My top 12 essentials for a mum-to-be’s hospital bag

Karen Snyder writes at My Hospital Bag and is an expert on packing bags for labour, here she shares her top tips for getting that bag ready and what to put in it

Having had 3 children, I have become a pro at packing the infamous hospital bag!  Have a look at my Top 12 essentials:

Baby Essentials

1)Baby Clothes – are adorable, and if you don’t know what you’re having, there is something lovely about white! I would bring 2 babygrows, 2 vests, 2 hats and mittens

2)Nappies and nappy bags – a must!! If it’s your first just get stuck in, by the time you leave hospital you will wonder why you ever worried about how in heavens name you change a nappy!!

3) Cotton wool and wipes – it is good idea to initially use cotton wool (so bring alot!) soaked in water or if you run out then soak wipes in water, it is softer on the baba’s botty!

Labour essentials

4) I found Arnica tablets a must for during and post labour, it reduce bruising and swelling much faster

5) A water fan, a must for refreshing yourself when you just need it during labour and also for the hot NHS post labour wards

6) Hairbands and lipsalve – you need your hair out of your face but bring 2 so you have a spare one post labour too!

Post labour essentials

7) BIG knickers – because you just need comfort and ladies, not the disposable ones, we deserve nice cotton ones! I would recommend taking 3 pairs

8) Maternity pads – reality check ladies… not the thin ones, go for the thick, heavy duty ones and pack around 10

9) Breastpads – incase you are still in hospital when your milk comes in, you don’t want any embarrassing leakages while your in laws are visiting you!

10) Flip flops – I never felt comfortable walking barefoot on the wards and perfect for when showering!

11) Miniature toiletries in a toilet bag – always a must for me, no need to bring your favourite shampoos/deodorants/shower gels with you but having miniature ones,you feel like you have your home comforts around you

12) Phone charger – a must!! You do’t want to miss all the texts/facebook posts and of course sending out the first photo

Karen Snyder runs myHospitalBag.co.uk – stylish pre-packed hospital bags for pregnant women, with over 35 essential items, it is cheaper and more convenient than buying all the items separately!

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