What to pack in your hospital bag | Your checklist

With a quick google you'll quickly discover that there is an enormous amount of recommendations all across the internet but over the years as I've observed women come in to delivery suite most aren't quite sure what they should bring. Generally you'll stay somewhere between 12 hours & 2 days in hospital or at a birthing unit and I definitely think packing less is more and "just in case" items should be left out. Here are my suggestions;⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀

You'll need an overnight sized bag. I'm not gonna lie, I do giggle on the inside when I see women turn up with a large suitcase. I know thats kinda mean but trust me - you don't need a large suitcase. A good sized overnight bag or a carry on suitcase is the perfect size
Baby's do not have the ability to regulate their own temperatures so make sure you include plenty of merino or wool clothing especially a merino singlet, hat, booties & wrap. We like to say that baby's should wear 2 more layers than you are wearing so take this into consideration depending on the time of year you give birth. Merino wool is soft & suitable to be the base layer. Singlets, onesies, all-in-one suits or gowns, hats, booties & wraps is all you need, 2-3 of each is enough
When it comes to wraps there are some that are better than others. I believe in swaddling baby's so something I look for is does it have a good stretch?! Merino & cotton is a good place to start. Burrow & Be do a great stretch cotton wrap. I personally don't think muslin wraps are great for swaddling - they don't have enough stretch in them to swaddle your baby but I do think they're perfect for laying on the floor, throwing over your shoulder the capsule or buggy and as a burp cloth so invest in some of these too
Hospitals and birth centres typically supply you with nappies so only include 1 or 2 in your bag, save the room for snacks instead
Meconium poo can be sticky stuff so a good barrier cream can be really helpful in getting that stuff off. I've only personally used Weleda Nappy Change Cream and it has worked well for us but there are tonnes available out there
All you're going to want to wear is pj's and loungewear. I like to invest in something new but I'm just extra like that. A dressing gown/robe will be your new best friend too - a fluffy one in winter or a nice linen one in warmer months -the Citta gowns are fantastic quality
Comfortable underwear is essential. Nursing singlets, bras and large dark underwear. If you're offered a pair of disposable undies DO NOT say no, those are supreme comfort. You can also purchase your own from Breastmates. You're unlikely to need breast pads right away so leave those at home and don't forget travel sized toiletries.
Snacks & drinks for you and your partner. Fresh fruit, nuts, our lactation bars of course and drinks. Think of things that won't require refrigeration & can be eaten with one hand⠀⠀⠀

And here are some of your suggestions;

A drink bottle - this is great to sip from but also great to squirt on your perineum when you urinate, great relief
Ural sachets - these will be available at whatever facility you end up at so just ask & save your money⠀
Change for the vending machine - just incase you need something fizzy or sugary at 1am
Ice packs for your perineum or 'padsicles'. If they don't have them where you are ask if you can make your own & pop them in their freezer. Here is a tutorial on how to make your own 'padsicles'!
A pen - to fill in menus & write down anything you don't want to forget⠀⠀⠀⠀

Let me know what you think I've missed! Click the HERE or the image below to download your free printable hospital bag checklist X