Pregnancy Hospital Bag: What you should Pack

Preparing to go into hospital and meet your new arrival can be a stressful experience - especially if it's the first time. You'll be packing for two - here's a guide.

So - it's nearly time for baby to arrive and you've started thinking about that important day when you get to meet your new bundle of joy (and poops!) You need to clean house, prepare food, finish up work.... it's a very busy time.
And here's another thing to do! Baby is quite likely to arrive by 35 weeks onwards so it's a good idea to be ready. In hospital you won't have all the special things you're used to having close at hand so you need to make sure you're organized well ahead for your hospital visit, whether it be long or short, including both supplies for labor as well as you and the baby's stay.
Hopefully this guide will help you pack your important bags for that all important hospital trip.

The Absolute Basics

A bag for labour (your partner can take this home once baby is born.)

A bag for mum.

A nappy bag for baby.

Top Tip

Don't overpack. If you pack everything you can think of under the sun, chances are you won't use 40% of it. If you forget anything, you can either buy it or have a friend or partner bring it in.

Some things you'll need, some things ...

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What to pack in the Labor Bag

Any comfort item you want - music, aromatherapy, pillow or special outfit.
A magazine or book for both you and your partner.
Spare change for parking and snacks.
Lip balm.
Drinks and/or food (check this with your hospital first.)
Birth plan - take three copies. One for your partner or support person, one for the midwife/doctor and one as a spare in your bag.
A phone list of people you'd like to inform as soon as baby is born, and people you plan to tell by the end of the day. Otherwise chances are you'll miss someone in the busyness of having a new baby.

What to pack in Mum's Bag

Comfortable clothes that open easily at the front if you plan to breastfeed.
A change of clothes for going home.
Several comfortable maternity bras. Anything with wires will be uncomfortable as well as not being suitable for breastfeeding.
Toiletries.
Plenty of sanitary pads. You won't be able to use tampons.
Nursing pads.
Nipple cream.
Shoes and slippers.
Phone charger.

What to pack in Baby's Bag

Clothing - take some cool clothes (singlets etc) as well as plenty of gro-suits. Chances are, baby will throw up or poop on plenty of outfits.
Nappy cream - some babies can have quite a lot of dirty nappies and get a little sore!
Nappies & wipes if not provided by hospital.
Baby bath liquid if not provided by hospital.
Some muslin wraps.
Gloves. Even if it is not cold this helps babies avoid scratching their face if born with long nails.
Socks.

Items you Might Forget to have Handy at Home

Even if you've got the crib, the change table and some clothing ready at home, there are some extra things that will make life easier once your new one starts to use their room.

Milk expressing kit if you plan to breastfeed.
One container of formula (even if you plan to breastfeed, it's better to have one handy so you don't get stuck running out for milk at midnight if you have problems.)
At least three bottles.
Steriliser.
Thermometer.