Determining what you need in a hospital bag for the day your newborn baby arrives in the world can be a stressful and overwhelming process. There’s so much to think about and so many things you could potentially need that worrying about forgetting something can keep you up at night. Let’s be honest, when you’ve got a baby on the way, sleepless nights are the last thing you need. That’s why we put together this definitive guide to all the things you should put in a hospital bag when getting ready to give birth.
1. Birth plan and notes
The first and most crucial thing to include is mum’s birthing plan and any notes from the hospital or doctor’s office. Having these to hand will help things go smoothly at the hospital, so you may want to keep them seperate in a secure front or side pocket. That way, you’ll be able to access them quickly when the time comes.
2. Labour clothes
The second most important thing to pack into your back is a good pair of loose-fitting clothes mum can wear during the labour process itself.
Tight-fitting clothes can restrict blood flow and leave mother feeling too hot, and while a hospital gown may be provided, she may be far more comfortable wearing her own long t-shirt or nightie. Just be warned though, labour can be a messy process, so be sure that any clothes you bring are ones mum has no problem getting ruined.
3. Extra clothes
Women in the UK spend an average of a day and a half in hospital once the baby is born. While that’s not a long period of time, you’ll still want to make sure that mum has something comfortable to change into for the rest of her stay. If baby is being breastfed, tops with open fronts or a loose-fitting nighty will make that process easier. Don’t forget to bring something to travel home in too!
4. Dressing gown and slippers
Your main priority when packing mum’s hospital bag for labour is ensuring that she’s as comfortable as possible. Packing her favourite dressing gown and a pair of comfy slippers can certainly help with this.
5. 6 pairs of clean underwear
Even if you’re only in the hospital for less than two days, a lot can happen in that time. To help her feel comfortable, clean, and hygienic at all times, pack at least six pairs of clean and comfortable underwear that are large enough to fit maternity pads in.
6. Maternity pads
Maternity pads absorb any bleeding that may occur while mum recovers from giving birth, helping to keep her feeling fresh and clean, so be sure not to leave home without them.
7. Extra socks
It’s not unusual for women’s feet to get chilly during labour, so be sure to pack her most cozy pair of socks just in case.
8. Wash bag
This one goes without saying, but remember to pack a wash bag with soap, toothpaste, toothbrush, shampoo, conditioner, hair ties and anything else mum might need. After a long and often messy birth, there’s probably few things better than being able to clean and freshen up with her favourite bathroom essentials.
9. Relaxing activities
You don’t need to overdo it, but books, magazines, podcasts, or a tablet that she can watch shows and play games on will help to pass the time and keep mum calm and relaxed before and after giving birth.
10. Massage oils or essential oils
On the subject of relaxing, some evidence suggests that using aromatherapy oils can help to reduce both pain and anxiety while giving birth. Some women also find that being gently massaged with massage oils has the same relaxed effect.
11. Eye mask and ear plugs
Hospitals can be busy, overwhelming places, and that’s the last thing anyone needs when giving birth. Taking along an eye mask and some earphones can help to block out all the chaos of the hospital and promote relaxation when the time is right.
12. Water spray
There’s no polite way to put this: Giving birth can be a hot and sweaty experience. Taking a cooling water spray to lightly spray in the air during labour can help to keep her cool. Failing that, take a small fan with you to achieve the same effect.
13. Baby’s hospital essentials
Bodysuits, vests, scratch mittens and socks for your newborn will all come in very handy when they first arrive in the world. Don’t forget to pack plenty of nappies too and, of course, something for baby to wear on their first journey home.
Final advice
If you pack all of the above into mum’s hospital bag, you’ll have done everything you can to ensure that both mother and baby are comfortable and cared for during their time in hospital. However, if you’re the partner and you’re planning to be with her at the hospital as much as possible, don’t forget your own comfort and wellbeing.
While you may not need as much as mum does, taking a small overnight bag with some toiletries and a spare change of clothes will help to make sure the whole experience is as comfortable as possible for all concerned.