Hi guys!
So I’m currently 30 weeks pregnant (now 36 weeks as I’m editing this and will likely have had bubby by the time this gets published!!) and figured it would be a good time to get started thinking about what I want to pack in my hospital bag for baby number two!
I know the first time around, this is something I spent a long time considering (many “What’s in my hospital bag” Youtube videos were watched) and I think it’s a common thing for mum’s-to-be to really focus in on, because it’s something that can help you feel a little more in control of what can feel like a rather unknown/overwhelming experience!
Luckily this time around I have more of an idea of what to expect, and I also have a very detailed list of the things I actually used in my hospital bag (thank you past Lauren!)
Hopefully this can help some first time mum’s out there feel a little more prepared! While it’s not a “minimalist” kind of hospital bag, I don’t think this is excessive - just the basics plus a few extra comforts thrown in for good measure!
I’ve created a printable checklist that you can download by clicking the button below, but keep reading if you’d like to know more specifics of what I intend to bring :)
Things to note and a few tips:
I'm going through the private hospital system here in Perth, Western Australia. Every hospital will be a bit different, but mine suggests bringing two separate bags - one small one to bring to the birthing suite just for labour, and the other to leave in the car and bring up to the postnatal ward later.
From my “research” (ie watching all the videos and googling), most hospitals (in Australia at least!) recommend having 2 separate bags like this, although it’s not something I’ve seen mentioned in a lot of videos/blog posts so something to check!
My hospital provides nappies and baby wipes etc but I know some don’t so again just something to check with your hospital!
This list is for approximately a 4 night stay (obviously adjust as required!)
This is the list of things that I brought and used last time and intend to pack in my bag for this baby too. Obviously you might have slightly different requirements so adjust as necessary! I’ve also included a little commentary on some of the things I brought and why they were useful, but check out the Youtube Video below for a bit more discussion on this!
Photo below also includes Ruby’s bag for when she goes to my parents place :)
Labour Bag
These are all things that are specific to me, obviously adapt to your specific needs!!
Antenatal card, health insurance info etc
Heat Pack, massage ball
Drink bottle
“Comforts Bag” - A small bag or pouch containing anything you’d like to have easy access to. I kept it on the table next to me and used it once the epidural was working (would not have cared about this if I’d not had an epidural!) Mine included:
Lip balm
Headphones
Hair tie and bobby pins
Glasses cleaning cloth (I can’t stand smudgy glasses!)
A few essential oils to sniff (I brought lavender, peppermint, valor and lemon)
Concealer, lip stain (maybe a bit vein but it made me feel better!)
Small mirror
Lansinoh nipple cream (for breastfeeding later)
Phone
Phone charger
Power board to plug chargers into (I saw this mentioned in a youtube video and it came in really handy! I had quite a fast labour the first time so didn’t use it until getting to the ward but it was really helpful as the wall socket was a long way from the bed! Saves you buying an extra long charging cable)
Camera & charger
For Baby (in a separate little pouch)
Singlet
Growsuit
Hat
“First Shower Bag’ (this was suggested by a midwife to have everything in a separate little pouch so your partner can find it easily!)
Toiletries (see list further down)
Nursing bra
Pair of Big undies
Nightie or pajamas with button down top
Socks (quite loose as your feet can swell … learnt this the hard way as the socks I had were way too tight - I found a pair of ankle socks to be most comfy!)
Slippers/slip on shoes
Medications
Bag for dirty clothes
Change of shirt for Dad (+ make sure Dad wears enclosed shoes in case of C-section)
Snacks in a separate bag
Cord Blood Collection Kit (obviously only applicable if you’re doing that!)
Ward Bag
(Leave in car and get partner to bring it in once you’ve moved to the ward)
Clothes:
I tried to be quite minimal the first time when it came to clothes, but found that I wished I had packed a few more pieces (as I ended up getting milk on my PJ’s etc! and it’s just nice having a fresh pair everyday!) Obviously this is up to you, so adapt depending on your preferences and how long you think you will be staying! With Ruby we stayed 5 days as she was in the NICU initially.
Button down PJ tops & Loose Pants x 4 (not too thick as it can get hot!) Nighties may be a better option if having a c-section
Big Undies x 5
Socks x 5 (preferably ankle socks that aren’t too tight)
Nursing bra’s or nursing cami’s x 3 (make sure they are super comfy and stretchy)
1 pair Trackie pants or other comfy pants
T-shirt x 2
Cardigan/zip down jumper or robe
Thongs (aka “flip flops”) to wear in shower
Going home outfit (slip on shoes as feet can get very swollen! I’ll be wearing my thongs)
For Breastfeeding:
Breast pads - just a few and I found the disposable ones easiest initially as they can stick to your bra)
Lansinoh nipple cream (I applied this after EVERY feed, it was a game changer)
Breastfeeding Pillow (I used the Boppy Pillow - definitely worth bringing it to hospital!)
Toiletries:
(Obviously everyone will be different but this is what I brought and used)
Pads (U by Kotex overnight with wings - I found these to be the most comfy!)
Shampoo
Conditioner
Leave in Hair Conditioner
Comb
Hair ties/bobby pins
Cetaphil face cleanser
Makeup remover wipes
Moisturiser
Skincare
Rosehip/Jojoba oil for stretch marks
Deodorant
Toothbrush & floss
Toothpaste
Makeup (concealer/lipstain)
Cute hair clips/headband (something to make you feel nice!)
For Baby:
Singlets x 5 (body suits) - long or short sleeve depending on season - (I just brought size 000)
Growsuits (all in one with feet) x 5 (we loved the Bonds Cozi suits as they have fold over hands and feet - stops them scratching!) - I am bringing size all 0000 as they were quite big for my first bub who was 2.88kg and they fitted her until about 8 weeks so should hopefully fit this next bubba!
Hat
Bibs x 2 (*edit - in hindsight I would bring more like 5!!)
Muslin wraps x 2 (hospital provides blankets but nice to have your own for photos!) I love the ones from Snuggle Hunny Kids
Name sign for announcement photo - ours is from Darling Hart
Car seat installed
Sibling gift (didn’t need this last time but adding it on as will be something I need this time!)
Baby handprint/footprint kit - not “essential” but a fun thing to have! We didn’t actually do Ruby’s hand and footprints until she was about 9 weeks so it would have been nice to just do it in the hospital! We were gifted this Inkless Baby Footprint Kit by Baby Made and it was a really great, no-mess way of doing it!)
Extra Comforts:
Pillow (I didn’t bring it last time but really wished I did! Your tummy feels kinda “wobbly” once bubby is no longer in there and I really wished I had an extra pillow to support it while I was lying down!)
Journal & Pen - I always like to have my journal with me. I don’t think I used it much last time but always handy to have!
I hope this has been helpful in some way and of course I’d love to hear if you think I’ve missed anything! Leave a comment down below, or you can always come say hi over on Instagram @laurennatalia.co
Lots of Love
Lauren
xxx
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