• The Red book – it can be a convenient place to leave it and means it is there for any doctors’ visits. – you’ll need to take their red book when/if they have vaccinations. The red book is given to you by the hospital after you’ve given birth. It will record

• Muslin – we love big one can be used for lots of different things from a cover if you are breastfeeding to a mat to lie them down on the floor.

• Spare change of clothes (add a couple of pairs of socks as they can always double as gloves if needed!)

• Bottles if needed

• Dummy (optional) – pop a sterilised one in a small Tupperware to keep it clean.

• Nappies – only bring as many as you think you’ll need perhaps one extra for emergencies!

• Nappy cream – travel size (Metanium, Sudocrem, Bepanthen)

• Wipes

• Teething granules (from 3 months)

• Breathable Blanket

• Comforter

• Changing mat – there are lots of handy travel-sized changing mats.

• Hand sanitiser

• Snack for you

• Lipgloss and mirror

The hospital bag

The bag you pack will very much depend on how long you expect to stay in the hospital if that is the path you have chosen. If you have decided on a home birth then it is a good idea to have a bag ready, just in case. This is a guide of what you might want to include.

• Car seat, with iso-fix

• 4 to 6 baby grows – with optional feet and hand covers we suggest you take some 0-3-month baby-grows just in case they don’t fit and a couple of newborn ones too.

• 2 baby hats

• Four big muslins

• Pack of nappies – new-born or potentially 0-3 months (depending on how big you think the baby is going to be)

• Cotton wool

• Pre-made formula bottles (optional)

• Dummy (optional)

• Blanket

Mum

• Pjs to change into post-birth

• Loungewear/comfies to be in

• Birthing nightie or T-shirt (sleeves, cotton, short)

• Makeup basics – include lip balm

• Eye mask, earplugs

• Basic toiletries – toothbrush/toothpaste, deodorant, face wipes, facewash

• Moisturiser

• Dry shampoo, hairbrush, hair ties/headband

• Reusable water bottle with strap

• Phone charger

• Slippers/flip flops

• Dressing gown

• Maternity pads (more than you think) + disposable knickers

• Flannel (for face)

• Water wipes

• Pillow

• Headphones

• Birthing playlist of all the tunes you love, the ones that make you feel good

• Essential oils so your birthday partner can rub on your feet/temples etc (optional)

• Your favourite snacks, you need stuff that will fuel you