My hospital-bag list - any comments/recommendations?

[Maid Marian]

I've asked a ton of questions on here, and have gradually built up a list. I've mostly got everything, and am going to start packing my bags tomorrow, but wondered if there's anything I've missed off.

All advice appreciated


Labour Bag

Front-fastening nighty for giving birth in
Hospital notes
Birth plan (several copies)
TENS machine
Birthing ball
Fan/water spray (to cool down)
Magazines/book
Pen and paper
Straws (easier to drink during labour)
Phone and charger
Camera and charger
Vaseline (dry lips from Gas & air)
Lotion for back-rubs
Snacks (chocolate, rice cakes, lollies, sweets, cereal bars)
Drinks (sports bottles of water, cartons of juice)
Glucose tablets
Pillow from home (comforting)

For birthing partner
Comfy shoes
Deodorant
Snacks and drinks
Change of clothes
Something to read/do

Hospital bag

Loose change (phone/cafe/shop)
Breast Pads (LOTS)
2 Nursing Bras
Big cheap knickers (LOTS)
Thick sanitary pads (LOTS)
Slippers (to walk around the hospital)
Socks
Dark towel (for showering)
Dressing gown
Wipes (LOTS)
Toiletries (shampoo, conditioner, shower gel, deodorant, flannel, hairbrush, toothbrush, toothpaste)
Clothes (loose trousers, button-down tops, cardigan, socks)
Flip-flops
Small jug/cup (sore when you wee)
Anti-bacterial wipes/hand gel
Soft toilet paper
Food for after labour (mini-meals)
Favourite tea-bags
Arnica tablets
Comfy going-home clothes for me

For baby

6 Short-sleeve babygros
6 Long-sleeve babygros
1 jacket/cardigan
2 hats
Nappies (20)
4 Bibs
2 pairs Scratch Mits
blanket
1 pair socks
Muslins
Foldable changing mat (prevent accidents in cot)
Nappy sacks
Nappy cream
Baby wash/shampoo
Cartons of baby milk (incase can't breastfeed)
Cotton wool (for first nappies)
Olive oil (dry skin, and useful for nappy changing)
Plastic bags for dirty things
Car-seat

 

[louandivy]

I would recommend a Moby wrap to wear your baby, you will get sooo much stuff done with your baby sleeping in the sling. Wish I'd known about babywearing when Ivy was a newborn! You are soo organised, I'm impressed.

 

[Babydreams321]

i know a few babies inc. harry who never used scratch mits hon.. might be a waste of money....

for the hospital bag i'd add straws - soooooooooooooo good when youre too knackered to sip from cup & gas & air dries your mouth so you'll be thirsty!!

i only bought big knickers & maternity pads...my mw gave me some tena lady knickers ( big nappy things!!) they were amazing & so comfy after having stitches, i was sad to see the end of my pack a week later lol xx

i agree with u re the baby bath..although u will use a huge amount of water keep filling a bath up. i recommend a "bath dam" google it, it'll last years & the same price as most decent baby baths!!

oooh & one more for the hospital bag - loose change for the phone/cafe etc!!x

 

[Lilly12]

I've asked a ton of questions on here, and have gradually built up a list of things I need/want. I've got a few things already, but mostly I've still got to get everything.

Planning on a big shop next week, so I thought before I go, I'd just post my list on here and see if there's anything I've missed off/or any specific recommendations of what to buy from anyone.

All advice appreciated


After Baby's born

Moses Basket Not necessary , as they're pretty expensive, you can live without them, I know you plan on cosleeping and you can put baby on the couch or wherever during the day.
Pram
Maternity pads (LOTS!)
Bibs We're using lots of bibs!
Car-seat
Scratch Mittens Never used these
Nappy bin with lid We don't have one of these either, we just have a small container from the dollar store with a plastic bag in it, and we change it when it's full.. our house doesn't stink at all.
Wet bag for dirty nappies when out
Wipe-clean changing bag
Changing Mat
Washable breast pads
Room thermometer
Bouncing/vibrating chair
Muslin (LOTS!)
Gripe water
Infacol
Calpol
Braun thermoscan Digital Thermometer (ear)
NUK Nasal Decongester + saline spray
Baby sleeping bag
Nursing bras Get these after your milk comes in, as your boobs will be bigger.
Foldable changing mat (for taking out)
Lansinoh cream and nipple shields Definitly get the lansinoh cream, I'd skipt he nipple shields as they can lower your milk supply
Sudocrem
Bepanthen
Washing powder
Intimate wipes
Vest tops for nursing
Nappies
Wipes

