Hospital Bag Essentials
What should you pack in your hospital bag? When preparing for labour, packing the right essentials for your newborn can provide peace of mind (and warmth!). We've scoured the web to find your the best organic baby items to keep mummy and baby cosy and safe. Some links are affiliate, as an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Here’s a curated checklist to help get you ready:
Essentials For Your Newborn
1. Wrap-Style Bodysuits (Kimono Style)
These let you lay your baby into their outfit instead of pulling it over their head—much gentler for sensitive newborn skin and useful if there’s a cannula.
MORI Short‑Sleeve Kimono Bodysuit
MORI Long‑Sleeve Kimono Bodysuit
2. Organic Cotton Sleepsuits (Multiple Sizes)
You never know how big—or small—your baby will be, so having several sizes ensures a comfortable fit as they settle in.
AdoraCub Organic Cotton Zip Sleepsuit
3. Indoor Organic Cotton Hat
Essential for helping regulate your newborn’s temperature while keeping their head cozy.
4. Organic Cotton Wool Pads
A gentle, chemical‑free option for nappy changes and cleaning delicate skin—better than wipes or cotton balls.
Lil‑Lets Organic Cotton Wool Balls
5. Organic Nappies
Pick what suits your style—convenient disposables or sustainable reusables:
Disposable:
Eco by Naty Baby Nappies
Reusable Option:
Bells Bumz Eco Nappies
6. Muslin Cloths (Large and Small)
Multipurpose and machine-washable—great for burping, wiping up spills, or swaddling.
7. Going‑Home Outfit
Choose a comfy sleepsuit that layers well—perfect for that special trip home.
8. Organic Cellular Blanket
Provides breathable warmth for car seats or cots
Quick Recap
Item
|
Why It Matters
|
Kimono bodysuits
|
Gentle dressing without pulling over the head
|
Sleepsuits (multiple sizes)
|
Ensures fit regardless of baby’s actual size
|
Organic cotton hat
|
Maintains baby’s temperature softly
|
Organic cotton wool pads
|
Chemical-free, soft, perfect for sensitive skin
|
Organic nappies (disposable)
|
Convenient, eco-conscious, and gentle on skin
|
Muslin cloths
|
Versatile for feeding, cleaning, swaddling
|
Going-home outfit
|
Comfortable and adaptable for leaving hospital
|
Organic cellular blanket
|
Breathable and cozy for safe transport
|
Essentials For Mum
1. A front-opening cotton night shirt, and a lightweight dressing gown. Easy access for that initial skin-to-skin, and handy for breastfeeding.
2. Change of clothes, including underwear and maternity pads.
3. Your go-to toiletry bag with all your favourite essentials to make you feel more comfortable if you have a stay in hospital.
4. Snacks - bring in a whole selection to keep you fuelled. Make sure it’s easy to grab, easy to digest, and quick release sugars like oat flapjacks, dried fruit, natural energy drinks. We also love electrolyte-rich coconut water!
5. Speaker and headphones. Help for your own focus and zen, but also to drown out any distracting surrounding sounds. Portable Wonderboom speakers are durable, waterproof, and if they fall into the bath/birthing pool they float?
6. Spare phone charger
7. Tens machine - great for pain management in the early stages of labour. These ones are great value.
8. A water bottle with a straw is helpful for quick and regular drinking.
9. Flip flops and/or slippers for the hospital - useful to have footwear that can be quickly taken off for walking around and toilet breaks.
Quick Recap
Item |
A front-opening night shirt |
Change of clothes, including underwear and maternity pads |
Your go-to toiletry bag |
Snacks (e.g. flapjacks, dried fruit, coconut water) |
Speaker and headphones |
Spare phone charger |
TENS machine |
Water bottle with a straw |
Flip flops and/or slippers |
With a ready-packed bag by the door there's one less thing to think about in labour. Ultimately the more comfortable you are, the more relaxed your birth experience will be. Whether you intend to give bith in the labour ward, the birthing unit or at home, things may not go to plan but at least you will have your creature comforts to hand. Don't stress too much about things you may forget, hospitals often have shops on site, and partners and visitors can bring in whatever you need.
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