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Original poster

Packing hospital bag - what have I forgotten?

15 replies

sel2223 · 02/03/2025 10:17

3 weeks to go and I'm finally getting organised! Time is flying now.

Getting my hospital ready and it seems I've forgotten literally everything from when I had my first nearly 5 years ago! I'm having another section and planning to breastfeed again.

ME
Bag of toiletries (face wipes, deodorant, toothpaste, toothbrush, moisturiser, lip balm, brush)
Button down nighties x 2
Slippers
Dressing gown
Disposable postpartum underwear and pads
Breast pads
Nipple cream
Loose fitting going home outfit
Peppermint tea bags
Snacks
Phone charger

BABY
3 sleepsuits each in tiny baby, newborn and up to 1 month.
Going home outfit
Cardigan
Hat
Scratch mittens
Nappies in sizes 0 and 1
Water wipes
Nappy cream
Blanket

Anything else I should have in there?
Thanks in advance.

OP posts:
Are your children’s vaccines up to date?
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OneRealRosePlayer · 02/03/2025 10:24

Formula. I breast fed but im glad i took some. My milk didnt come in for a few days

Pinkywoo · 02/03/2025 10:28

Vests for under the sleep suits and thin hats for the baby, they're used to being warm all the time! Also flip flops for the shower (and for walking around if the ward is boiling).

Original poster
sel2223 · 02/03/2025 10:41

OneRealRosePlayer · 02/03/2025 10:24

Formula. I breast fed but im glad i took some. My milk didnt come in for a few days

Good shout, thanks - I'll get some of those little premade actimel bottles

OP posts:
Original poster
sel2223 · 02/03/2025 10:42

Pinkywoo · 02/03/2025 10:28

Vests for under the sleep suits and thin hats for the baby, they're used to being warm all the time! Also flip flops for the shower (and for walking around if the ward is boiling).

Ooh yes, I do have vests!

Flip flips is a great suggestion, thank you

OP posts:
TheGirlInTheGreenDress · 02/03/2025 10:45

I’m currently getting my bag together too so watching with interest. From what I’ve read, I’m making sure my phone charger will have a long cable. In addition to what’s on your list I am also packing a hand held fan, nursing bra, and a peri bottle for going to bathroom.

BooToYouHalloween · 02/03/2025 10:48

If you have long hair take lots of hairbands

Rainbowsunshine81 · 02/03/2025 10:53

Cotton wool pads or balls to clean their bum
Drinks for you
Facial cooling spray
Flannel
Dressing gown
Nursing bras
Non slip slippers
Shower gel
Muslin clothes (lots)
Blankets for baby
Hair ties/bobbles to put your hair up
Roll up changing mat for baby
Laundry bag for dirty clothes
Comforter for baby
Vests / sleep suits
Mittens for their hands
Face wipes for you
Dry shampoo
Witch hazel pads to put on maternity pads
Gripper socks for you
Extra long charger lead for your phone

Rainbowsunshine81 · 02/03/2025 10:55

Premade formula just in case, I'm going to take kendamil.
I used one bag for me and one bag for baby
I'm going to use organiser bags this time for my bag.

LegoHouse274 · 02/03/2025 10:56

I had my third recently.

Some other things me/baby used:

  • Snacks.
  • Black leggings.
  • Loose t-shirts.
  • Button down full length PJs.
  • A book.
  • Water bottle.
  • Headphones.
  • Phone charger.
  • Lucozade sport drinks.
  • Cotton wool.
  • Nappy sacks
  • Ear plugs
  • Eye mask
  • Sleep spray
  • Towel and hair towel turban thingy
  • Muslin
  • Couple of bibs
  • Lansinoh
  • I had done antenatal colostrum expression so brought the frozen syringes with ice packs in a cool bag. Did end up using most of them as ended up in hospital for a few days because baby wasn't feeding well and so wasn't passing urine well.

I don't know the situation for birth partners for you at the hospital but we also packed these for DH which he used:

  • PJs
  • Change of t-shirt, socks, underwear
  • Toothbrush
  • Book
  • Puzzle book
  • Snacks
  • Headphones
  • Water bottle

As I ended in for longer than expected each time DH went home he'd take the dirty laundry from us all and bring a clean set of clothes for everyone back each time. I bled through a couple of pairs of underwear and leggings etc so went through more of those than planned.

Superscientist · 02/03/2025 20:24

I had a handful of things for my partner. Change of underwear, t shirt, deodorant, toothbrush and flannel in case of a long labour and he wanted to freshen up. It wasn't needed as baby was born half an hour of arriving at the hospital but I had friends that were in for 2 days between being admitted in labour and baby being born

comoatoupeira · 02/03/2025 20:27

I packed a bottle of champagne, definitely worth celebrating (just one glass, ofc)

Original poster
sel2223 · 02/03/2025 20:36

These are great replies, thank you! I've added quite a few things to the list.

Thank you for the reminder about DH too....my last baby was during covid so he couldn't stay, I'd totally forgotten about packing anything for him this time 🙈😅

OP posts:
mismomary · 02/03/2025 22:06

Energy tablets in case you can't face eating in labour but need calories. Dextrose maybe?

MrsH26 · 03/03/2025 02:33

I second the flannel!!
if you need a cold compress and you don’t have one we’ll soak a sanitary pad and use that! Works wonderfully but provides birth partners with a bit of amusement, lol

POSTC123 · 03/03/2025 02:39

Pillow!

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