If your hospital luggage is starting to look like something you’d take on a three-week cruise, take a look at our suggested packing list to help you decide what you really need.
Your essentials:
- Your birth plan and maternity notes
- A nightie or big T-shirt, plus a couple of spares. Choose something you’ll feel comfy walking around the delivery room or ward in, and a front opening nightdress or pyjamas for after the birth.
- Dressing gown and slippers. Thick socks and cardigan could also be useful as your temperature can fluctuate during and right after labour.
- Toiletry bag packed with flannels, toothbrush and toothpaste, moisturiser, water spray bottle, lip balm, freshen-up wipes, paper tissues. Plus a couple of towels. And extras (e.g. make-up, shower gel, shampoo, mirror) for after the birth. Travel size bottles will give you more room for all the other bits you need to pack.
- Maternity pads – for before the birth if your waters break, and for afterwards when you’ll bleed fairly heavily
- Spare knickers – and lots of them – are useful for the same reason. Use disposables or old ones that you can bin later.
- A nursing bra and breast pads
- Comfortable (loose) clothes to come home in
Your baby will need:
- Huggies® Newborn nappies (up to eight for each day you’re in hospital) and a pack of Huggies® Baby Wipes
- Vests and sleepsuits (at least three)
- Top and tail bowl (in case the hospital doesn’t provide one – check with your midwife in advance)
- Scratch mittens
- A shawl or baby blanket
- Cotton wool and a towel
- Clothes to come home in – including a hat and shawl and, if the weather’s chilly, an outdoor jacket, extra blankets and mittens
- A pushchair or car seat – babies travelling home by car must be strapped into properly fitted car seats
And finally, a few little extras recommended by Huggies® Club mums:
- “Some music to relax to – the hospital had a few CDs but nothing I really wanted to give birth to!” (Check if you need to bring in your own CD player too.)
- “A camera, although my husband was under strict instructions not to take any shots of me looking worse for wear!”
- “I packed a few snacks and drinks. My partner ate most of them though so remember to pack plenty!”
- “Magazines and a book. A good distraction for all the waiting.”
- “A mini bottle of champers and some chocs to celebrate – hospital canteens are rarely open 24 hours a day, and never stock champagne!”
- “I had a few days in hospital so I found my address book, note paper and a pen really useful.”
- “My pillow. You’ll be glad you took your own as hospital pillows tend to be plastic coated.”
Have your packed bag ready by the door a couple of weeks before your due date – you never know when your baby might decide to make an appearance!
Please note that the contents of this section are for information only and are not intended as medical advice or as a substitute to your doctor's advice. For medical care and advice, you should consult your doctor on a regular basis. If you have any problem which concerns you, consult your doctor immediately.
