With just over a week to go I’ve finally finished packing my hospital bags. Now last time around I packed a lot of stuff, got taken in and induced early (without my bags) so I didn’t really end up using much that I’d packed… I also didn’t shower there so didn’t use any of the toiletries!
My top essentials for labour last time were:
- Drinking straws (makes it so much easier to drink, whatever position you’re in!)
- Lavender oil on a hankie… Smelling this kept me relaxed
- Face sprays/mists
This time around I’ve packed a bit lighter and assumed an overnight stay. I’ve also split the bags into one for mum, one for baby. (Last time I tried labour and post-labour)
I’ve packed:
- A bag of energy snacks (brunch bars), 2 bottles of lucozade, 2 bottles of water
- Drinking straws
- A bag of toiletries….
- Elemis lavender toner spray and Body Shop vitamin E face mist… Both blissful!
- Lavender oil and a hanky to sniff it from (helps me relax)
- Plain massage oil – doubt I will use it but just in case I demand a back rub from my OH!
- Sanctuary foot and leg gel – another blissful treat for aching legs and cankles!
- Lip balm for the gas-and-air dry mouth/lips
On the left-hand side is stuff I might use post-labour:
- Shampoo, conditioner and shower gel – just small samples I’ve gotten free with stuff
- Deodorant
- Face cream
- BB foundation (the thing I’m most unlikely to use but you never know!)
- Just realised I need to pack my toothpaste and toothbrush too! And a hairbrush!
Also in mummy’s bag the not-very-glamorous but essential:
- Pants
- Nursing Bra
- Sanitary towels
- Breast pads
- Clothes to go home in – lounging bottoms and a t-shirt!
- Paracetamol – a friend gave me this tip last time around, they can come in handy post-labour as you could literally be waiting hours for your prescription to come through!
But on the more exciting side I’ve packed a brand new nighty and pyjamas that I bought in the M&S sale for a total of £15… Lovely bird print, been saving them to wear for the big event or just after as I was in totally scruffy old stuff last time!
- A selection of newborn clothes – couple of vests, couple of sleepsuits, couple of outfits… Should cover all weather eventualities! The sleepsuits were worn by W as a baby, the other items are brand new and featured in our recent haul post if you fancy a closer look!
Then we have:
- About 8 nappies – we are kindly sent a big pack of Asda’s new nappies to try out – their nappies sound upgraded since we last used them when W was a baby – they now have newborn nappies with ‘Dreamskin’ technology which helps keep their skin moisturised and temperature regulated which sound great
- Wet wipes – A travel pack of water wipes – we were also sent these to try which I’m really looking forward to trying, should be less faff than water and cotton wool!
- Cotton wool just in case!
- Little samples of nappy cream
- A blanket (crocheted by my aunt!)
And I think that’s it!
- My hospital notes are currently living on top of the bags so we remember those too
- Must remember my phone charger, also the TENS machine if I’m not already using it as we’re en route
If I end up being induced again I’ll take another bag packed with books, magazines, my iPad and lots of snacks!
Anything I’ve missed? What was in your hospital bags?!
Linking up with #KCACOLS
yummyblogger.com 
My goodness – you are definitely prepared for the arrival of your baby.
Exciting times ahead!
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Honestly if you saw my house you’d see I’m not organised at all! Xx
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Gosh I remember packing all my bags back in 2013… there seemed to be loads to take and really I needed very little. Good Luck with it all, love the cath kidston bag!
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Thank you! I know, I’m sure I’ve overpacked again! Xx
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I sent my hubby home on day one with a pile of things lol
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Looks like you got everything covered! I am loving that Cath Kidston bag too.
#kcacols
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Thanks Veronica, gorgeous isn’t it 😉 xx
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I’m not sure if I can even remember what I packed but felt like I didn’t use much of it. Just packed clothes for the baby since they give you everything else at the hospital. Good thinking on the comfy clothes. Good Luck!#KCACOLS
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Thank you! Xx
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OMG! The outfit with the whales! I’m in love with it!
My hospital bag was pretty much everything ever that I might need all hastily stuffed into a very uncool duffel bag with a broken handle. Classy mama!
#KCACOLS
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I was seriously the worst when it came to packing my hospital bag… procrastinated like crazy and I always forgot stuff hahaha I think if someone asked me what I regret not bringing, it would be my body pillow or any pillow really…those hospital beds/pillows are not comfortable at all!!
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The Tots bag looks like a good one! Ahh drinking straws are such a must – I didn’t bring paracetamol but such a great idea as I was waiting and in quite a lot of pain. I remember bringing a few other things for post-labour that I could easily eat like dried fruit; I had a c-section so it wasn’t too easy to move around. I second Asda nappies and Water wipes, both essentials in our house so be interested what you think of them too! Hope the rest of your pregnancy goes well #KCACOLS
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ah the water and cotton wool. fun times ey! id def take some water wipes in if we had a next time! good luck! #KCACOLS
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Awww all this makes me want to go back and do it all again! Loving the Cath Kidston bag, I have many myself. I also love the PJs, I am partial to a new pair of PJ’s 🙂 #KCACOLS
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Oh you are so ready for this! Very well prepared! So exciting! I love water wipes. We use them for the whole first year. They are really good. Good luck with all! Thanks so much for sharing this at #KCACOLS and also thank you for commenting a lot! I really appreciate that. I would love to see you again tomorrow, 🙂 xx
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Very prepared! You seem to have it all covered. Like you, the first time I took literally everything but the kitchen sink, yet forgot nappies. By my third I packed my bag the morning before I went into labour luckily! I definitely think a bag for baby and a bag for mummy is the best plan! Helps Daddy find everything in my opinion #KCACOLS
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Good tips! & good luck – hope it all goes well! #KCACOLS
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