Packing your bag for a hospital stay with baby

Packing a hospital bag for Mum & Baby
Compiled with thanks to Vanessa Sutherland, The Baby Consultant
CLEVER TIPS!
- Pack early – pack your bag around 8 months into your pregnancy
- Pack a small bag for the delivery suite & another bag for post-birth
- Prepare for the trip to hospital by leaving a towel, heat pack and plastic bag in the car
- Make sure important numbers are saved in your phone (OB, Midwife, Doula, Birth Suite etc)
- Create a contact group for the birth announcement
- Pre-book newborn hire items during your last trimester (ie, bassinet, car restraint / baby capsule, breast pump)
PACKING FOR MUM
Must haves:
- PJs and gown (breast accessible)
- Toiletries (moisturisers, tissues, hair brush and hair products, hair bands, toothbrush, toothpaste, deoderant, makeup, hairdryer, straightener, shampoo)
- 8 pairs of comfy underwear in a roomy size
- Warm socks
- Loose t-shirt / gown for birth
- Maternity pads (1 or 2 packs)
- Disposable breast pads / nipple cream
- Three maternity nursing bras
- Watch / smartphone for timing contractions
- Camera / Camcorder (batteries and cords)
- Mobile phone and charger
- List of people you want to contact
- Plastic bag for dirty washing
- Any medications you are currently taking
- Going home outfit
- Pen / notebook
- Slippers and socks
- Lip balm
- Eye glasses / contact lenses
- Small amount of cas
- Snacks for post labour (juice, muesli bars)
Optional:
- A copy of your birth plan and antenatal card
- Comfy, loose fitting clothes for during the day (breast accessible)
- Relaxing music / white noise for baby
- Ipad / laptop ad DVDs
- Massage oils
- Bikini for birth pool / swimwear for support partner
- Quality toilet paper / flushable wipes
- Gel breast pads
- Your favourite magazine
PACKING FOR BABY
Must haves:
- A correctly fitted AS approved car restraint
- 4-6 onesies (season appropriate – 0000 to 000)
- 3 x socks / booties
- 4-6 singlets
- 2 x muslin wraps
- 2 x bunny rugs (heavier wraps)
- Nappies & wipes (check what your hospital provides)
- 2 x beanies / hat
- Mittens
- Going home outfit
Optional:
- Formula, bottles, teats, sterilising equipment (if required – check what your hospital provides)
- A newborn dummy (just in case, sterilised)
- Gift from baby to older siblings
- Baby nail scissors