14 Things All Moms To Be Need In Their Hosptial Bag

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If there is one thing every mom to need to have, it’s a hospital bag filled with all the essentials. Packing a bag a few weeks before you’re due to go into labor is essential, even if you’re planning a home birth (you never know what may happen).

What Is A Hospital Bag?

A hospital bag is a bag you pack to take with you when you go into labor. It’s usually filled with lots of different essentials to last you as long a week, as you never know how long you’ll have to stay both before and after you have given birth. It’s usually packed a few weeks before your due date, and kept in an easy-to-grab place.

Why Do You Need One?

Although it’s not essential to have a hospital bag ready before you go into labor, it’s a great way to ensure you’re prepared for any eventuality.

What Should Be In It?

To help you pack everything you need for your hospital visit, here are 14 things all mums to be should have in their hospital bag:

• A Going Home Outfit For Your New Arrival

This is possibly one of the most important things you’ll pack, as you’ll want to remember your little one’s going home outfit for the rest of your life. Often something parents keep forever, this outfit is the first thing they’ll wear as they enter the big wide world, making it incredibly sentimental.

• Your Birth Plan

If you have written a birth plan it’s a great idea to pack it in your hospital bag just in case you need to pass it on to anyone else in the hospital. Things can change when it comes to doctors and midwives, so it is always better to be prepared. Whether you’re giving birth naturally, through an IUI treatment or as a surrogate – everyone needs to know the details about how and where you would like to give birth.

• Lots Of Snacks, Just In Case You Get Hungry

You could be in the hospital for a number of days and as you can’t predict what the quality of the food will b, it’s best to be prepared and take some snacks for both you and your partner.

If you’re feeling super prepared, take some snacks for those that come to visit you too!

• Games That You Can Play To Help Pass The Time

Although this doesn’t apply to everyone, those who have a long labor (or those that have to stay for a few days afterward) may have quite a bit of ‘down time’. If this is the case it’s best to take a couple of different games with you that will help pass the time. Your partner will DEFINITELY appreciate it.

• Your Favourite Pillow and Blanket

It may not help you a great deal, but having that little bit of comfort from home will help you feel more relaxed and at ease. You may find that it also makes it easier to sleep, something you’re definitely going to need after hours of labor.

• Books And Magazines To Read

If you have some time to yourself, taking a book and some magazines to read will help pass the time. Lots of magazines also have crosswords and puzzles you can do if you need to keep yourself busy.

• Your Laptop (or A Tablet As It’s Easier)

Again, this is more for if you have to spend some time in hospital after you’ve given birth, as not all hospitals will have a TV you can watch. Whilst your new arrival is sleeping (and if you’re not catching up on rest), you and your partner can watch movies and Netflix as you relax.

• Headphones For Both You And Your Partner

If you’re in a shared room and taking a device that plays movies or music, taking some headphones is common courtesy to those around you. Headphones are also a great idea if you need music to relax you, as you’re going to need all the help you can get.

• Your Own Breast Pump (If You’re Going To Breast Feed)

If you’re going to be breastfeeding, taking your own breast pump may help as the hospital will not provide one for you. Whilst you may not necessarily need one, the first few days are normally the hardest and when you may need one the most, so pack it just in case.

• Postpartum Underwear And Maternity Pads

The aftermath of giving birth isn’t pretty, so make sure you pack some old underwear and a couple of packs of maternity pads.

• Your Baby’s Memory Book and A Camera

You may not have time to fill in your baby book whilst you’re in the hospital, but it’s always a nice thing to take with you just in case. If you don’t have a camera to take with you, your smartphone will also take some incredible photographs that capture your first moments with your new arrival.

• Lip Balm And Moisturiser

This is something people often forget but can be a major comfort whilst you’re in the hospital, especially if you are there for a number of days!

• Your Favourite Dressing Gown And A Pair Of Slippers

For a little home-comfort pack your favorite dressing gown and slippers. If you’re feeling anxious and stressed about giving birth, they may help to make you feel a little bit better. If not, at least you’ll be very very comfortable.

• A Muslin Cloth, Baby Bottles, Diapers, Spare Clothes, And A Baby Blanket

Your little one is going to need lots of essentials during their first few days (or hours) in the world, so make sure you prepare and pack everything they may need. From muslin squares to diapers – make sure you have more than enough!

If you’re unsure what to pack for your baby’s first few days, you can check out this handy guide here.

Did I miss anything important off the list? Let me know what you would pack in your hospital bag in the comments below! What are your thoughts?  Please share in the comments below. I really would love to know.

Until next time, shine amongst the stars!

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