Here is a list of suggestions for what to pack for hospital, as written by an ECHO mum:

FOR BABY

• Baby bag
• Nappies
• Cotton wool for nappy changing
• Vests
• Muslins
• Comforters (sleep with them in advance to get your scent on them too)
• Babygrows: button down baby grows are useful for hospital life – here’s a list of where to buy them
• Hats
• Socks, for their hands or feet to keep the sats probe in place! – baby mittens often too big
• Blankets to help it feel personal
• Dummies – particularly encouraged with heart babies
• Toys/cuddlies/decorations or bunting to make the cot feel more personal
• Your own white noise toy/machine for baby to familiarise and to continue at home
• Bottles if you plan to express or bottle feed
• Your own expressing machine can be useful for extended stays in hospital

FOR YOU

• Nice toiletries – the bath or shower after labour is amazing!!
• Lip balm & hand cream, get very dry
• Comfortable clothes – but bear in mind hospitals are HOT! Feeding friendly too if you plan to breastfeed or express
• Nipple cream
• Painkillers (although immediately post-birth these will be administered by the midwife team)
• Breast pads
• Maternity pads
• Snacks
• Travel mug with lid
• Water bottle
• Your own pillow
• iPad/tablet
• Your phone
• Long phone chargers for the above (longer ones work best in hospital)
• Book/puzzle book/little project to pass the time, especially if you’re being induced as can be a long process… and afterwards, newborns sleep a lot!! Knitting or similar activity can be a good way to pass the time.
• Notepad to take notes on Doctors rounds, or write down questions you think of… Or to keep a journal.