By Catherine Hudson, editor of FashTravels
FashBaby: A whole new kind of adventure hosted at FashTravels. Here, you’ll find a weekly diary of my pregnancy journey.
What to pack in a hospital bag? I’m ready (as I’ll ever be) for giving birth…
I couldn’t fit everything I needed into the one cabin-sized bag the hospital told me I could take. So, I’m going to pretend I didn’t see that, because we’ve managed to squeeze it into these three. Additionally, we will pack a bag for my partner, which I’ll also list, below.
Everyone is different (yes, we know), but this is what I have gleaned that I will need, plus things I want to take. Oh, and there will be a bottle of champagne on order (* EDIT POST-BABY: This did not happen. It was literally the last thing I wanted), Five Guys ordered via Deliveroo, (*EDIT POST-BABY: It was not Five Guys but we did have a LOT of takeaway at the hospital, mainly because hospital food is terrible), and a box of biscuits bought and packed for those hardworking midwives.
[A big ‘thank you’ to everyone who has given me brilliant recommendations for what to pack! My actual bags are ones I had at home already, from DKNY, Pink Lining, and Scamp & Dude]Here goes…
- TENS machine, for when contractions start
- Toiletries bag with shampoo and conditioner
- Toothpaste and toothbrush
- Paracetamol
- Elemis face cleanser (have also packed flannels)
- Tangle Teezer hairbrush
- Hair pins and hairbands
- Mustela lip balm
- Mustela maternity body cleanser
- Ear plugs (to drown out any unwanted noise during birth)
- Bendy straws + will pack water bottle
- Boots gentle toilet tissues (given by a friend who recommended)
- Breast pads
- Maternity pads
- Nursing vest tops x 2 from H&M
- Comfy loose trousers a size bigger than normal, from Primark
- Will also be wearing a zip top for layering
- Snacks! Prosecco fizzy gummies from Superdrug (have been craving sour sweets the whole pregnancy), and Brunch Bars. There is a cafe at the hospital for more.
- Gaviscon – my saviour so many times
- Travel hairdryer – if I’m washing my hair, I’ll want to dry it
- Striped maternity pyjamas with shorts from ASOS
- A big towel
- Flannels
- Tissues
- Havaianas flips flops – for wearing in shower, and I hear slippers are far too hot for labour wards!
- Maternity nursing nightie from the Mamas & Papas x Bloom & Blossom collection
- Thin cotton dressing gown from the Mamas & Papas x Bloom & Blossom collection
- Lucozade bottled drinks
- Carrier bags for dirty washing and rubbish
- Maternity notes – all important!
- Large navy muslin for swaddling from Aden + Anais
- Small muslin cloths from Aden + Anais x Disney Baby
- One patchwork blanket, handmade by my auntie and which I used when my mum brought me home from hospiotal
- One crochet alpaca cream blanket by Plum of London
- Nursing oil by Weleda
- Metanium Everyday barrier ointment – though we will be trying not to wash the baby for a week, except for with cotton wool and water
- Cotton wool balls
- Aptamil ready formula – I’ll be attempting breastfeeding but this is a just in case. It can be used without being heated.
- MAM self-sterilising newborn bottle – need to buy a feeding tube to go with, from my local breastfeeding cafe
- Melobaby changing pouch that comes with integral fold out change mat
- Kit & Kin newborn nappies
- Kit & Kin nappy sacks
- Water Wipes
- Newborn cardigan from Marks & Spencer
- Grey pramsuit from John Lewis
- Newborn hat from Marks & Spencer
- A bib from Mamas & Papas x Liberty
- An Orla Kiely Grosnug
- Four newborn vests from Primark
- A tiny baby bodysuit from Petit Bateau, in case she’s extra small
- Three newborn sleepsuits – might also pack one slightly bigger one in case she’s a big baby!
- Scratch mitts from Mothercare
- Baby booties from Kissy Kissy
+ Partner’s bag
- Headphones
- Camera
- Phone chargers x 2
- Mini fan
- Change for the car park and food/drinks
- Spare change of clothes
- Flip flops
- Towel
- Shorts
- Books and magazines
We will also pack my bbhugme pregnancy pillow and some lavender essential oil to put on a flannel. Plus the Mama Mio spray – all to help me feel relaxed and comfortable as these are things I have been using to help me (attempt) sleep while pregnant.
