Birth Bag Checklist

I am a BIG believer in LESS is definitely MORE when it comes to your hospital bag. These are the ‘can’t live without’ essentials, and you’ll be glad you took them with you.

Think about it as though you are packing for a short holiday, we are always tempted to pack more than we need so don't pack items unless you use in your everyday life!

FOR BABY

• Baby vests x4 and baby grows (with legs and arms) x4 this may seem like a lot, but you’ll be surprised how many they go through!!

• Hat for the first 4 hours after birth and for the journey home

• Cotton blanket

• Cotton wool to gently clean Baby’s bottom with warm water

• Going home clothes, these will vary depending on the season but will include a thicker layer to go on top of the baby grow

• Nappies, a small pack

• Muslin squares x2 for mopping up milky dribbles spills etc

• Socks or booties x1

• Car seat, you will need this to go home but your birth partner may be ale to bring it in after your baby is born

FOR MUM

During Labour and Birth

• Hospital notes with birth plan stapled to the front

• Snacks (nuts, energy balls, dark chocolate, bananas, cereal bars or anything you fancy!)

• Drinks (isotonic or coconut water is great)

• Clary sage and lavender essential oil. Clary sage can increase your surges, so this is good if your labour is slow or surges are far apart/ mild. Lavender is excellent for relaxation. Add 3 drops of essential oil to a tissue and sniff OR to one tablespoon of base oil like almond, sunflower or coconut, and rub this onto your tummy and back

• Other massage oil for labour

• A nightdress or long Tshirt/ vest x2 (in case it gets dirty and you’d like to stay fresh) to wear during early labour. Many Mums will prefer to be naked in strong labour

• Lip balm, your lips gets very dry especially if you use gas and air

• Hairbands

• TENS machine, good to help Mums cope in early and strong labour, you can rent or buy one

• A pillow with your own patterned cover on so it doesn’t get absorbed by the hospital, there is often a strange shortage

• Something to play music on a like phone or Ipad with mini speakers/ headphones

• Reusable bottle of water with a straw in it. Keeping hydrated definitely helps your labour and a straw helps you drink more easily

• A flannel, it feels so lovely to have your face wiped with warm or cool water

• Water spray for your face

  After Birth

• Soft pyjamas with an open front for breastfeeding (shirt style)

• Slippers or flip flops

• Bathrobe or dressing gown

• Thick sanitary pads, your bleeding after birth is heavier than a period for 24 hours

• Disposable knickers (1-2 sizes bigger than normal) or old soft large knickers, x5 pairs. You’ll get through more than you think

• Going home clothes that are soft and stretchy. It’s common to be a bit sore and tender after birth, so the softer the better

• A breastfeeding-friendly bra if you plan to breastfeed/ soft supportive bra if you don’t

• Hairbrush

• Toothbrush/ toothpaste, hand sanitiser, deodorant, shampoo, soap and face cream to make you feel fresh

• Eye mask/ earplugs

• Small portable touch light for the night (tap to turn on and off), good for feeding in the night at home as well

• Paracetamol

  FOR BIRTH PARTNER

• Plenty of food and snacks for during birth and after

• Drinks!

• Wallet with change for the parking and vending machine

• Phone with useful numbers stored (midwife/ hospital)

• Long phone charger

• A change of clothes

• Plastic bag for dirty clothes

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