What to include in your hospital bag

Essentials you need to pack for your hospital bag

• Pack a cozy dressing gown and socks. Ideal for wandering the ward.
• Pack slippers or flip flops for trips to the restroom.
• Pack comfortable, loose maternity clothing or old t-shirts. Take some spares in case things get messy.
• Pack towels as it might be nice to have your own ones from home.
• Pack nighties or open shirts that give easy access to baby, for skin-to-skin contact and breastfeeding.
• Pack plenty of maternity pads. There can be a lot of bleeding after birth—vaginal or Csection.
• Pack a few pairs of big panties. High-waisted and cotton will be comfiest.
• Pack a couple of nursing bras and lots of breast pads.
• Don’t forget contact details of a lactation consultant or breastfeeding support service in case you don’t get the hang of breastfeeding straightaway.
• If you’re planning a water birth you might want to bring something to wear in the pool to begin with.
• Pack healthy snacks. The vending machine can be the back-up plan.
• Pack comfy going-home clothes. And a bag for dirty washing.
• Pack miniature toiletries, face wipes, lip balm, hairbands, dry shampoo, washcloths, and a toothbrush.
• Bring your own feeding cushion or pillow, a bright colored one that won’t get lost!
• Pack eye patches and earplugs, and water spray or a pocket fan if it’s summer.
• Don’t forget your phone and camera. To tell all your friends and family the good news and capture those precious first moments together.
• Pack some makeup, if it makes you feel good.
• Consider music. Prepare a pocket playlist.
• Consider books and magazines to keep you occupied during down-time.
• Pack a notebook and pen. Helpful for jotting down feeding times.
• Don’t forget your maternity notes, they contain your birth plan and medical information. This is when it’ll really come in handy.
• Pack a few baby outfits (2-3 bodysuits and 2-3 t-shirts depending on the season), socks, booties, coat and hat for going home if it’s winter, cellular blanket, 1-2 packs of nappies, baby wipes, cotton balls, burping cloths (sometimes known as muslins), and scratch mitts. Pack an extra-long charger cable or a power bank, in case the sockets are far away.
• Bring a baby car seat for the trip home from the hospital—it’s mandatory in many countries.
• Buy a big hospital bag to put all this in!
• With your bag on standby, you’ll need to know when you’re ready to give birth. Go to our Signs of labor checklist to find out.[https://www.babyandme.nestle.co.za/prenatal/signs-of-labor]