Don't get

Baby bath (just use sink or bath)
Baby towels (use own towels)
Bottle warmer (easier to just warm in jug of hot water)
Shoes (uneccessary when baby is young)

Hospital Bag

Nighties - 1 for giving birth and 2 to change into
Disposable Knickers - lots!
Maternity Pads
Slippers
Towel
Toiletries
Breast Pads - lots!
Nursing Bra
Chocolate
Magazines
Camera
Change of clothes
Short sleeve babygro - a few of these
Long sleeve babygro - a few of these
Nappies
Bibs
Scratch Mits
An outfit to travel home in

I'd get a baby carrier and also instead of a bouncer, you might want to look into a swing . Aleena doesn't like her bouncer but LOVES her swing.. it's the only thing that'll make her calm sometimes.

 

[brittanyland]

See, I've found great use out of our baby bath. It even had a newborn insert. Made things much easier.

One thing I would reccomend is swaddling blankets. Halo makes some or you could try the miracle blanket. My LO can't go to sleep without being swaddled but she could get out of regular blankets. The Halo one with the velcro has been such a lifesaver for me.

 

[KayBea]

Wipes, nappy sacks and drink for hosp bag, also phone charger.
I also put a few cartons of baby milk in incase i couldnt breast feed (my hosp didnt supply formula)

Also i never used scratch mits as little monkey always had her hands in her mouth.

Nail scissors or clippers for baby?

 

[KittyVentura]

Ok - Your post with comments. Anything in BOLD I'd agree with. Anything with comments... well the comments will explain lol.

After Baby's born

Moses Basket
Pram - Fin hated laying flat so this was a waste of money for us. Think it's a tough call but I'd avoid buying a pram system where you have to pay extra for the pram attachment. They are expensive and in our case, pointless.
Maternity pads (LOTS!) - Note - The ones they give at the hospital are fab and the ones you buy just don't compare. Try and sweet talk yourself some extra at the hospital.
Bibs - Go for plastic backed and that do up at the side of the neck rather than back. Soft (baby) velcro is better than poppers
Car-seat
Scratch Mittens - Pointless for us. They wouldn't stay on. You're better off buying baby grows with built in "pop over" mitts. Mothercare and Next do these.
Nappy bin with lid - Just a normal bin is fine. The specialist ones are a waste of money. Don't need a lid either so long as you use nappy bags and empty the bin at least twice a week (If you're going for cloths... then ignore me. I use 'sposies)
Wet bag for dirty nappies when out - Again - Just use nappy sacks... unless you mean for cloths
Wipe-clean changing bag - I wouldn't worry about wipe clean. Just a changing bag or even large handbag will do.
Changing Mat - We have 2. One for upstairs and one for down
Washable breast pads- Do these even exist? I think now you meant for cloth nappies. Oh well.
Room thermometer - We never bothered.
Bouncing/vibrating chair - YES
Muslin (LOTS!) - Get at least TWICE as many as you think you'll need
Gripe water
InfacolI'd just get one or the other of these
Calpol
Braun thermoscan Digital Thermometer (ear) - We've not needed t take his temp once in 6 months...
NUK Nasal Decongester + saline spray - Why get a decongester and take away all the fun of picking the bogies out yourself?
Baby sleeping bagS - Get at least 2. One will need to be available while the other is in the wash
Nursing bras
Foldable changing mat (for taking out) - Tends to come free with a bag anyway
Lansinoh cream and nipple shields - Only get nipple shields if you need them. Not everyone does and using them when not needed can make it harder for baby to latch without them
Sudocrem - Rubbish
Bepanthen
Washing powder - Fin's stuff just gets washed with ours in Persil Bio
Intimate wipes
Vest tops for nursing - Just normal vests will do until you know for sure that you can BF and stick at it
Nappies
Wipes

ALSO

Clothes
Swaddle
Moses stand
Swing
Recieving blankets
Sheets
Straws (HONESTLY)
Socks
More vests that you could imagine
Baby sling or wrap


Don't get

Baby bath (just use sink or bath) - I LOVED our bath
Baby towels (use own towels) - Same. Love Fin's towels but as a winter baby the hood was a blessing
Bottle warmer (easier to just warm in jug of hot water)
Shoes (uneccessary when baby is young)

