Pack Your Hospital Bag With Pigeon

As a first-time mum, the thought of packing your hospital bag can be both exciting and daunting. What should you pack? What will you need? And when should you actually start prepping?

To help you plan ahead, we’ve put together a list of what we think are the essential items, so you can have a comfortable, stress-free stay while you welcome your baby into the world.

Hospital bag options

Firstly, it helps to separate certain items in different bags, so you may want to start with one large bag to house 3 smaller ones.

It’s also handy to keep one soft bag to put all of your dirty laundry in.

You’ll most likely be in the hospital from 1 to 5 days, depending on whether you’re having a cesarean or vaginal birth. But given anything can happen, it’s best to prepare for both. 

Items to pack for you

1. Comfy clothes

Pack loose-fitting, soft outfits, including a robe, slippers, and flip flops to walk around the maternity ward in. 

If you’re having a c-section, get yourself some soft, seamless underwear that will sit above your incision line.

2. Toiletries

Your body will need extra TLC during and after birth, so pack some face cleanser wipes (so you don’t have to get out of bed), toothbrush and toothpaste, moisturiser for your face and body and some deodorant to freshen up.

3. Breast pads

Breast leakage is one of the common things that happens when your milk comes in. So it’s essential to have some breast pads packed and ready to go. ComfyFeel™ Breast Pads are super absorbent and lined with aloe vera extract to improve skin moisture. They’re dermatologically tested and ultra-soft for maximum all day comfort. 

4. Maternity pads

Maternity pads are essential for pre and postpartum fluids and bleeding. They’re longer, softer, and much more absorbent than regular pads. You may need to change your pad every 1-2 hours after giving birth, so you’ll want to buy at least 2 or 3 packs of 12. Bleeding should reduce over the next 2 days, and then can continue for 4-6 weeks.

5. Nipple cream

If you are breastfeeding, be sure to get yourself some nipple cream. A good nipple cream can ease the pain and discomfort of breastfeeding and provides moisture to help heal or prevent dry, cracked, itchy, or even bleeding nipples during the first few weeks of breastfeeding.

6. Medication

Make sure you pack all of the current medication that you’re taking so you don’t miss any days or doses.

7. Electronics

Along with your phone, it’s a good idea to pack a laptop or iPad with movies pre-downloaded as the hospital wifi isn’t always great. And if you’re really looking to pack like a pro, add a powerboard and extension cord to your bag so you can plug in multiple devices and be able to reach them all with ease. 

8. Snacks

While the hospital will have you covered for meals, they won’t necessarily have all your favourites on the menu. Pack yourself some fruit and snacks, but remember to do this as close to the date as possible, so everything stays fresh. 

9. A notebook and pen

While it may seem ‘old school’, when you’ve just had a baby and the doctors are telling you a lot of important information, having a notepad and pen handy is a game changer. You’ll be able to quickly jot down things like check-up dates, doctor’s names, medications you may need and more, then when you leave the hospital, you can easily add everything to your diary.

Items to pack for the baby

1. Anti-Bacterial wipes

Unlike baby wipes, anti-bacterial wipes keep your baby’s items clean and sterilised. You can also use them to keep your hands hygienically clean before touching your baby. 

2. Moisturising wipes

While hospitals usually provide wipes, it’s always a good idea to bring your own, just in case your baby has sensitive skin. Pigeon Natural Botanical wipes are made with naturally soft and sustainable bamboo eco-fibers, minimising the chance of irritation when wiping your baby’s delicate skin.

3. A pacifier/dummy

If you choose to use a dummy or pacifier to help soothe and comfort your baby, the MiniLight Pacifier is a great option. It is ultra-light and made from the softest of silicone to fit comfortably in your baby’s little mouth.

4. Nappies

Hospitals will definitely supply disposable nappies for you, but often they come in one newborn size only. So if you know your bub might be on the smaller size, stock up on some smaller nappies to accommodate them. And if you’re trying out cloth nappies, bring a lot of them as it will be trickier to clean them without your washing machine.

5. Baby clothes

Pack 2 or 3 sleepsuits and singlets for your baby to wear while you're in hospital. And if you know you’ll be there longer, pack a few more. You’ll also want an outfit for the trip home. Something that’s all-in-one and stretchy will be the most comfortable for your baby. 

By taking the time to plan and pack your hospital bag in advance, you can ensure that you and your newborn are comfortable and prepared for the big day.

For more tips and advice, check out our helpful Baby Hub blog. You can also find products for breastfeeding, bottle-feeding, oral care and more at our online store.