Thousands. That’s how many times ‘hospital bag’ is tapped into Google in an average month
And I don’t know about you but I’m a bit of a nosy parker when it comes to ‘what’s in my bag’ posts.
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With just under two weeks to go until baby number four is due I’ve finally got around to packing my hospital bag, and for the first time I haven’t Googled ‘hospital bag checklist’ once.
Apart from the fact I’ve learnt through trial and error what’s worth taking and what’s not, with the UK in the grips of the coronavirus pandemic and hospitals working on minimum discharge times to get us in and out as soon as possible what I’m taking is a little different and a lot more streamlined than what I’ve taken with me with my previous three.
So, if you’re a nosy parker like me and like reading ‘what’s in my bag’ posts or are packing a hospital bag in the midst of the coronavirus outbreak too I thought I’d share what I’m packing in my hospital bag – and also what I’m not.
What’s in my hospital bag?
Hand gel & wipes
They’re not something I considered taking with my other three but antibacterial hand gel & wipes are number one on my list this time around! Milton’s range is hospital grade and not only zaps coronavirus but flu, norovirus and rotavirus too.
Snacks
Not for me, but for Misery Guts. He’s type 1 diabetic and needs to keep his blood sugar levels stable, and there’s nothing like a broken night followed by labour and delivery to send them haywire. We’ve also been warned that all the cafes and shops at the hospital are closed owing to coronavirus, so need to arrive prepared.
Baby clothes
With our hospital operating on minimum discharge times due to coronavirus – that’s three to six hours following a straight forward delivery – I’m only packing two sets of baby clothes. This time I’ve organised them each into bundles including a nappy so Misery Guts, who in the past has been the one to dress them for the first time, doesn’t need to root through the bag to find everything.
Muslin square
In the past I’ve packed lots of these in my hospital bag but have only ever needed one. This time I’ve gone with Pattie & Co’s giant organic muslins including this star design, which doubles up as a swaddle and breast feeding cover too.
Nursing nightie
It’s always nice to have something clean and new to change into afterwards and this time I’ve gone with this nursing nightie from JoJo Maman Bebe. It’s super soft, roomy and has nursing clips on the straps for easy access breastfeeding.
Breast pads
Like the muslin squares, in the past I’ve always packed far too many of these and haven’t really needed them until my milk comes in a day or so later. Given the new discharge times I’m hoping four will be enough (Medela are among my faves).
My Expert Midwife post natal essentials
If you haven’t come across My Expert Midwife before they specialise in pre and post natal products for mamas including Fantastic Skin Elastic, No Harm Nipple Balm and Spritz for Bits. I discovered them after having baby number three and nothing else I’ve ever come across compares – you need this stuff in your hospital bag, especially the Spritz for Bits!
Childs Farm newborn case
Although I don’t anticipate being in hospital very long I reckon it’s better to be safe than sorry in terms of newborn essentials. Childs Farm’s bath and bedtime case comes with everything you need including nappy cream and baby wash – plus it’s all dermatologist approved too so perfect for sensitive skin.
I’ll also be taking:
- Black pants (trust me on the colour choice here!)
- Sanitary towels
- Nursing bra
- Wash bag
- Towel
- Pillow
- Baby wipes
- Dressing gown
- Slippers
- Maternity notes
But I won’t be taking:
- Anything to labour in – I had the last two in water and am planning to do the same this time too.
- Hair dryer – because hopefully I won’t be there long enough!
- Anything to read – because in my experience this is completely pointless!
Are you due to pack a hospital bag soon? What will you be taking in yours?
I was gifted the Milton hand gel & wipes and Childs Farm newborn case featured in this post. As always all opinions are my own and based on my own honest experience.
I too am a nosy mare. I’ve only packed a hospital bag for labour once and i packed way too much. If it were to happen again, mine would look a lot more like yours. #MMBC