Hospital Bag

Nighties - 1 for giving birth and 2 to change into
Disposable Knickers - lots! - I actually preferred Primark big knickers to 'sposies.
Maternity Pads
Slippers
Towel
Toiletries
Breast Pads - lots!
Nursing Bra
Chocolate
Magazines
Camera
Change of clothes
Short sleeve babygro - a few of these
Long sleeve babygro - a few of these -Make sure these popper all the way down the front. Not ones that slip over the head or popper at the back
Nappies
Bibs
Scratch Mits
An outfit to travel home in - I wouldn't bother. Firstly you have no idea what size yoru baby will be to be sure it fits. Also babies get so traumatised getting stripped off that I'd suggest just leaving in the baby grow.
STRAWS

 

[happigail]

What kitty v said.

I used our bath with one of those sponges shaped like a baby on the bottom. Literallythe best baby buy I made. They are available in wilkos, mothercare, John Lewis etc.

 

[tristansmum]

scratch mitts are useless and my son sucked them off! Buy mothercare sleepsuits with built in scratchmits.
disposible knickers are uncomfy! buy cheap knickers from primake or tesco then throw away
no need for expensive thermometer- we got tommy tippee groming set which had one you hold under his arm. only used it once in 6 months
changing bag will normally have a travel changing mat inside

i loved our baby bath and used it to almost 6 months

Other ideas- a cotmobile. tristan was fascinated by his from only a few weeks old
baby monitor- which will normally include a room thermometer and nursery rymes

 

[RileysMummy]

We've never really used our changing mat, in the early days i did it on my knee and now we lay her on the footstool lol xx

 

[stardust599]

I've asked a ton of questions on here, and have gradually built up a list of things I need/want. I've got a few things already, but mostly I've still got to get everything.

Planning on a big shop next week, so I thought before I go, I'd just post my list on here and see if there's anything I've missed off/or any specific recommendations of what to buy from anyone.

All advice appreciated


After Baby's born

Moses Basket yup
Pramyup
Maternity pads (LOTS!) yup
Bibsyup- buy loads
Car-seat yup, get one that clips onto the pram so you don't have to wkee baby when transferring from car to pram
Scratch Mittens they just fall off, get the sleepsuits with mits attached
Nappy bin with lid i have 1 but don't use it that much
Wet bag for dirty nappies when out don't need - just put nappy in a nappy bag and chuck in bin when home
Wipe-clean changing bag boots do a good one free when you join parenting club
Changing Mat yup
Washable breast pads i leaked so much i had to put nappys in my bra haha
Room thermometer might have a thermometer on monitor
Bouncing/vibrating chair i prefer a swing
Muslin (LOTS!) yup
Gripe water yup - i find boots own brand best
Infacol yep, detinox is good to have in the house too
Calpol yep but can't use until 3months so maybe best to wait
Braun thermoscan Digital Thermometer (ear)
NUK Nasal Decongester + saline spray yup
Baby sleeping bag very handy but most not recommended until 10lbs
Nursing bras i used cheapy peacocks sleep bras - just as good and 2pound each
Foldable changing mat (for taking out) usually get 1 with changing bag or free with magazines
Lansinoh cream and nipple shields oh yes, would never have been able to BF without the shields
Sudocrem yup
Bepanthen don't need both
Washing powder just switch to fairy for the whole family
Intimate wipes never used these
Vest tops for nursing yep, lots and lots of cheapy vest tops, keep a couple of spares in your changing bag for unexpected leaks
Nappies don't buy too many as you might find a brand doesn't suit LO
Wipes yup, stock up while on offer

Don't get

Baby bath (just use sink or bath) i would say get 1 - the sink is awkard and the big bath can be overwhelming for little babies, my LO always loved her tummy tub
Baby towels (use own towels) the 1s with the hood are really handy
Bottle warmer (easier to just warm in jug of hot water) i always found a bottle warmer easier
Shoes (uneccessary when baby is young) yup, i've never put shoes on LO

Hospital Bag

Nighties - 1 for giving birth and 2 to change into yup
Disposable Knickers - lots! buy a pack of cheap pants from tesco
Maternity Pads yup
Slippers never wore them
Towel hospital provided them
Toiletries shampoo, conditioner, shower gel and deodrant
Breast Pads - lots! yep
Nursing Bra as before, get cheapy sleeping bras
Chocolate yup!!!
Magazines loads and loads
Camera yes!
Change of clothes buy something new and nice to perk you up a bit
Short sleeve babygro - a few of these yep
Long sleeve babygro - a few of these hospitals are so warm you'll probably only need the short sleeve
Nappies yep
Bibs yep
Scratch Mits again, try and get the sleepsuits with built in mits
An outfit to travel home in just kept LO in her sleepsuit, was easier!

