Shopping and collecting everything that you and your baby will need in the hospital can be quite daunting. Here are our checklists for what we recommend you pack.

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Your labour bag
This contains the items that you will actually need whilst giving birth.

• Nightdress or old T-shirt to give birth in if the hospital does not provide for this
• Small sponge or face cloth
• Warm socks as your feet may get cold during labour
• Cream or massage oil
• Your birth plan
• Notebook and pen
• Lip salve
• Massage tools that relax you
• Music
• Hot water bottle and ice-pack
• Camera or video camera
• Snacks and beverages for you and your partner

Your hospital ward bag

• Front-opening nightdresses – two or three
• Dressing gown and slippers
• Toiletries and make-up
• Tissues
• Breast pads (two packets)
• Nursing bras – at least two
• Maternity sanitary towels - at least two packs
• Underwear – stretch or disposable
• Plastic bags for dirty washing
• Bath towels x 2
• Reading material
• Day clothes to go home in (not your tightest jeans!)
• List of phone number for your partner to call friends and relatives

Baby’s bag

• Newborn disposable nappies – two packs (depending on what the hospital provides)
• Barrier cream such as petroleum jelly (if the hospital does not provide this)
• Wet Wipes
• Surgical alcohol – one small bottle – to clean the cord
• One warm receiving blanket to take baby home in
• Clothes to take baby home in – babygro (stretch suit), vest and booties
• Car seat for baby

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