picture of a pregnant woman sat on a bed packing her hospital bag

The ultimate guide to packing your hospital bag

Have you started packing your hospital bag? Don’t know where to start? Breastfeeding experts and maternal health brand, Lansinoh, has rounded up its must-have items every expecting mum should pack in their hospital bag.

For mums-to-be the pressure to have everything organised in their hospital bag can be daunting. It’s recommended to bring at least three changes of clothes for both mum and baby as well as essential toiletries. Besides this many mums don’t know what else is essential to pack and often forget that selfcare after birth is crucial in relieving discomfort and beginning the process of healing. Lansinoh have created a must have list of products that should be included in every new mum’s hospital bag.

Lisa Craven, UK Marketing Manager at Lansinoh, explained “Ideally mum should pack her birth bag at around 37 or 38 weeks, so that she is prepared for whenever she may go into labour. While all mums hope to be out of hospital sooner rather than later, it’s always worth packing for a number of days, rather than just one night, to be on the safe side!”

For mum

A large bag – there's a lot you’ll need to pack, so make sure to select a bag with plenty of space – consider a wheely bag so there is less to carry when you are leaving the hospital with your little one.
Clothing – lightweight dressing gown, pyjamas with buttons for easy skin to skin access after birth, comfortable maternity outfits, larger, comfier underwear that you don’t mind throwing away, easy to get on and off sliders or flip flops, nursing bras
Cosmetics – hairbrush, toothbrush & toothpaste, shower pouffe, towels & flannels, deodorant, nipple cream, breast pads, post-birth wash bottle, maternity pads, hair grips and clips, lip balm, travel toiletries such as shampoo and conditioner
Food & drink – snacks for labour, bottled water, energy drinks, biscuits, bottle of squash, food for your birthing partner as well.
Gadgets – phone, charger, portable speaker to play your favourite calming music
Additional – don't forget your birth plan!

For baby

Scratch mittens, short sleeved bodysuits, long sleeved onesies with closed feet, hats, nappies, cotton wool balls, outfit for going home, blankets, muslin squares

For mums looking to purchase maternity products for their hospital bag, Lansinoh has rounded up its must-have products.

Post-Birth Wash Bottle - £9.99

Lansinoh’s Post-Birth Wash Bottle provides gentle, hygienic cleansing for stressed, tender areas and more comfortable bathroom trips - especially that first trip after labour!

When filled, the Post-Birth Wash Bottle can hold 360ml of water and has an angled spout to help cleanse hard to reach areas. It features an ergonomic design with re-tractable spout and waterproof travel bag for portability and discretion.

Cold & Warm Post-Birth Relief Pad - £13.99

Lansinoh’s innovative Cold and Warm Post-Birth Relief Pad offers combination therapy for targeted, repeated relief. Use cold to provide relief from perineal, haemorrhoidal or C-section discomfort. Used warm, it can be applied to the abdomen for soothing relief from postnatal uterine cramping, which are the short, sharp, cramps in your abdomen as your uterus contracts & can usually be felt whilst breastfeeding. The reusable pad easily moulds to the body for maximum comfort even when frozen.

ColorSmart™ gel pearls turn white when heated or purple when chilled and the pad conveniently holds temperature for the doctor recommended time of 20 minutes. It is non-toxic and safe to use while breastfeeding.

12 non-woven, disposable, hygienic sleeves are included in the box. Hygiene sleeves are also available separately in packs of 24.

HPA Lanolin Cream – £11.49

The number one bestselling nipple cream in the UK, Lansinoh’s HPA Lanolin Cream has been developed for breastfeeding mothers to soothe and protect sore and cracked nipples.

The cream is 100% natural and hypoallergenic, and has no taste, colour or smell. It is the only lanolin product to have received the British Allergy Foundation seal of approval.

It can also double up as a lip balm, to save space in mum’s hospital bag!

Disposable Nursing Pads – £11.98

Lansinoh’s Disposable Nursing Pads are designed to be comfortable, ultra-absorbent and naturally contoured to fit all breast sizes. They help breastfeeding mums stay dry throughout the day and night with their ultra-absorbency layer. Designed with bluelock ™ technology to quickly absorb breastmilk to keep mum feeling dry and fresh. The pads are dermatologically tested super soft for sensitive skin and hold their shape even with the heaviest flow.