What to pack in you and your baby’s hospital bags

When it comes to your baby’s arrival, it’s always a good idea to be well prepared! Babies are hardly ever on time, so make sure you pack your hospital bag, as well as your baby’s bag, in advance and keep it by the front door or in the car.

What to pack in your baby’s hospital bag:

• Vaseline
• Light blankets or muslin wraps x 2
• Disposable baby wipes
• Baby face cloths x 2
• Newborn-sized dummy
• Newborn bodysuits x 2 each
• Newborn pajamas if colder weather
• Socks x 2 pairs
• Booties
• Cotton hat
• Going-home outfit
• Baby oil (great for cleaning up baby’s bottom after meconium nappies)
• Formula, bottles, teats, and sterilizing equipment if you plan to bottle-feed
• Wet wipes
• Baby blanket
• Baby powder
• Bum cream

Helpful tips: Keep plastic bags in your baby’s hospital bag, as certain liquids in the bag might spill and spoil your nappies and clothing. You can also use them to be more organised and know exactly where everything is. If you have animals at home, take a spare blanket to the hospital,and transfer your baby’s scent onto it. This will help your pets adapt to your new addition. What to pack in your own hospital bag:

• A nursing bra
• Disposable underwear
• Sanitary pads
• Baby clothes for leaving the hospital
• A nappy bag with your newborn essentials and an extra blanket
• Arnica tablets for bruising after birth
• Warm socks
• A hot water bottle
• Your toiletry bag with a hairbrush, toothbrush, mirror, face cream, and a few make-up essentials
• A book to read
• Soothing music on your phone