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What to Pack in Your Hospital Bag: The Ultimate Guide for Expectant Mothers

  • June 08, 2023

Packing your hospital bag is a significant milestone on your pregnancy journey. It's one of the final preparations before you meet your little one. To help you get ready, we have put together this comprehensive guide on what to pack in your hospital bag.

Pregnancy Hospital Bag

For Mum: Essentials and Comforts

Packing for labour and delivery involves more than just the bare necessities. Comfort items can make your hospital stay much more pleasant.

Clothing

  • Robe or Nightgown: Hospitals provide gowns, but you might feel more comfortable in your own clothes. Choose something loose and comfortable.
  • Slippers and Socks: Keep your feet warm and comfortable as you walk around the hospital.
  • Maternity Bras and Nursing Pads: Essential if you plan to breastfeed, they provide support and absorb any leaks.
  • Going-Home Outfit: Pack a loose, comfortable outfit for your trip home.

Personal Care Items

  • Toiletries: Include travel-sized shampoo, conditioner, body wash, toothpaste, and a toothbrush.
  • Lip Balm: Hospitals can be dry, so keep your lips moisturised.
  • Hair Ties: Keep your hair out of your face during labour.

Other Essentials

  • ID, Insurance Information, Hospital Paperwork: Don't forget these important documents.
  • Snacks: For after delivery - you might be hungry!
  • Phone Charger: You'll want your phone fully charged to share the good news.

For Baby: Welcome to the World

Your newborn doesn't need much, but there are some key items to pack.

  • Going-Home Outfit: Pack a cute, comfy outfit for your baby's first trip home.
  • Swaddle Blanket: Many hospitals provide these, but you might want to bring your own.
  • Infant Car Seat: Most hospitals won't let you leave by car without one. Ensure it's properly installed in your vehicle ahead of time.

Pregnant women writing something in a notebook and touching her baby clothes

For Partner: Don't Forget the Support Crew

Your partner or birthing coach also needs to be prepared for the hospital stay.

  • Change of Clothes: If your partner plans to stay overnight, pack them a change of clothes.
  • Snacks and Drinks: Labor can be long, so make sure they have sustenance to keep their energy up.
  • Entertainment: Books, a tablet, or a deck of cards can help pass the time during the early stages of labour.

Optional Items: Extras for Comfort and Entertainment

These are not necessary, but they might make your stay more enjoyable.

  • Pillow: Your own pillow can be much more comfortable than the hospital ones.
  • Music and Headphones: Create a playlist of calming music to help you relax.
  • Books or Magazines: For a bit of light reading during your stay.

Conclusion

Remember, every birth is unique, so pack what feels right for you. It's better to overpack than to wish you had brought something. Aim to have your bag ready by 36 weeks, as babies sometimes have their own timetable. With your hospital bag packed and ready, you can rest easy knowing you're prepared for the big day.

Pregnant women packing her baby clothes in the bag and writing a note in the notebook

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Queueing While Pregnant

Standing in long queues can be tough during pregnancy due to increased weight, swelling, and fatigue. Prioritising comfort and rest is essential for your wellbeing and your baby’s health. Polite, respectful phrases can help you confidently ask for a seat, making those waits less stressful. Most people are understanding when approached kindly.

Carrying small essentials like a portable folding seat, compression socks, supportive footwear, and a pregnancy support belt or pillow can significantly ease discomfort while waiting. Planning outings to avoid peak times, using priority services, bringing a support person, and practicing deep breathing are effective ways to manage queueing stress.

Sleepybelly’s maternity products, including their award-winning pregnancy pillow and soft pyjama set, provide practical comfort designed to support your changing body throughout the day and night.

Tiny-Space Pregnancy Comfort

Tiny-Space Pregnancy Comfort

Living in a one-bedroom or studio apartment during pregnancy can be challenging, but thoughtful layout tweaks can create a comfortable, supportive space. Prioritizing ease of movement and reducing strain helps both your wellbeing and your baby’s health.

Creating a dedicated relaxation nook with supportive cushions and multi-functional furniture maximizes comfort without crowding your space. Using items like the Sleepybelly Pregnancy Pillow offers adjustable support for your bump, back, and hips.

Sleepybelly’s maternity products are designed for compact living, providing practical comfort that fits perfectly in tiny spaces. With these simple changes, you can enjoy a cozy, strain-free pregnancy environment no matter the size of your home.

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The Maternity Swimwear Fit Guide

Finding the right maternity swimwear is crucial for comfort and confidence during pregnancy, as your body changes around the bust and belly. Swimwear with adjustable straps that can be customized as you grow, along with wide or supportive cross-back designs, helps reduce shoulder strain and keeps you secure. Built-in shelf bras or soft underwire alternatives, combined with removable padding, provide gentle yet effective bust support tailored to your changing shape.

Choosing breathable, stretchy fabrics like nylon-spandex blends or bamboo-infused textiles ensures you stay cool and dry while allowing freedom of movement, with added durability against chlorine and UV damage. Styles such as tankinis and ruched designs accommodate your growing bump and offer convenience, while UPF protection helps shield your skin from the sun. Complementing swimwear with comfortable, breathable maternity pyjamas, like those from Sleepybelly, supports relaxation and recovery after time in the water. Overall, focusing on fit, support, and quality fabrics allows you to enjoy your pregnancy with ease and style.

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