What to pack?

As a first time parent it can be hard knowing everything you need for hospital and the early days at home. Deciding whether you have enough or too little can be difficult.

Although every experience is different and no two people need the exact same, the young mums have created  two lists with some of the items they found most helpful during the early days and hopefully can help with your own lists.

Hospital essentials

Like many mums to be I found doing my hospital bag very stressful, thinking if I had all the right stuff or enough. Every birth is different, you could be there for 1 day or longer.

I recommend for mother to be:

  • Nightdress
  • Slippers
  • Toiletries bag
  • Big pants - bigger and looser the better!
  • Large sanitary towels
  • Outfit for home - something comfortable and not tight around the tummy
  • Charger for phone

 

I recommend for baby

  • Nappies
  • Wipes
  • Dummy (if you are wanting to use one)
  • Packet of baby grows
  • Packet of vests
  • Muslin cloths
  • Blanket for going home
  • Outfit for going home

 

Don't worry about bringing milk or bottles as you are given pre-made bottles for your baby with the milk brand of your choice.

Home essentials

Being prepared at home is so important to make your experience as easy and enjoyable as possible.  At the start your baby needs very little however being prepared will definitely help you in the future.

When arriving home you will need:

  • Bottles/steriliser depending on the bottles you choose
  • Dummys
  • Nappies
  • Wipes
  • Moses basket/next to me
  • Bath
  • Changing mat
  • Pram
  • Car seat
  • Clothes
  • Baby grows
  • Vests
  • Bibs
  • Cot
  • Blankets
  • Nappy cream
  • Nappy bags
  • Cotton balls
  • Bedding

 

Some things that can be useful:

  • Night light
  • White noise machine
  • Room & bath thermometer

 

Nappy bag essentials

Before having your newborn, leaving the house required little thought. However, afterwards it can be stressful making sure you have everything you need for your baby when out and about.

We've made a small list of some of the things that can be useful to have in your Nappy bag:

  • Nappy bags
  • Baby wipes
  • Spare outfit
  • Milk/bottles
  • Hand sanitiser

While there are so many potential scenarios you could pack for, if you tried bringing them all you would find yourself trekking about a very heavy bag. Along as you have the essentials anything else can be found while out and about.