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Baby’s hospital bag is probably the most important thing to pack ready for labour. You want to make sure you have everything you need to care for your baby as soon as they arrive.
A lot of posts that I read regarding this subject are written for the American mumma. Now there’s nothing wrong with that, but here in the UK, we are expected to bring everything we need and the baby needs. So for the baby’s hospital bag, it’s almost like an over the top nappy bag/ overnight bag for baby.
If this sounds daunting because you’re a first-time mumma, DO NOT FEAR!
To get the ultimate Third Trimester Bundle, just click below for your FREE copy. This will give you a clear and simple list of everything you need to do for the third trimester so that you have all the essentials. The third trimester is a tiring time and this free checklist will relieve some of the pressure and worry.
I have compiled the ESSENTIAL list of what to pack in the babies hospital bag, as well as a, peek into what I’ve packed in my mine ready for the big day.
Baby’s Hospital Bag Essentials
5 newborn nappies
You more than likely are not going to need 5. Especially if you have a normal delivery, as you tend to go home a few hours late as long as you and baby are ok. If you take a few more than you need, it covers you in case you have to stay overnight.
A pack of wet wipes
Can’t change a nappy without them. Many people recommend using cotton wool and warm water to clean them during a nappy change when they are firstborn. Pretty much all baby wipes are suitable from birth now, make sure they are un fragranced though. Plus, trying to clean up that first poo with cotton wool is near on impossible.
3 muslins
Good for burping, good for laying them on, good for wrapping them in if it’s too hot for a blanket, good for clearing up any bodily fluid. Muslins are a parents godsend! Take 3, if you get to go home the same day you give birth it is highly unlikely that you will need 3. However, if you stay overnight, it’s nice to know your other half doesn’t have to remember to bring EVERYTHING as you slightly over-packed baby’s hospital bag.
2 vests + 2 onesies
For at least the first few weeks, your newborn will probably live in onesies, they are easy for nappy changes. It is also important that you keep them at a warm temperature, so a vest and onesie combo is always a good bet.
I actually packed 3 vests. 2 with short sleeves and one with long sleeves. You never know in October what the weather is going to do!
A hat, pair of scratch mitts and socks
All newborns need to wear a hat for a while. They get cold very quickly and easily as they haven’t learnt how to fully regulate their own body temperature yet. I packed 2 pairs of scratch mitts in case I lost one, as they are TINY. My firstborn didn’t ever wear them or need them, but every baby is different. I packed socks, just in case the weather turns very chilly, to keep those teeny toes warm.
A bib
I packed 2 of these. If you are breastfeeding, then a bib may not be necessary. However, if you are formula feeding, it will help to catch any dribbles, or sick.
A blanket and Coat
For swaddling them and putting over them in the car seat when you leave. A lovely snuggly blanket is a must. A coat, whether its one for winter or a light one during summer, is important in keeping baby warm. Remember, they have never been outside before!
A going home outfit (optional)
I wasn’t going to pack one in baby’s hospital bag, I was just going to bring her home in a onesie and her coat, but my other half wanted to pack one. So we packed a seriously cute little dress and tights combo.
A dummy
With my firstborn, I was pretty set on not using a dummy. After having to spend 2 nights in the hospital with him screaming all night, I begged his dad to bring a dummy in the next morning.
I have always used MAM products. Bottles, dummy’s, teethers. I can’t fault them. You can also sterilise them in the microwave singularly if you need too, in 3 minutes with just a little water added to the base?!
You can buy MAM stuff here.
As part of the boots parenting club, I got my newborn bottle, teat and dummy for free!
A bottle and formula, if you are choosing not to breastfeed
I am taking a bottle and a ready-made bottle of formula with me, just in case. I plan on breastfeeding, but if something doesn’t go to plan. I want to know that my partner has what he needs to feed our new little one.
Nappy bags
Good for sicky, or poo covered clothes and obviously dirty nappies. Nuff said!
All of this fits into what I plan to use for a nappy bag, so there is no need to go overboard with packing baby’s hospital bag, especially since their clothes are tiny!
If you still need to pack your hospital bag, be sure to check out this post on all the essentials you need in your hospital bag. Don’t forget to click below to grab your free third trimester cheatsheet.
What have you packed in your baby’s hospital bag? Are you just about to pack ready for the big day? let me know in the comments below. I always love to hear you sharing your story’s.
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