As you are counting down the weeks until your bundle of joy is due to arrive, your mind will turn to packing your hospital bag and as your due date gets closer and closer, it is definitely a good idea to have it packed and ready to go at the drop of a hat, or, ‘drop’ of water perhaps!
You’ve already got enough to think about and worry about, so we have rounded up all of the hospital bag essentials for you to help tick this one off of your to-do list before your baby arrives.
First things first, you’re going to need a bag! We absolutely love the Babymel Stef Vegan Leather Baby Bag (available in black or tan) as it’s the perfect hospital bag and definitely a fabulous nappy bag post birth because it is so spacious.
The centre of the bag features a large packing space with a change mat, a number of internal pockets and there's a separate waterproof bag, perfect to be used as a toiletries bag! It has a long, detachable shoulder strap which can also be worn across your body, as well as two shorter shoulder straps.
If you are looking for a backpack style, you can’t go past the Babymel Robyn Vegan Leather Backpack, also available in black or tan.)
Next, we definitely recommend a super comfy nursing crop. The My Necessity Wirefree Nursing/Sleep Bra is a great option. Comfortable enough to wear while you sleep, has easy feeding access and provides gentle support.
When your milk comes in and your breasts are sore and swollen, this crop is going to feel like a life saver.
This style is a dual cup fitting, meaning it is designed to grow with you and your changing body in pregnancy and postpartum. For larger cup sizes (G and above) or for those looking for a little more coverage for your hospital stay, we recommend the My Everyday Nursing Singlet.
It is so nice to have your own things in hospital, and the same goes for your baby. You really can never have enough swaddle blankets! Our #1 pick has to be the baby luno Essential Blankets (available in Raindrops, Native Wildlife and Leopard), these are just as the name suggests – Essential!
Made from incredibly soft bamboo (70%) and cotton (30%), you’ll love these naturally hypoallergenic, lightweight, breathable swaddles for their extra large size (120cm x 120cm) and ability to be used for so many things in addition to a swaddle: a blanket, bassinet sheet, change-pad cover, pram cover, car window shade, breastfeeding cover, burp cloth and even a scarf for mum, plus more!
When announcing your babies arrival it is so lovely to have an Announcement Plaque. We love the beautiful wooden plaque created by Kristy from Sparetime Co in her very own calligraphy etched into Australian jarrah timber. Making it the perfect piece to welcome your baby as they arrive earth side.
As no 2 trees are the same it makes each and every piece unique, the product you receive will vary to the ones photographed in the way of grains and colour tones. This is what makes them so special.
You'll want to have something comfortable to wear when you have had enough of your pjs and feeding friendly is #1! You’ll also want clothes to wear home from the hospital.
You can’t go past our range of nursing jumpers, hoodies, tops, leggings and dresses from all of the leading maternity wear teams!
For the cooler months, a hoodie is an absolute God send and we love the Nursing Hoodie from Cadenshae because you would never know it is a nursing hoodie! The discreet zips along the front of the jumper give you easy access for feeding as well as a streamline look in your clothing, plus, no cold arms for you! This must-have is available in Dark Navy/Slate and Fresh.
Another necessity is a staple nursing t-shirt or two (or more), in either short and/or long sleeves. Enter: For Mae Collective.
Whatever your preference, For Mae Collective have you covered and then will have you uncovered with ease when baby calls for a feed! Their range includes tops, t-shirts and long sleeve tops with buttons and zips to make feeding a breeze while also complimenting any outfit (in hospital and out of hospital).
Pregnancy Support Shorts from Supacore are often overlooked when packing for the hospital but really will make a difference to your recovery.
These patented Pre Natal Shorts uses leading medical grade compression to help alleviate lower back pain, pelvic instability associated with pregnancy and pelvic girdle pain and improves core support and stability of major muscle groups. Resulting in less muscle soreness and soft tissue damage and can be worn under your robe in the hospital then under jeans, skirts and dresses when you are home again.
One of our best sellers (and for very good reason) are the Cadenshae Maternity Leggings for both pregnancy and postpartum. Wear these during your pregnancy for extra support around your bump thanks to the extra high waistband and then in postpartum with the waistband folded down. You’ll get all day comfort from these silky smooth leggings that will have you feeling support in all the right places.
An absolute must-have for any mum.The waist line has been specially designed to scoop low so it doesn’t irritate a scar if you’ve had a c-section.
Snacks, hydration and toiletries are of course all essentials too! We absolutely love the Gilly Goat range of skincare for babies, and would highly recommend Mums use these products too, especially in the early days with a newborn when they’re having lots of skin to skin time with Mum, you’re going to want to make sure you’re using all natural products on your own skin! Pack the Gilly Goat Gentle Baby Hair & Body Wash and Gilly Goat Soft Baby Moisturising Lotion in your toiletries bag for yourself to use for that blissful post birth shower!
Sending you positive and peaceful vibes for the remainder of your pregnancy and the birth of your baby. As always, if you need any advice on products for yourself or your baby, please reach out!