What Do You Need In Your Hospital Bag?

Comfortable clothes to give birth in/feed in afterwards. 

I have always taken a few changes of clothes to give birth in. You want something that’s super comfortable; something you’re not bothered about ruining and something you can breastfeed in/have skin to skin in straight after birth.

You may well end up in just a hospital gown (happened to me twice!) or you may end up wanting nothing on so please don’t overthink this one. 

These birthing gowns from Seraphine are great, something with buttons/poppers works really well, or these button down nightshirts are also a great choice. You ideally need something you can use afterwards in the hospital/at home to feed your baby in and just be comfortable together. 

Don’t waste your money on something you can only use when you’re giving birth. Multi purpose is best!

Disposable underwear and pads. 

Depending on where you are giving birth generally the hospital does not supply you with these. My advice to get more than you think you will need. If you don’t use them all then you can pass them onto the next Mama to be or give them to charity. You’ll probably use them all though, I’m afraid – all part of the fun of pregnancy!

In the Netherlands (where we had one of our little llamas!) they advise you buy something called a ‘kraamzorg pakket’ – a collection of items to assist in dealing with the birth and the first few days afterwards once you leave the hospital.

I was skeptical when we were told this by our midwife but it turned out to be one of the best ideas! I bought one which included disposable underwear, packs with different sized pads in (you’ll need some heavy duty ones for the first week or so and then some lighter ones), some mattress pads to protect your bed and also some alcohol gel and cotton wool.

These Natracare Natural Organic Cotton Maternity Pads are plastic free and perfume free. Made from organic cotton they are a more comfortable option than most on the market.

You will also need some disposable underwear for those first few days after giving birth. Choose some that are more like a short to give you more comfortable coverage. Trust me, you don’t want to be wearing something too small at this point. This 8 pack maternity postpartum disposable underwear by Frida fits the bill.

All came in handier than I expected, and it meant we had everything at hand we would need which the hospital routinely stocks to deal with some of the less dignified post-partum challenges! 

Postpartum Perineal Spray

This one sounds way fancier than it actually is and it’s a lifesaver after you have given birth! I also cannot recommend this one enough!

Spray this on your perineum before/during/after going to the loo and at any other time you feel the need to. This spray will help your post birth recovery by soothing any discomfort and pain caused by bruising, swelling and stretching caused by childbirth.

The best one I found was ‘Spritz for Bitz’ by My Expert Midwife. This one is made from tee- tree oil, lavender and witch hazel and I found it to be very effective. The spray nozzle is cleverly designed so that it can be sprayed upside down which means that application is super easy and it can also be used on C section scars which makes it useful if you’re having a cesarean section.

This really is one of the essentials for the hospital bag checklist I wish I had known before my first baby. It offers some pain relief, is far more easy to use and effective than water spray, and a completely portable solution you can carry anywhere.

Speaking of trying to make life just that bit more comfortable in hospital and when you leave with your new baby, the early stages of breastfeeding can be super difficult the first time.

You have to look after those bits almost as much as anything else!

Nipple Cream

Yep, that’s right, no hospital bag checklist is complete without nipple cream. You’re going to really need this if you’re breastfeeding, especially with your first baby.

Anything that helps getting into the swing of feeding should be prepared before labour and sitting in your packed bag at the front door. Lanisoh Lanolin nipple cream is an absolute essential for your hospital bag and you won’t need to remove it before feeding your baby. You can apply it as much as you like before and after feeding to help protect your nipples before a feed and to help soothe sore and cracked nipples after a feed. 

Lanisoh Lanolin nipple cream is 100% natural and hypoallergenic and is approved by the British Allergy Foundation. This magic stuff is also multi purpose! You can use it for dry patches of skin anywhere; on itchy stretch marks and even as a lip moisturiser! A must buy, and will become one of those essentials you pack before your toothbrush before you go anywhere! 

Water Bottle

You’ll need to stay hydrated during and after childbirth so a good water bottle is a must. The hospital may provide you with snacks and drinks, but you (and your birth partner) really need to keep on top of it – labour is thirsty business!

I advise you choose one with a straw so that you can drink whilst lying down. This is handy during childbirth when your birthing partner can just hold out the water bottle for you to take a drink hands-free.

It’s also really handy after having your baby (breastfeeding makes you super thirsty by the way!) as you can sip away without worrying about tipping a bottle back, avoiding spilling some on baby’s head and again, drink from the bottle hands-free. 

Anything like a decent water bottle, which makes those night time feeds more successful is worth the investment. Having what you need at arms reach, and knowing that it will not disturb the baby is invaluable, and will help ensure you stay healthy, and both get the rest you need.

