Hospital Essentials with Jodie
Packing my hospital bag was on my to-do list for weeks. I kept putting it off after seeing so many different recommendations and lists of what you need. The overwhelming sense of anxiety was undeniable as a first-time mum. Having never given birth before, I had no idea how it would go and what I would need for my time in hospital, and what you must pack for your newborn! I was never provided any sort of list by my midwife so Google became my best friend.
So, after giving birth in September 2023, I’ve pulled together some of my top recommendations and the actual packing list I used to get organised!
Firstly, I would advise not over-packing (easier said than done, I know!) as the space in the ward is often quite limited. We packed a small cabin-size case and a gym bag. To make things easier, I highly recommend buying some ziplock travel storage bags and labelling them so you can easily access the items you need - you won’t want to be moving around too much post-birth!
I started packing my hospital bag from around 33 weeks, and then we took it with us on longer trips from around 35 weeks just in case. There’s no right or wrong time to pack it, but alongside feeling organised it’s a great way to start building up the excitement to meet your little one!
My absolute top recommendations are an extra long phone charger (the sockets are far away from the beds), slippers (comfort is key), towel (your home towel will be much nicer than the NHS towels) and things to entertain yourself such as an iPad, books, magazines etc.
Here’s my actual packing list for mum, dad and baby:
Mum:
- Maternity notes
- Socks
- Slippers
- Lansinoh Post-Birth Wash Bottle
- Books/Magazines
- Nightgowns/Maternity pyjamas
- Large underwear
- Maternity pads (hospital does provide these if you need them)
- Tena Silhouette Incontinence Pads
- Bras - specifically nursing bras if you’re planning on breastfeeding
- Washbag - deodorant, shampoo/conditioner, fragrance free body wash, flannel, moisturiser, toothbrush, toothpaste, hairbrush and hairbands
- Extra long phone charger - the sockets are far away from the bed!
- Loose clothing for post-birth
- Water bottle, ideally one with a straw so your partner can help you drink during labour
- Breast pads
- Snacks/drinks for birth - highly recommend isotonic sports drinks, sweets etc. Anything that will give you energy
- Towel - the hospital will provide a towel but bringing one from home is much nicer in labour/post-birth
Dad:
- Underwear
- Change of clothes
- Toothbrush, deodorant
- Entertainment eg. iPad, book, laptop - labour can be long!
- Phone charger
- Snacks
Baby:
- Baby grows - newborn x2, 0-3 x2 - you can get someone to bring more if you need them!
- Vests x2 - either long sleeve or short sleeve depending on the time of year you’re due!
- Socks - not essential if your baby is in a baby grow with their feet covered
- Hats x2 - very important, your newborn needs to be kept really warm for the first 24 hours!
- Cellular blanket
- Nappies - Size 1 newborn should be fine for most babies! We took 1 pack of 24.
- Wipes - highly recommend Water Wipes for the first few weeks
- Muslins
- Going home outfit
- First milk ready-to-feed formula x6 - if you’re planning to breastfeed I would still take this as your milk may not come in or baby may not latch
- Nail file - yes, your baby may be born with long nails!
Remember… Only pack the essentials and don’t panic if you forget something. It’s most likely that the hospital can provide anything you need, or you can ask family/friends to drop it off!
Jodie lives in beautiful Brighton. Following being made redundant during maternity leave she has recently started a new role with a company who's values very much include flexible working and spending time with family! Jodie, baby and Dad are all happy and hopefully we'll have another blog entry very soon!
