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Preparing for the Big Day: What to Pack in Your Hospital Bag

As you’ve likely spent the last few months carefully selecting baby gear, stocking up on baby essentials, and lovingly preparing the nursery, there’s one task that may have been hovering on your to-do list the art of packing your hospital bag.

Table of Contents hide
1 So let’s dive into what to pack in your hospital bag.
1.1 For mum in labour and after
1.2 For baby
2 Download your Hospital bag checklist below.

I remember procrastinating a lot on this task. Even pondering the very basics of bag choices. Should I bring a trusty trolley or opt for a soft, more versatile option? The struggle was real! You see, packing, whether for a big adventure like this or a simple holiday, has never been my cup of tea. It somehow triggers a dose of anxiety I can’t quite explain.

The dilemma was all too real when it came to packing my hospital bag. I constantly found myself asking, “What on earth should I bring?” I feared leaving out essentials but also didn’t want to become an over-packer extraordinaire.

And I knew the hospital wasn’t that far away in case I needed something but should we talk about husbands and finding things? Exactly, I thought so. I know, it’s not a myth. They seem to have a knack for not seeing things, let alone finding them when they’re not part of their daily routine. So yes, make sure you have all you need!

That’s why, I thought to write this blog post for those who are like me and need a bit of guidance. Keep in mind that this is based on my experience.

Relater article: Are you ready for the Third Trimester?

So let’s dive into what to pack in your hospital bag.

graphic for the blog post. Photo of pregnant mum preparing her hospital bag and title of the post "Preparing for the Big Day: What to Pack in Your Hospital Bag"

A few general considerations.

  • Pack It Early: First things first, let’s talk timing. Pack that bag early, preferably around the 34/35-week mark. Why so soon, you ask? Well, it’s all about dodging the last-minute chaos or the nail-biting scenario of someone else attempting a hasty-packed job while you’re deep into labour land. Trust me, you want this in the bag (pun intended) well before the big day arrives. Plus, once is done, your mind is free – procrastination in this case keeps a tab of your brain always open which is not good!

  • Keep a Checklist: It’s very helpful to have a checklist in your bag. This will help you to track what you packed already and what are those last-minute additions, like your trusty phone charger. You can find a downloadable checklist to guide you through the packing. Just click and grab it! From toiletries to baby items, make sure you tick them all!

  • Your Hospital Notes: Your hospital notes and birth plan are your lifeline during this journey. After each prenatal appointment, place your notes in a safe place. They are, without a doubt, the most crucial item on your checklist and could easily slip your mind in the rush to the hospital.

  • Comfort Is Key: Your hospital stay can range from a day to a few, so it’s crucial to pack comfortable clothing. On average, if you deliver vaginally you will stay in the hospital for 1-2 days. If you have a C-section, it’s likely you will stay for a bit longer, so keep that in mind when you pack your bag. Think loose-fitting pyjamas, cosy socks, and comfortable maternity bras. Also remember, when you leave the hospital, your body may still be tender after the miracle of childbirth. Opt for comfortable, loose-fitting clothing—nothing that cinches around your stomach, especially if you’ve had a C-section; that area will need extra tenderness.

For mum in labour and after

  • 3 nighties/Pjs – preferably open front so you can breastfeed if that’s your choice
  • flip-flops or shower shoes
  • tank top/sports bra in case of water birth
  • 2 large T-shirts or 2 sets of loose clothes
  • soft non-slip socks a couple of pairs- you can use them as slippers too
  • cotton undies, big, comfy the grandma style (not fancy, lacey…) /disposable knickers
  • maternity pads 2 packs
  • toiletries (shower gel, shampoo, toothbrush and toothpaste, hairbrush, hairbands, deodorant, face cream, haemorrhoid cream)
  • bath towel
  • 2 Nursing bras or if you haven’t bought them yet sports bras
  • breast pads a few just in case but your milk won’t come straight away
  • nipple cream
  • going home clothes (comfy maternity clothes and comfy flat shoes)
  • phone charger
  • phone
  • hospital notes/birth plan
  • ID
  • wet wipes
  • water bottle

Treat Yourself: Last but certainly not least, don’t forget to include a little treat for yourself. Whether it’s your favourite chocolates or your face cream, make sure it’s something that brings a smile to your face. After all, these little indulgences can go a long way in making you feel good during your hospital stay

For baby

  • baby clothes: 3 body vests and 3 sleepsuits (more if you plan a C-section)
  • hat
  • blanket
  • consider a matching hat and swaddle for the must-have first photo!
  • going home clothes
  • muslins
  • a pack of nappies
  • water based wipes
  • vaseline/Sudocrem ( any nappy barrier cream)
  • bottle/formula/dummy if you are not planning to breastfeed
  • car seat

As a newborn photographer, I always think in pictures, so think about the baby outfits you pack in your bag. They will be in the very first photos!!

Download your Hospital bag checklist below.

Related article: 5 Tips to Enjoy Your Newborn Session | Newborn Photographer Richmond

big brother touching mum'a pregnant belly

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I love using slow shutter speed to show what we feel, not just what we see.
The softness, the movement, the breath of a moment that refuses to sit still.

Not every photo needs to be sharp to be beautiful.
Sometimes blur tells the story better than anything else. 🤍

How do these make you feel? I’d love to know.

