It's easy to fill a hospital bag with baby clothes and forget what you'll need yourself after the birth. Here are the things worth having in the bag for you: high-waisted postpartum knickers, a nursing bra and a sleep bra, a peri bottle, compression socks with non-slip soles, and postpartum leggings.
For your baby there's a ribbed zip sleepsuit and a pack of large muslins, big enough to swaddle a newborn, and if you're planning to express, a wearable breast pump and milk storage bags.
The Hospital Bag Essentials set puts four of these in one box: a maternity bra, a pair of postpartum knickers, a peri bottle and a zip sleepsuit in 0-3 months. Order the bra and knickers for your late-pregnancy size, and check the size guide first, as knickers can't be returned once they're opened.
Questions, answered.
When should I pack my hospital bag?
Have it ready by around 34 to 36 weeks, or earlier if you're expecting twins or you've been told your baby may come early. Packing early takes one job off the last few weeks, when you'll have the least energy for it.
What should I pack for myself?
High-waisted postpartum knickers and maternity pads for the first days, a soft nursing bra, and a peri bottle, which you'll want within hours of the birth. Compression socks with non-slip soles are worth packing too, as swelling can carry on for a week or two afterwards.
Is the Hospital Bag Essentials set everything I need?
No. It covers the postnatal basics for you and a first sleepsuit for your baby. You'll still need toiletries, clothes to come home in, nappies, a going-home outfit for your baby, your notes and any medication.
What size should I pack for my baby?
Our zip sleepsuits go by length: Newborn fits babies from 45cm to 55cm, and 0-3 months fits 53cm to 63cm. If you're expecting a small baby, pack a Newborn as well as a 0-3 months, and for a premature or very small baby, our Tinybaby size fits up to 45cm.
Do I need a bag for a home birth?
Yes. You'll need the same things after the birth wherever you have your baby, and it's worth having a bag ready in case you transfer to hospital.
