Aside from the obvious, (don't forget to pack your clothes) these are our top 5 things to include in your hospital bag;
1. Hand held fan- hospitals are hot, even when it's not the height of summer. Don't forget spare batteries though!
2. Lip balm- the smallest of luxuries but that's all you need after giving birth and it goes hand in hand with the hot hospital thing.
3. Cup with straw- hydration is low of list of things to think about but, this makes it easier to remember and achieve both during labour and whilst holding/feeding a newborn. Or just delegate to your birthing partner.
4. Snacks- for before, during, after...all of the snacks all of the time. Especially if there's something you have been looking forward to that you couldn't have during pregnancy. And peppermint tea if you're having a c-section.
5. Baby outfits organised in bags- we used freezer bags and labelled them by size and outfit as we took multiple sizes. Also, a handy way to avoid having to have the socks-are-part-of-the-look conversation every time you dress the baby.
Baby's first outfit and baby's going home outfit- sometimes the same thing- have become a great distraction in birth preparation. And it's not just the outfits, the accompanying toys, blankets and announcement plaques either give you something else to stress about or something to focus on- depending how your mind works. Having something to focus on just past the main event can be the best kind of distraction in the build up to birth though!
Find our gift sets from newborn to 5-6 years here.