Pack my hospital bag with me – what I’ll be packing for baby number three and what I’ll leave out this time!

I’ve had two babies in hospital.

Each time I’ve packed my hospital bag at about 37 weeks. I’m 32 weeks pregnant now and starting to think about what I’ll pack and what I’ll leave out this time.

Toiletries

After giving birth, I was desperate for a shower. Birth is a messy business. As soon as the midwife told me where the shower was I was in there like a shot.

However, first time around, I didn’t pack anything nice. In fact, second time around I didn’t either.

This time I’m packing:

• My favourite shampoo and conditioner
• Deodorant
• A delicious smelling soap or shower gel
• Moisturiser
• Foundation
• A hair brush
• Hair ties
• Eye mask
• Toothbrush
• Toothpaste
• Lip balm (gas and air and all that breathing makes your lips dry!)

For birth

• Lavender
• LED candles
• A bluetooth speaker
• A nighty
• Water bottle with a straw
• Birth plan
• Birth notes

Clothing

Hospitals are hot. The first birth I took a heavy dressing gown, fluffy socks, and velvet PJs.

I was HOT.

This time, I’ll be packing shorts and t-shirts and thin socks. If you get cold you can always curl up under the sheets.

• Shorts and T-shirt Pyjamas
• Ankle socks
• Big comfy knickers
• Soft bra (like a Calvin Klein one)
• Maternity bra
• Bikini top
• Comfy joggers to go home in
• T-shirt to go home in
• Jumper to go home in
• Flip flops or slippers
• Nighty
• A few comfortable outfits

Food and Drink

Snacks are a must. For during labour and after. I remember sitting in postnatal ward feeding my baby, watching Desperate Housewives, and eating wine gums at 5 am. It was bliss.

At Ida’s birth, Matt managed to eat loads. It was a long night. At Martha’s he didn’t even get the snacks out the bag before she was here!

Still, snacks are important. Here’s what I’ll be packing.

• Pretzels
• Sweets
• Brioche rolls or pain au chocolate
• Chocolate bars
• Cartons of apple or orange juice
• Water bottle with a straw
• Fruit

Other

You’ll need to think outside the box a little. Plan for staying in for at least one night. Any longer than that and someone can bring things in for you.

• Charger with a long cable lead
• Phone preloaded with a series
• Book (If you can keep your eyes open to read it!)
• Headphones

For the baby

Can’t forget about the baby! When I went in with Ida I forgot things like wipes and a hat for when she was born. I didn’t make than mistake again after trying to clear up the sticky black poo with a whole bag of cotton wool and a towel.

• Wipes
• Nappies
• Tiny baby clothes
• 0-3 month baby clothes
• Vests
• Blanket
• Car seat
• Muslins

That’s what I will be packing. What won’t I be packing in my hospital bag third time around?

• Cotton wool
• Fluffy socks
• Thick trousers
• Thick jumpers