Hope I helped :-D

I would also recommend a sling, loads of blankets, moses basket sheets, cot sheets, the prince lionheart slumber bear, a swaddle wrap

 

[JLB]

I would maybe take some pj's or comfy trousers and top for hospital as well as nighties, I was much more comfy walking around in jogging bottoms and a vest top than in a nightie especially as I was in for a couple of days and had a few visiters. The most useful think in my hospital bag was wet wipes, I couldn't get out of bed for a good few hours and they were the best thing for making me feel a bit fresher. I would put a few muslins in your hospital bag as well. oh and flipflops are useful, the bathroom on my ward was like a wet room with a toilet and shower so the floor was always soaking wet. I was advised to take my own towel (get a dark coloured one) even thought the hospital supplied towels and I'm so glad I did.
I found my baby bath really useful as it has a support in it so I can use both hands, I'm still using it now and she is nearly 6 months. My best buy was a vibrating chair, it was only really cheap but she loves it I found it really helpful when oh went back to work and I needed to get a bottle ready as it was the only thing that would settle her. I agree with a cot mobile aswell she was fascinated by it from the first time I put her in her cot and she still is now.

 

[Maid Marian]

Thank you so much everyone, I've copied and pasted tons of things and adjusted my list!

 

[Carlyp1990]

I've asked a ton of questions on here, and have gradually built up a list of things I need/want. I've got a few things already, but mostly I've still got to get everything.

Planning on a big shop next week, so I thought before I go, I'd just post my list on here and see if there's anything I've missed off/or any specific recommendations of what to buy from anyone.

All advice appreciated

~ I'm planning on co-sleeping, using disposable nappies for the 1st month and then reusable ones after that, and wearing baby in a Moby wrap most of the time. ~

After Baby's born

Moses Basket can live without this, we had one for katie and she outgrew it in 6 weeks and slept in her pram durin the day anyway, she slept so mch better in her cot when we moved her aswell
Pram
Moby wrap
Maternity pads (LOTS!)
Bibs
Car-seat
Scratch Mittens fall off ALL the time - so much easier to just cut los nails all the time
Nappy bin with lid wouldnt bother, we just use fragranced nappy bags and pop them in the bin, u cant smell them then
Wet bag for dirty nappies when out no idea what u mean by this lol
Wipe-clean changing bag
Changing Mat
Washable breast pads
Room thermometer
Bouncing/vibrating chair
Muslin (LOTS!)
Gripe water
Infacol
Calpol
Braun thermoscan Digital Thermometer (ear)
NUK Nasal Decongester + saline spray
Baby sleeping bag
Nursing bras
Foldable changing mat (for taking out) if u get the boots changing bag for free u get a really good changing mat in it
Lansinoh cream and nipple shields
Sudocrem
Bepanthen
Washing powder
Intimate wipes
Vest tops (for nursing)
Nappies
Wipes

baby shampoo, baby bath, top-to-toe wash, talc, cotton buds, cotton wool, sponge, baby lotion/oil (i use it for massaging katie after a bath) nappy bags (scented), nail clippers,scissors (tommee tippee do a great set with comb, brush, toothbrush etc in it), lots of blankets.
Don't get

Baby bath (just use sink or bath) i used mine for about 6 weeks and it was easier
Baby towels (use own towels)
Bottle warmer (easier to just warm in jug of hot water)
Shoes (uneccessary when baby is young)

Hospital Bag

Nighties - 1 for giving birth and 2 to change into
Disposable Knickers - lots!
Maternity Pads
Slippers
Towel
Toiletries
Breast Pads - lots!
Nursing Bra
Chocolate
Magazines
Camera
Change of clothes
Short sleeve babygro - a few of these
Long sleeve babygro - a few of these
Nappies
Bibs
Scratch Mits
i would take cotton wool for the first few nappies

also you might want to get some lavender oil to put in the bath if u have stitches, and some normal sanitary towels for heavy flow so u dont have to wear maternity towels all the time when ur bleedin dies down abit

hope this helps hun xx

 

[Maid Marian]

What is a receiving blanket ... and is it the same as a swaddling blanket?

