For mums it can be exciting deciding what to take and what not to take in your hospital bag. However, it is a careful balance between having everything you need and not looking like you’re going on a three-week vacation - I speak from experience!  

We’ve put together some top tips of things to take with you and how to save space!  

Remember though every list is individual to each mum so you may want to add or leave out things and that’s ok! There’s no correct hospital list only one that caters individually to you and baby. 

Tops tips to save space and organise your packing:

• Consider taking small suits cases with wheels as these are easy to move and roll around and require no carrying
• Take two suitcases both for you and baby that way you can easily find things for each of you
• Use small travel storage bags to divide babies’ clothes. I found it helpful to label them as: 1. Delivery clothes 2. Hats/ Mittens / socks 3. Bibs and muslins 3. New baby outfits 4. One month outfits
• Take miniature toiletries
• Invest in a light weight but warm night gown
• Take things out of boxes and put them on travel storage bags and label them i.e. maternity pads, breast pads

For mum:

• Maternity notes
• Dressing gown
• Slippers
• Towel
• Pillow
• Flip flops - you will need this for the bathroom
• Maternity knickers i.e. there are specific Post surgery knickers in shops i.e. after a c-section or you can just buy larger size knickers that are comfortable
• Maternity pads - take at least two bags
• Breast pad
• Nipple cream
• Travel toiletries (toothpaste, toothbrush, shampoo, soap, body cream)
• Comb and elastics
• Maternity bras
• Clothes to wear for home journey
• Loose fitting nighties with buttons at front if you decide to breast feed

For baby: 

• Nappies  
• Cotton pads rather than cotton wool as pads are easier to use  
• Nappy cream 
• Nappy bags 
• Outfit for delivery room: baby grow, vest, hat, cardigan, socks if footless baby grow
• Baby grows
• Baby vest
• Hat
• Mittens
• Blankets
• Muslins and bibs
• Snowsuit for journey home

For partner:

• Drinks
• Snacks
• Change for parking meter
• Charger
• Camera
• Car seat on day of discharge