Hospital Bag Checklist

Hello lovely ladies,

We hope that you’re all keeping well and looking forward to your impending arrival!

We know that packing your hospital bag is both exciting but also tinged with some apprehension. The excitement of the baby, wondering if everything will go as per your birthing plan, will your partner make it, when is too soon to pack your bag?! The list is endless. We hope you find this article useful. As a general rule, you should have your bag ready to go from 36 weeks.

Just remember, while you may be tempted to pack everything in the nursery and all of your belongings, space is limited in hospitals and after baby’s arrival, you certainly want to be organised and able to put your hands on whatever you need quickly and effortlessly. As a guide, carryon luggage for an aircraft is a good size guide for you and baby. Often mums bring a separate small bag with items you need for your labour.

In terms of the bag itself - anything goes! Your trusty weekend-away luggage, a holdall, sports bags, designer suitcase...the choice is yours and there is no right or wrong.

Hospital Bag Essentials

 *There are a number of different factors which will determine how long you spend in hospital, for example the type of deliver you have (natural or Caesarean) and hospital protocol. The number of babygrows and vests you will need will be determined by how long you stay. As a benchmark we would recommend 5 babygrows and 5 vests for a 3 day stay.

Those first baby pictures that you send to your family and friends, your baby’s first introduction to the world are so special. It is lovely to have your baby dressed in cute but stylish babygrows as you will cherish those photos forever.  See our Emile et Rose and Baby Mori newborn outfits as part of the Duchess and Queen Bee Collections |Shop Baby Bundles.

For Mum - of course newborn cuddles are the most special of all the moments in hospital (if you can’t get those straight away- you will make up for it once you get to hold your special baby so don’t worry).

Another highlight for us was those 5 golden minutes in the shower after baby’s safe arrival, while the midwife or your partner looks after your baby. Nice products are essential. We’ll take any perk up we can get! Ensure you have pyjamas / nightdress that make you feel like the special mama you are. Stick to lightweight cotton for comfort and ensure the tones across your nightdresses / pyjamas / dressing gown / slippers coordinate. It will make you feel so much better! Our Mama Bundles feature the super soft and stylish nightwear from Eberjey, Hanro and DKNY | Shop Mama Bundles.

Top tip - if you’ve another child at home, ensure you have something small in your bag if you intend to have them visit you and new baby in hospital (not in covid times) or to pick you and new baby up from the hospital. That first meeting of the siblings is so important and another picture you will cherish forever.

There are also some items you may want to consider bringing which are not essential but may be useful or of interest to you depending on your birth plan.

Hospital Bag Non- Essentials

• Pram suit for going home (depending on season)
• Notebook and pen
• Bikini top for birthing pool
• TENS machine and batteries
• Drinks and snacks
• Mobile phone charger
• Socks
• Pillow from home
• A handheld fan
• Eye mask
• Nursing bras*
• Birthing Ball

*Your breast size can vary considerably once your milk comes in so we would suggest getting a general sized nursing bra (S/M/L) for the hospital and you can get fitted properly post birth if you wish.

We hope you find this helpful. Enjoy this special time and think, before you know it, you will be enjoying those newborn cuddles as a mama.

Love,

Grace & Sarah xxx