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What on earth do you pack for the hospital for your baby? There are so many lists out there and frankly you do not need all that stuff! When you are in hospital the last thing you need is to have too much stuff you are not even using. A baby’s arrival is exciting times and super busy! And packing your hospital nappy bag is crucial so that its there ready to grab and go if needed. As a stay-at-home mum, I’ve put together a hospital checklist to help fellow mums and mums-to-be prepare effectively.
This post is all about Essential Items for Your Baby’s Hospital Nappy Bag: A Stay-at-Home Mum’s Guide.
Baby’s Hospital Nappy Bag
The Importance of a Well-Packed Nappy Bag
I have had soo many friends deliver early and luckily they had their nappy bags prepared! So make sure you are packed! Both my children waited until the end to make an entrance to the world and I had been packed for weeks but all that did was make me feel super prepared.
What you pack in your nappy bag is vital to your stay being comfortable and less stressful. Let’s be honest, you are likely a first time mum if you are reading this. And as a first time mum, this is all new, you have a baby and have no idea what you are doing! (we have all been there!) Having the things you need makes it a little bit easier.
Its important to note that you need everything for your baby, plus items for yourself too and maybe even a few things for your partner. But, do remember and this part is key, your partner can always nip out and grab more things that you need. You do not need to pack for a week stay.
Alot of the lists I have seen online had me pack a giant suitcase and guess what, I didn’t use hardly anything in the case. And I was there first time for 5 days and second time for a week!
When to Start Packing Your Nappy Bag
I started putting together my nappy bag very early as I was so excited. Plus, it meant I could see what I didn’t have and what I needed to go and get. I personally started packing my bag around the 30 week mark, because a few of my friends have delivered at 35 weeks which made me panic pack to be honest. Turns out for myself 40 weeks was my normal (everyone is different). Prepare for any early arrivals so that you are not relying on your partner to pack what you need and want to take with you.
Once the bag is packed, it’s time to relax and prepare for your babies birth.
Essential Items for Your Baby’s Nappy Bag
- Nappies: Pack enough for the hospital stay; newborns may need up to 12 changes a day. (I swear by Mamia Nappies)
- Baby Wipes or Cotton Wool: Choose gentle options suitable for a newborn’s delicate skin. Hospitals will advise to use cotton wool for your newborn.
- Nappy bags: For disposal of nappies
- Muslin Squares: Useful for feeding and cleaning up minor spills.
- Bodysuits and Sleepsuits: Include at least three of each to accommodate any messes or spills.
- Hats and Scratch Mittens: To keep your baby warm and prevent accidental scratches.
- Cellular Blanket: (Take 2) For additional warmth and comfort during cuddles or when leaving the hospital.
- Car Seat: Ensure it’s properly installed in your vehicle for a safe journey home.
- Colostrum syringes: These need to be kept cold, upon your arrival to the hospital ask for your syringes to go into the fridge. I put all mine in a lunchbox with my name on.
- Baby bottles (if not breastfeeding)
- Sterliser for bottles – I asked for a steriliser tub in hospital and they gave me a tub with steriliser tablets in it.
- Dummy/Pacifier if you want to use one.
- Your formula milk of choice
- Nappy bag: don’t forget you need a nappy bag!! I now use a laptop bag…here!
Additional Comfort Items for Baby
- Nappy Creams: Pack soothing creams to protect your baby’s skin if nappy rash occurs.
- Going-Home Outfit: Choose a special outfit for your baby’s first trip home, considering the weather conditions. Do they need a coat?
Tips for Organizing Your Nappy Bag
Now I am going to say something contravertial here, don’t buy a nappy bag with loads of small compartments as you will NEVER be able to find anything. I did this…it was the worst nappy bag I have ever had. I now use a laptop rucksack and I have my nappies, wet wipes and nappy bags in the laptop section and I have a change of clothes, food and milk etc in the other. Boom, done!
Its a good idea to pack outfits in small bags so you can grab a bag out and dress your baby easily. When you are tired, the last thing you need is to be searching for a hat or vest that you cannot find. Alternatively, pack all baby suits together, all sleepsuits together etc. So you can grab and go!
Hospital Bag Checklist for Mum
- Maternity pads
- Multiple change of pj pants
- Multiple pairs of comfy oversized knickers – you can be swollen
- Socks (I didn’t use my socks as I had to wear compression socks from the hospital)
- Comfy lounge wear – Black is best
- Going home outfit – something comfy thats easy to walk in! Nothing white!
- Slip on shoes
- Toiletries (shampoo/ conditioner, there is a shower if you have time to use it when your partner visits)
- Makeup (I laugh writing this but I know everyone is different, I did not wear makeup)
- Tens machine – This was my best friend for my first birth.
- Lots of snacks for you and your partner – energy snacks and drinks
Everything else I took I did not use, i.e essential oils, fairy lights etc. Obviously it does depend on your birth though. I had 2 emergency c-sections so I didn’t have time to set a room up.
Conclusion: Be Prepared and Stay Relaxed
The more pregnant you are the less likely you are going to want to pack a bag, therefore the earlier you do this the better. Some women are comfortable throughout, but for me personally I was not towards the end as I delivered two large babies. My second being 10.7lb, I was definetly not in the mood to be packing towards the end. Be organised and do it ahead of time.
Ask your midwife what they recommend that you take and make your own decision on what you feel you will need. I have given you what you will need, not necessarily what you will want. For me the essentials is enough as you need to carry this too.
To assist you further, for more tips and personal stories, tune into the Stay-at-Home Mum Podcast, where we discuss various topics to support you on your motherhood journey.
This blog post aims to provide valuable insights to mums and mums-to-be, guiding them in preparing effectively for their hospital stay.
