Hello, lovely mama-to-be! As you embark on this incredible journey toward motherhood, there’s an essential task that awaits you: packing your hospital bag. I remember vividly the mix of excitement and nerves that consumed me as I prepared for the arrival of my little ones. To make this process a bit smoother, I’ve put together the ultimate hospital bag checklist – a trusted companion for those final weeks of anticipation.
The practical must-haves for your newborn
- A few bodysuits or vests
- A few sleepsuits, preferably long and with a zipper for an easier handle
- The outfit to take your baby home in
- A couple of newborn hats, especially if it’s autumn-winter
- Scratch mittens + socks if your bodysuits/sleepsuits do not have this included
- Newborn diapers
- Newborn-friendly wipes (water wipes) or pure cotton wool balls
- A blanket to cover your baby
- A swaddle blanket
- A few muslin squares
- A snowsuit or something similar (if it’s cold outside)
The rituals of self-care: essentials for you
- Birth plan & maternity notes
- Phone and charger
- Healthy snacks and drinks as you will need all the energy you can get
- Your wash bag with toothpaste, toothbrush, shampoo, soap, comb, make-up, deodorant, and hair ties
- A towel, preferably a microfiber long one for easier storage
- Your favourite pillow
- A change of clothes to go home in
- 2 nightgowns, ideally front-opening, loose with buttons to be able to breastfeed in
- At least 1 maternity bra or a similar one that will allow you to breastfeed if you are planning to
- Cosy socks as it might get cold in the hospital
- Cosy slippers + flip-flops (as you might want to use them in the shower)
- Your Spritz for Bits or similar products that are meant to help with after-birth pain
- A pack of maternity pads for post-birth bleeding
- A pack of disposable underwear OR some of yours if you plan to throw them away afterwards
- Paracetamol and ibuprofen for after-birth pain (cheaper to buy than to use the ones provided by the hospital)
Dad must-haves: essentials for the Father
- Phone and charger
- Car seat
- A copy of the birth plan
- Swim shorts if you are planning to assist your partner in the labour pool/shower
- Flip-flops
- A towel
- Car seat to take the baby home (if you are in the UK)
- A towel, preferably a microfiber long one for easier storage
- A change of clothes
- Photo camera if you are planning to take professional pictures (a phone with a good camera will be good enough)
- Toothbrush and paste for longer stays
A Mother’s Wisdom: be flexible and embrace the unexpected
As you prepare your hospital bag, keep in mind that birth is a beautifully unpredictable journey. Despite our best-laid plans, it’s okay to embrace the unexpected. Pack your bag with love and intention, but be open to the twists and turns that come with welcoming a new life into the world.
Remember, dear Mama, you’ve got this. Your strength, resilience, and the love in your heart are your most powerful tools. So, pack your bag with care, breathe deeply, and get ready for the incredible adventure that awaits you. Download your free hospital bag checklist here.
Wishing you a smooth and beautiful birthing experience.