We like this one by BeMaxx which comes with three lids (one of which is the straw lid). It’s vacuum insulated and comes in a variety of sizes and colours. 

Snacks!

You will need to pack plenty of healthy snacks and drinks in your hospital bag. Obviously you will have your own personal preference for these but some ideas are: cereal bars, oatcakes, rice cakes, dried fruit, breadsticks, seeds and nuts, fresh fruit, carrot sticks, cucumber sticks, sandwiches with simple fillings and sweets for a quick sugar boost. 

The key to eating during labour is to eat little and often to keep your energy up during the first phases, when you feel like it obviously! You will also need the snacks for after you have given birth for sure.

With my second baby the labour was so quick I didn’t have time to eat anything but later on that night I was so hungry and so thankful for the snacks in my hospital bag you have no idea! During my third labour in the Netherlands they provided food at the hospital but I was so sick of eating bread and cheese (not much else on offer) I was also way happier than I should have been to pull out the snack bag later on that night.

Obviously a lot of the food is personal preference and you will need to make some of it up fresh to take with you. Stock up on some of the dried foods then they’re ready to go just in case you’ll be leaving in a hurry with no time to make sandwiches or prepare fruit. 

Nakd bars are a great choice, they’re natural, vegan and will give you plenty of energy when you need it during or after child birth. 

Whatever you choose, not having to rely on the hospital facilities or vending machines will make a huge difference to keeping you fed and your energy levels up during and after labour.

Dressing Gown, Slippers and Socks

You’ll want something on your feet when you’re walking around before and after having baby. You may find that you have time and are encouraged to walk around to get labour going, as well as needed to show you are mobile(ish!) before you return home with your baby.

So, something you can slide your feet into with ease is key, such as a pair of flip flops or comfy slippers. You’ll also need something that is comfortable and warm for those oftentimes chilly hard floors and hospital wards.  These organic cotton towelling slippers by Eco Bath London can be machine washed and won’t break the bank. They’re a hit with us!

A super comfy dressing gown is also a great idea and don’t forget to pack some socks so your feet don’t get cold in labour!

Comfortable and Supportive Bras

You’ll need a few bras in your hospital bag.  Choose some that aren’t underwired as these can put pressure around the edges of the milk ducts and cause blockages. However, absolutely don’t feel you have to spend lots of money on nursing bras. 

These sleep bras by Lemef come in a pack of three and are so comfortable! They are great for feeding in day and night as the wrap top is super easy to quickly access the breast for feeding. I find the clips on nursing bras to be too fussy and over complicate the issue! I have lived in these bras with baby #3. 

Breast Pads 

You’ll need some breast pads to stop leaks, at least in the early weeks. I have tried lots over the years but by far the best are these reusable bamboo ones by Lanisoh. So much more comfortable than the disposable ones, I found they stayed in place better.

 They’re super easy to clean and can be washed at high temperatures and tumble dried and they come out great. They also come in a handy little bag, useful for laundry and also to take with you out and about in your changing bag. 

Toiletries 

You’ll need a small toiletries bag packed and ready in your hospital bag. Make sure you have a flannel, toothbrush and toothpaste, shower gel, shampoo and conditioner all ready to go. 

I don’t recommend taking any perfume, its too strong for your baby and they really don’t like it. If you don’t have some already these travel bottles are great. They’re Squeezy so easy to use when you might be feeling a little weaker than usual after having your baby. 

Other things to think about are: spare contact lenses, lip balm, face wash, hair ties, cotton wool balls, and anything else for your personal routine.

You’ll definitely want some things to make yourself feel fresh and human again- the little things really count here.

Chargers for your phone/tablet

Don’t forget to bring your mobile phone chargers along with you. You’ll want to keep in touch with family and friends and take a million and one photos and videos of your newborn baby, not to mention keeping up to date with the Llama list, so make sure you have your chargers with you. If you don’t have one already, a longer charging cable might be useful for your stay in hospital. 

You just never know where a plug is and you might not be in any state to be reaching far to plug your smart phone in. Failing this, a fully charged portable charger is also highly recommended to keep you connected

Clothes to come home from hospital in. 

Don’t overthink this one! Something comfortable, that you can feed in and makes you feel good will do. Make sure you bring layers as it might be warm in the hospital but cold outside or vice versa. You also want soft fabrics with no sticking out buttons or anything, especially on your top half for when you’re cuddling your baby. 

Good Luck!

So there you have it! Our ultimate hospital list for you. Ideally you want to have your bag packed from around 37 weeks of your pregnancy. That way you can relax knowing it’s ready to go and you can focus on that crazy nesting period and getting yourself, your family and your home ready to start enjoying your life with your beautiful baby. 

If you have any of your own recommendations or comments, please let us know below!