Hospital Bag Essentials

You know to take nappies to the hospital for your new arrival, but how many is too much or too little?

You might be staying a few days in hospital with your baby while you recover, so it’s best to take around 20 - 30 nappies as a newborn can go through 10 - 12 nappies per day.

Hospital bags prepared for natural labour can sometimes look a little different to those that are planned for a C-section delivery.

You’ll probably spend a longer time in hospital and may need extra things to heal.

Remember the basics, like your toothpaste, toothbrush, body wash, hairbrush, hair ties, shampoo (pack dry shampoo too in case you can’t shower straight away) and conditioner.

Chargers for electrical items, loose-fitting clothes and nightgowns; a breast pump and nursing bras (if you plan to breastfeed) and a nursing pillow to keep your baby away from your tender incision.

It’s important to bear in mind why you’re going into hospital and what condition you’ll be in afterwards - for example, do you think you’d be able to shower?

If this is the case, bring things that you can use to freshen up easily, such as wet wipes, dry shampoo, deodorant, perfume, aftershave or scented body spray.

If you can shower, consider bringing your shampoo, conditioner (grab a combined one to save space), face and body wash, and toothpaste.

Your skin and lips may become drier than usual, so be sure to bring moisturisers and lip balm.

If you’re in hospital, odds are you probably won’t be feeling yourself - but if bringing your hair styling products or makeup along will help you feel back to normal, go for it!

It’s important to keep your energy up while you’re in hospital, especially when you’re exerting yourself during labour.

So, pack some nonperishable snacks like rice cakes, raisins and fibre bars to prevent constipation and to keep your energy levels up.