What do I pack in my hospital bag?

[MrsTosh87]

I'd love some advice as to what I should pack in my hospital bag. What worked for you?

The NHS has a decent list, but make sure you take a compact changing mat! I didn't have one so had to use the some continence sheets they had on the ward for changing little ones nappy.

Hey 37 weeks, 5th baby, i have my hospital bag packed With: baby grows n vests newborn: 3…. 0-3 months: 2, some disposable knickers and maternity pads, cotton wool balls, wetwipes, 6 nappies, change of clothes for me and boxers n top for dad, shampoo and conditioner, some puzzle books, muslin squares, 2 hats 2 scratch mits, 2 socks for baby, underwear for myself, towel, slippers, dressing gown, pack of 6 premade baby bottles (incase bf doesn’t go to plan) lip balm, nightie, bikini, shawl and coat for baby and snacks, i think thats it lol x

Don't take loads, you won't need it and we don't have the space for storage so leave some stuff in the car that you can get easy. And don't take a white noise machine, absolute bane of our lives on the postnatal wards. I spend at least 2 hours per shift asking folk to turn then off cause its irritating the patient/baby in the next bed 😭🤣. Take some snacks, hospital food is rubbish. And comfy clothes.

I also have a last minute list on my fridge: phone chargers, maternity notes, toothbrush and paste and carseat. Hope this helps x

Thanks everyone! X

You acquire the stuff but get your birthing partner to physically pack the bag. My top tip! He or she needs to know where those hair bands / Vaseline / snacks are FAST!

Also pack your flip flops somewhere safe. I lost mine with my first and it was undignified limping out to the car for the ride home in my socks 😂

Also YouTube is your friend here. There are lots of what I packed in my H bag videos.

Pack tiny baby, newborn and 0-3m as it's impossible to know in advance exactly which size you'll need. I put the stuff in 3 labelled freezer bags

I packed my bag and babies separately and used zip lock bags.

For baby, the usual clothes but in 2 sizes newborn/first size and 0-3, hats, swaddle, burp clothes, water wipes, and Saline (I meeded this for babies eyes were a bit sticky) pampers newborn nappies that's it for baby.

For myself, incontinace pants with boota organic cotton maternity pads, washable slippers / slides, comfy clothes and Pjs, nursing tops/vests/bra and mini toiletries.
Snacks!!!!! Lucazade sport, water bottle with a straw for easier drinking in labour. Labour snacks (easy to eat and high in energy) Dates and Prunes for Postpartum.
Peri Bottle with angled spout.
Spritz for your bits

I second the list pinned somewhere obvious for last minute things. Phone, charger, notes, keys, money etc etc.

You can actually use a lucazade sports bottle as a spritz for bits thing op - save some money! I drank the drink in early labour, it got rinsed clean then was good to go. It did the job perfectly.

I would recommend taking a fan! Just a small battery powered one. Labour wards tend to be very hot and I was glad of mine during and after labour.