So, have I missed anything? Let me know by commenting below…
* I must prelude anything I write in this blog series as totally my own experiences and opinions. I’ve learned to prefix everything I say in general conversation about pregnancy and babies with, ‘everyone’s different, but…’
YOU CAN FOLLOW ME @FASH.BABY AND @FASHCATHERINE
READ MY COLUMN EVERY WEEK HERE ON FASHBABY (A WHOLE NEW KIND OF ADVENTURE) AT FASHTRAVELS.COM, TO FOLLOW MY PREGNANCY JOURNEY
READ MORE…
- The pregnancy diaries: ‘I’m pregnant. Now what?’ – Introduction: Weeks 0-18
Hello, my name is Catherine and I‘m pregnant! - The pregnancy diaries: ‘I’m pregnant. Now what?’ – Week 19
Hearing the heartbeat and telling people - The pregnancy diaries: ‘I’m pregnant. Now what?’ – Week 20
Sleeping, 20-week scan and nesting - The pregnancy diaries: ‘I’m pregnant. Now what?’ – Week 21
Confidence, quiet time and trial runs - The pregnancy diaries: ‘I’m pregnant. Now what?’ – Week 22
The one where we went on a babymoon to Sri Lanka - The pregnancy diaries: ‘I’m pregnant. Now what?’ – Week 23
Bathtime, being lazy and shaving rules - The pregnancy diaries: ‘I’m pregnant. Now what?’ – Week 24
We’re a team, baby – you, me and… - The pregnancy diaries: ‘I’m pregnant. Now what?’ – Week 25
Seeing your baby in 4D – what is it and is it a good idea? - The pregnancy diaries: ‘I’m pregnant. Now what?’ – Week 26
Christmas, acid reflux and wondering who I am - The pregnancy diaries: ‘I’m pregnant. Now what?’ – Week 27
Being stuck in limbo and working 9am – 5pm/6pm/7pm… - The pregnancy diaries: ‘I’m pregnant. Now what?’ – Week 28
Injections and indifference - The pregnancy diaries: ‘I’m pregnant. Now what?’ Week 29
Oh right. I’m pregnant… - The pregnancy diaries: ‘I’m pregnant. Now what? Week 30
Advice from friends about what to pack in a hospital bag - The pregnancy diaries: When to start maternity leave
- The pregnancy diaries: What formula milk to use?
Can’t believe you’re almost ready! So exciting and good luck with the last few weeks.
I packed way less to take to hospital and hardly used anything. I had a cotton button down nightie, cotton rope and my summer slippers (hospitals are hot!) the Bridget Jones nickers and pads, cleansing wipes, hair brush, mascara, moisturiser and my fav lipstick. I brought a book and some magazines but never read them, phone charger is a must though. For baby I packed nappies, bodysuits and a going home outfit. A blanket, a muslin, a bottle, water wipes and cotton wool. They advise not using any product on your little one until they are a few weeks old. My partner only packed his phone and tablet charger, a clean shirt and money for the cafeteria
Author
Thanks Hester! I can’t imagine taking anything out, now! So excited 🙂 Definitely need Lee to bring money for all the snacks I’ll send him for
Massive pants. And I mean MASSIVE. I packed my normal pants but ended up having an emergency c-section and had to send my mum out for the biggest pants m&s sold. Whether you have a c-section or natural birth, you’ll want to pull those pants up to meet your bra. Also flip-flops in case you don’t want to wear socks.
Author
Thanks! Yep, flip flops are above, and that’s a great idea about sending mum out. If I need anything, I know the town centre is close by 🙂 I think being as organised as i possibly can be makes me feel comforted in some way, if that makes sense?!
I really wish I’d taken spritz for bitz by Expert Midwife – a spray for down below to help with the healing. Otherwise I think you’ve got everything!
Author
Great idea, Emma! Will get that!