What to take to hospital when having a baby

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Category: Maternity Clothes

Published on Thursday, 29 October 2009 10:16

It is recommended that you have your hospital bag packed from as early as week 32 in your pregnancy. The last thing you want it to be going into labour rushing around trying to get a bag of clothes ready - you are bound to forget something that way and it will increase your stress levels!

We have put a basic list of what you should pack, your hospital may suggest a few extra things. If you're having the baby at home, your midwife will tell you what to have ready.

What to pack in your labour bag:

• Your birth plan, if you have one.
• Comfortable clothes for labour - a big T-shirt or an old nightie (they may need to be thrown out afterwards)
• Camera, film, batteries etc
• Your choice of CDs/Tapes/ipod.
• Massage oil/aromatherapy oils
• Lollies and or/juice
• Snacks for support person
• Board shorts for partner to wear in the shower
• Tennis ball to massage back
• Socks for cold feet
• Maternity dressing gown/bathrobe - if you need to walk the corridors to help bring on labour.
• Personal Toiletries for you and your partner(hairbrush, toothbrush, toothpaste, facial cream)
• Lip moisturizer for dry lips
• Warm clothes for partner
• Face washer
• Loose change for incidental items
• Mobile phone and list of contacts
• Magazines, music, word puzzles.
• 3 large packets of Maternity pads (nighttime sanitary pads), and spare maternity underwear.
• Nursing bras. If you plan to wear a bra during labor, it is helpful to have a nursing bra on already if you plan to nurse your baby. Usually you will be allowed to nurse right away after birth. Make sure you wear a very comfortable fitting nursing bra, not one with underwires.

What not to bring:
Do not take any valuables such as jewellery, rings or money beyond your immediate needs.

What you need following the birth:
• 4 packets of sanitary pads (super or maternity)
• Toiletries
• Leisurewear for daytime. Remember you are not going to be able to wear your pre-pregnancy clothes for a few days after having your baby so bring some comfortable maternity clothes with you.
• Sleepwear, light dressing gown
• 3-4 maternity bras (Make sure these are easy fitting nursing bras that do not have underwire. Wear a nursing bra with plenty of room and stretch as you breasts may increase up to a cup in size when you milk comes in).
• Nursing pads
• 8-10 pairs (at least) of briefs
• Easy fitting footwear
• Small change for incidentals
• Mobile phone charger

Hospital Bag for Baby:
Don't forget to pack a bag for your new arrival. Make sure you have your car seat/capsule installed in your car from as early as Week 32 in case you go into labour early, the last thing you and your partner need to worry about is getting the car seat installed!

Things you will need are:
• 1 packet of disposable newborn nappies
• 1 large packet of baby wipes
• 6-8 warm outfits 0000/000(can be cold in airconditioning of the hospital)
• 6-8 0000/000 singlets
• Baby bath solution (optional)
• Socks, mittens and a hat/beanie (well fitting re SIDS guidelines)
• Baby wraps - 3-4 lighter wraps, 1 warmer wrap during winter (optional)
• 1 outfit and wrap for taking baby home

If you have all of these items packed and ready to go you will feel very prepared and be ready to go once baby decides to arrive! Good luck!