23 7
Open post by by_valentina with ID 18061809809540354
I love using slow shutter speed to show what we feel, not just what we see.
The softness, the movement, the breath of a moment that refuses to sit still. Not every photo needs to be sharp to be beautiful.
Sometimes blur tells the story better than anything else. 🤍 How do these make you feel? I’d love to know.

There’s a beauty in the in-between, before you meet your baby, while you’re still holding her safely beneath your heart.

This season slips by quietly. You think you’ll remember every kick, every turn, every whispered moment… but time softens the details faster than we expect.

My maternity sessions are about remembering, how it felt to be becoming her.

The woman your child will one day call “Mama.”🤍

If you’ve been meaning to book your maternity photos, this is your gentle reminder: my calendar fills a few weeks ahead, so now is the perfect time to secure your date, calmly, without rush.

For all December bookings, I’m gifting a fine-art matted print (worth £100), a small reminder of your strength, delivered with your artwork.

Reserve your maternity session this month, so you can remember yourself this way, before everything changes.

#londonmaternityphotographer #pregnancyphotographylondon #printedmemories #pregnancyphotos #Photographybyvalentina

22 3
Open post by by_valentina with ID 17916754401234817
There’s a beauty in the in-between, before you meet your baby, while you’re still holding her safely beneath your heart. 
This season slips by quietly. You think you’ll remember every kick, every turn, every whispered moment… but time softens the details faster than we expect. My maternity sessions are about remembering, how it felt to be becoming her. 
The woman your child will one day call “Mama.”🤍 If you’ve been meaning to book your maternity photos, this is your gentle reminder: my calendar fills a few weeks ahead, so now is the perfect time to secure your date, calmly, without rush. For all December bookings, I’m gifting a fine-art matted print (worth £100), a small reminder of your strength, delivered with your artwork. Reserve your maternity session this month, so you can remember yourself this way, before everything changes. #londonmaternityphotographer #pregnancyphotographylondon #printedmemories #pregnancyphotos #Photographybyvalentina

There are things we feel as mums that we never say out loud.

The little things we feel but never put into words, the hopes, the fears, the tiny memories that slip away faster than we expect.

One day our children will want to know our story too. The real one. The one written from the heart.

Letters to My Baby is a free space to keep those thoughts safe.

A little journal you can fill in whenever life slows down for a moment.

Something to treasure now and pass on later.

Comment Letters and I’ll send you the link to download it 🤍

Would you consider to write a letter to your little one?

12 3
Open post by by_valentina with ID 18287454355263727
There are things we feel as mums that we never say out loud. 
The little things we feel but never put into words, the hopes, the fears, the tiny memories that slip away faster than we expect. One day our children will want to know our story too. The real one. The one written from the heart. Letters to My Baby is a free space to keep those thoughts safe. 
A little journal you can fill in whenever life slows down for a moment. 
Something to treasure now and pass on later. Comment Letters and I’ll send you the link to download it 🤍 Would you consider to write a letter to your little one?

Being behind the camera is my natural place and stepping in front of it always feels a little strange.

I often take self portraits, not just to see myself differently but to remind myself what you feel when it is your turn. The wobble, the overthinking, the instinct to hide. All of it.

But this portrait was taken by someone else, the incredible Charlie Gray @charliegraystudio. Trusting another person to photograph me and my story felt new and slightly uncomfortable, yet also freeing.

And it reminded me why I love what I do.

Because I understand how vulnerable it feels.
I know what it is to want to look like yourself and not a performance of yourself.
I know the tiny shift that happens when you finally relax and let yourself be seen.

Women deserve photos that feel honest, gentle, and true. Photos that show the person behind the roles and the noise.

If you have been thinking about stepping in front of the camera again, even after years, I hope this feels like a small sign. 🤍

Do you like being photographed, or do you absolutely avoid it? I am curious.

60 8
Open post by by_valentina with ID 17918554134071004
Being behind the camera is my natural place and stepping in front of it always feels a little strange. I often take self portraits, not just to see myself differently but to remind myself what you feel when it is your turn. The wobble, the overthinking, the instinct to hide. All of it. But this portrait was taken by someone else, the incredible Charlie Gray @charliegraystudio. Trusting another person to photograph me and my story felt new and slightly uncomfortable, yet also freeing. And it reminded me why I love what I do. 
Because I understand how vulnerable it feels.
I know what it is to want to look like yourself and not a performance of yourself.
I know the tiny shift that happens when you finally relax and let yourself be seen. Women deserve photos that feel honest, gentle, and true. Photos that show the person behind the roles and the noise. If you have been thinking about stepping in front of the camera again, even after years, I hope this feels like a small sign. 🤍 Do you like being photographed, or do you absolutely avoid it? I am curious.

It’s so easy to slip into comparison, especially online.

But comparison steals the joy from your own journey.

Check in on others with kindness,
and check in on yourself with the same softness.

Wishing you a slow, nurturing weekend. 🤍

20 4
Open post by by_valentina with ID 18096943774846367
It’s so easy to slip into comparison, especially online. 
But comparison steals the joy from your own journey. 
Check in on others with kindness,
and check in on yourself with the same softness. Wishing you a slow, nurturing weekend. 🤍
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VALE@PHOTOGRAPHYBYVALENTINA.COM

07577 978246

LONDON NEWBORN & MATERNITY PHOTOGRAPHER

Based in Richmond, I work with families across London to capture life’s most meaningful milestones through portrait photography.