Whether you’re a first-time mum or already have children, packing your hospital bag is the moment you realise your baby is really on the way!
Parenting on Female First
With tots choosing their own time to make their way into the world, it’s a good idea to have your hospital back packed and ready to go from around 34 weeks pregnant.
Make sure you keep your pregnancy notes inside so if you need to grab and go in a hurry, the medical staff will have all they need to help you welcome your little one into the world.
So, what to pack? Of course you’ll need clothes for you and baby here’s a few other things to think about for your bag from ChannelMum Editor, Cathy Ranson:
1) Incontinence pants! Don’t baulk, they’ll really help for those first few days and weeks. Don’t spend your time and money messing around with fiddly pads and knickers. We promise these are a wiser buy and will make you feel much more comfortable.
2) Healthy snacks to keep your strength up - and for your partner too. Don’t buy anything you’ve not tried before. Take familiar snacks and treats that you’d eat at home.
3) Portable charger and cable to charge it - get the best one you can afford and make sure it has two charging ports so you can both charge at the same time. There’s nothing worse than your phone running out of juice when your little one puts in appearance.
4) A new pair of soft socks with non-slip soles - you’ll hopefully be mobile during your labour and putting slippers on and off is a pain. They’ll also be safer once the baby arrives as you’ll be carrying him or her on tiled hospital floors.
5) Hospital gowns can be a bit scratchy. Instead pick one of your partners most comfy T-shirts to give birth in (one they are happy not to have back). Or choose a cheap large size slip from M&S or Primark - not only are they affordable, they look cute too.
6) Bring your favourite lipbalm - your lips will be the driest they’ve ever been so make sure you have something long lasting that really works. Think about asking for a sample of Elizabeth Arden 8 hour cream it’s great for chapped lips and hands too. You’ll be washing your hands frequently with a newborn so this is a top multi-tasking product.
7) Planning on breastfeeding? Don’t forget to swap your maternity bras for nursing bras and bring breastpads too to mop up any leaky milk. And however you plan to feed, you’ll need a comfy going-home outfit which make you feel good too. It’s likely your maternity jeans will still fit for the first few days, so simply invest in a nice new top, as every new mum deserves to feel great.
Tagged in Parenting Advice