Hospital Bag Checklist

At around 36 weeks of pregnancy it’s a good idea to get your Hospital Bag packed with all the things you will need for labour and the birth. If you are intending to have your baby at home you will still want to gather these things together so that they can be found easily when the time arrives.

It is usually recommended to pack two bags, one with items that you will need for the labour, and another with items that you and the baby will need during your stay at hospital. I must admit that both times I gave birth these were both completely mixed up by about half-way through labour, but I did try!

Your hospital or midwife should be able to provide you with a list of what you will need, as different hospitals will have their own requirements. Some will provide washable nappies during your stay and do not allow disposables to be used. Some prefer to provide formula milk themselves if you are not going to breastfeed.

Finally be wary of taking anything of any financial value such as a good camera, camcorder or iPod in. Sadly items are stolen in hospitals and if you are rushed off to theatre for a caesarean you won’t be able to take anything in with you.

Labour Bag

• Your maternity notes (most important, especially if you have had any complications in your pregnancy) and birth plan if you have one.
• Clothes – An old T-Shirt or nightdress, one you don’t mind getting ruined, some socks – You can get cold in labour, I got cramp it was so cold in my delivery room.
• TENS machine if you are using one.
• Books or magazines in case things take a long time.
• Snacks and drinks, if you are allowed to eat during labour, or need to sneak something in desperation. You will also need food for your birth partner, as you can guarantee that the hospital café won’t be open when you need it.
• One set of clothes for the baby, maybe a vest and sleepsuit. Also a nappy if you have to provide them.
• Cheap or disposable camera, film if necessary.
• Any prescription drugs which you take.
• You may also wish to take your personal stereo, massage oils or anything else which you may feel will help you get through, maybe a picture of someone special or a water spray.

Hospital Bag

• 2 front opening nightdresses (PJs are agony if you have stitches!), dressing gown and slippers, nursing bra, breastpads and nipple cream.
• Some day clothes for going home in, and to wear during the day if you are kept in for a few days.
• Old, cheap or disposable pants and maternity/sanitary Towels. Proper maternity towels are usually a little softer if you have had stitches.
• Toilet bag with anything you would normally take for a couple of days away – toothbrush and toothpaste, face flannel, soap, shower gel, moisturiser etc. Maybe some make-up too, if your local newspaper visits the hospital to photograph babies for its new arrivals page!
• Towels.
• For the baby take a pack of newborn nappies, 2 or 3 sleepsuits, 2 or 3 vests and some warm clothes or a sunhat for going home in as appropriate, scratch mitts, muslin cloths, feeding equipment if required, nappy cream, baby bath, nappy sacks and cotton wool.
• Remember to take lots of change for the phone – you won’t be allowed to use your mobile phone in the hospital.

Finally you will need a car seat if you are taking the baby home in a car; most hospitals will not let you leave until they have seen a baby car seat.

If you don't wish to gather all those things together you can buy a ready-made hospital bag kit from Mothercare which includes all the disposable items that you will need for your stay as well as clothes and nappies for baby, all included in a smart black bag suitable for use as a changing bag. Babies R Us also do a changing bag which includes everything you will need for baby during your hospital stay. And at Mumstheword you can get a luxury 'Ultimate Hospital Bag' which includes nappies, organic nappy cream, a blanket and the most adorable "going home" clothes from Oreganics for Kids.

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