Just in case your baby decides to make an early arrival, midwifes recommend that you have your hospital bag packed and ready around week 33 of your pregnancy. They also advise to have a bag for yourself, and one for your baby, so that you can avoid rummaging around every time you need something.
What to pack for mum to be:
- Hospital notes and birth plan
- Disposable pants
- Maternity sanitary pads
- Two long T-shirts or old nightdresses to wear for labour
- Socks (cold feet are a common complaint)
- Slippers
- A lightweight dressing gown
- Lip balm to prevent dry lips in labour (another common complaint)
- Toiletries including a towel and hairbrush
- Healthy snacks and water/juice
- Nursing bra and breastpads
- Some loose change
- Going home outfit (but still maternity clothes at this stage!)
- A camera and spare batteries (and film if it’s not digital)
- An MP3 player
- A few books/magazines
For your newborn:
- A pack of newborn nappies
- A pack of cotton wool balls for nappy changes
- A towel
- Vests
- Sleep suits
- A cardigan
- Socks
- Hat
- Blanket (plus coat if it’s winter)
- A few muslin cloths
- A pack of disposable bibs or cloth bibs