This week we’ve teamed up with the lovely folk over at Pacapod to chat about what to pack in your hospital bag...

 

Since being house bound during Covid-19 restrictions, and whilst tidying through old drawers, our founder Jacqueline recently came across her mother’s old notebook complete with handwritten hospital bag packing list.

Such a precious and personal find, and a real snapshot into how birthing healthcare and motherhood used to be.

 

With a super organised Mother, maybe its no surprise that Jacqueline went on to set up PacaPod, and design award winning 3-in-1 baby changing bags!

 

Although these days we may not be advised to pack our own re-usable nappy sterilising tablets, or gripe water, and when most new mothers are only in hospital for what seems like a few hours, what do you actually need for you and baby?

 

So whilst you’re stuck at home isolating, maybe you could use your time to think about packing your own hospital bag – see our simple packing list of (modern) essentials.

 

For Labour

  • Maternity Notes
  • Birth Plan (If you’ve made one)
  • Comfy loose clothes, which can be easily taken off
  • Things to distract you – magazines, Hospital TV card, music, headphones
  • Phone and charger
  • Healthy snacks and drinks
  • Pillow
  • A tens machine and batteries (if your hospital doesn’t provide one)
  • Wash bag – with toiletries, deodorant, toothbrush, toothpaste, hairbrush, hair bands (if needed) body wash, hand sanitiser, lip balm and any other toiletries/make up you need or would like
  • Aromatherapy oils (especially if you’ve used them in pregnancy)
  • A flannel
  • Dark towel

 

For Birth partner

  • Snacks and drinks
  • Cash/card
  • A change of clothes
  • Phone and charger

 

For Mama after Baby is born

  • Large sanitary or maternity pads
  • Large comfy knickers in a dark colour
  • Dressing gown and nightie/pjs which are easy to open if you are breastfeeding
  • Nursing bras and breast pads if breastfeeding
  • Bed socks
  • Slippers or flip-flops
  • Comfy maternity-sized outfit to wear home
  • Cash/cash card
  • Ipad/tablet/phone for taking photos
  • A bag to put any dirty laundry in to be taken home

 

For Baby

  • Bodysuits or vests
  • Sleepsuits (including one to go home in)
  • A hat
  • Scratch mittens
  • Socks or booties
  • Nappies
  • Cotton wool balls or newborn friendly wipes
  • Blankets
  • Muslin Squares
  • A snowsuit if cold
  • Car seat – One that has been correctly fitted – practice fitting it in and out of your car in the weeks leading up to the birth. (If you’re getting a taxi home, check you know how to fit the car seat.)

 

Competition

This week we’re giving you the chance to win a PacaPod Croyde Baby Changing Bag, in stylish pewter grey (complete with 3 removable pods), along with a super stylish gold Freedom pod – this super stylish and spacious bag makes the perfect organised hospital bag and is worth a staggering £125! 

For your chance to win head over to our Facebook, Twitter or Instagram page! Full T&Cs apply. GOOD LUCK!