Others to have at home but won't need at hospital we're snuffle babes nazel drops for their first cold and infacol when wind hits (you'll wish you had them in the house)
Also invest in a good digital thermometer, it'll give you peace of mind if they're ever unwell to know you've got an accurate temp reading
For me I took in usual shampoo/conditioner/lip balm.
As a treat I got a nice shower oil (L'Occitane almond milk), it felt nice to have a little luxury treat and they advise not to use anything too perfumed so baby can smell your scent.
Nice soft towel and your own pillow can be a great comfort too. Ear plugs too for the ward!

Maybe you could take the hairdryer then at least you have the option! Can always leave it in your bag if it doesnt feel appropriate.

Thanks for all the tips, anything else just let me know! x

I took travel size toiletries in for me, didn't bother with a hairdryer but I did wash my hair and just plait it wet, not ideal but it was fine; the showers were also clean so they might be okay! For baby I really liked the child farms stuff, but you just use water to start with anyway, so won't need to take anything to hospital with you toiletries wise.

Dry shampoo!!!