 

[starrybean]

I had a emcs and I have to say my baby bath was worth every penny (although it was only a fiver from asda ) as it meant I didn't have to bend over the bath etc! I used it up until this week and would recommend it to anyone!!

 

[Lilly12]

What is a receiving blanket ... and is it the same as a swaddling blanket?

Receiving blanket is just a little blanket for your baby

 

[browneyes121]

scratch mitts were a waste of money for me.
I never used nipple cream- Ive been lucky that breast feeding has never hurt! I do however get through boxes of breast pads and my lo is 6.5 months!
never used my disposable knickers-you'll want lovely big comfy ones, mine were size 16 beauties from asda!
Loved our slumber bear, got it for about a tenner from ebay. Swaddle blankets were something else I wish we knew about from birth!

 

[leoniebabey]

After Baby's born

Moses Basket LOVED THE MOSES, HE WOULDNT SLEEP IN ANYTHING ELSE ON A NIGHT!
Pram I BOUGHT ONE WITH THE CARRYCOT ATTACHMENT AND LOVED IT AS IM NOT A FAN OF BABIES IN CARSEATS, PLUS I DONT DRIVE SO FOR ME WAS A BETTER CHOICE JUST PICK ONE WITH A LARGE CARRYCOT AS YOU MAY FIND LO OUTFROWS IT QUICKLY AND THEIR SUPPOSED TO BE FLAT UP TO 6 MONTHS
Moby wrap
Maternity pads (LOTS!) I BARELY USED ANY OF THESE TBH
Bibs DEFFO LOTS OF THESE (VELCRO ONES ARE BEST)
Car-seat
Scratch Mittens
Nappy bin with lid I PERSONALLY WOULDNT BOTHER I CAN SEE THE APPEAL IF YOU LIVE IN A FLAT BUT I PUT WET NAPPIES IN KICTHEN BIN AND DIRTY NAPPIES IN OUTSIDE BIN
Wet bag for dirty nappies when out
Wipe-clean changing bag
Changing Mat
Washable breast pads
Room thermometer MANY BABY CLUBS OFFER THESE FREE IN THEIR PACKS
Bouncing/vibrating chair WE BORROED ONE AND IM GLAS AS LO WASNT KEEN
Muslin (LOTS!)
Gripe water WOULDNT BUY UNTILL YOU KNOW LO HAS WIND ISSUES
Infacol SAME AS ABOVE
Calpol
Braun thermoscan Digital Thermometer (ear)
NUK Nasal Decongester + saline spray
Baby sleeping bag RECCOMEND THESE ALTHOUGH THEY HAVE TO BE 8LBS SOMETHING TO USE THEM, THERE BRILL I'D RECCOMEND A SWADDLE TO START OFF
Nursing bras
Foldable changing mat (for taking out) POUNDLAND SELL THESE
Lansinoh cream and nipple shields
Sudocrem
Bepanthen FOUND BEPANTHEM BETETR THAN SUDOCREM
Washing powder
Intimate wipes
Vest tops (for nursing)
Nappies
Wipes

Don't get

Baby bath (just use sink or bath) I LOVED MY BABY BATH USED IT TILL 9/10 MONTHS
Baby towels (use own towels)
Bottle warmer (easier to just warm in jug of hot water) I DIDNT WARM BOTTLES
Shoes (uneccessary when baby is young)

Hospital Bag

Nighties - 1 for giving birth and 2 to change into I'D TAKE A SPARE PARE OF PJ'S NIGHTIE AS I WAS IN 3 DAYS AND LO WAS SICK ON MY CHANGE OF PJ'S
Disposable Knickers - lots! I USED NORMAL KNICKERS
Maternity Pads
Slippers NEVER WORE SLIPPERS LOL
Towel
Toiletries
Breast Pads - lots!
Nursing Bra
Chocolate
Magazines
Camera
Change of clothes
Short sleeve babygro - a few of these
Long sleeve babygro - a few of these
Nappies
Bibs
Scratch Mits

 

[aliss]

Scratch mitts = baby socks are the same thing.

Objects like bouncers, swings, baskets etc. are BABY DEPENDENT meaning it works for some and not others, so maybe buy it but keep the receipt or buy it cheap & used. For us, the swing was essential but the bouncer not. Yours might be reversed.