Getting ready for a newborn? From all at KIKI & SEBBY^®, congratulations! 

As your pregnancy draws to a close, we want you to fully appreciate this amazing achievement. A moment when one adventure ends and a brand-new, highly anticipated chapter in your life begins.

One of the last tasks you complete as you get ready to meet your baby is probably packing your hospital bag. So where should you start?

What must-have items should I put in my hospital bag before giving birth?

Here is a list of the basic necessities for giving birth:

• Pregnancy notes
• A birth plan – if you have one
• An easy-to-move-in, loose-fitting garment that won’t make you too overheated is ideal for labour. A cosy nightgown or a large t-shirt will do
• Books, magazines, music, and podcasts for relaxation (more for the early stages)
• A fan or a water spray – to cool off with
• Phone plus a charger – make sure you have adequate storage for those lovely first photos!
• Healthy beverages and snacks
• Your own pillow – lots of mums love this familiarity
• If you wish to use one and if your hospital doesn’t supply one, a TENS machine and batteries
• Any medication you are on
• Your toilet bag including your soap, hair ties, toothbrush, toothpaste, and other essentials
• Aromatherapy oils, especially if you used them throughout pregnancy
• You may also want to bring your birth ball, but most hospitals will have one so check beforehand

What must-have items should I have in my hospital bag for when the baby is born?

You’ll require a variety of other items once labour is over and you’re relaxing with your newborn.

These should be in your bag:

• iPad, tablet or kindle 
• Book or magazine
• Comfortable, maternity-sized clothes to wear for the journey home

Additionally, if you intend to nurse, add:

• Nightgowns or pyjamas with front openings
• Nursing bras
• Breast pads

What should I put in my baby’s hospital bag?

Of course, you mustn’t forget to pack the baby’s essentials too. We suggest:

• Vests or bodysuits
• Babygrows (including one you want them to go home in)
• A hat, mittens, socks, or booties
• Nappies – either reusable or disposable
• Cotton wool balls or pads
• Blankets
• Muslins – shop our collection here 

Additionally, you must ensure that the car seat you are using is correctly fitted. Check that you understand how to install the car seat and tighten the harness correctly for your newborn. 

What should my birth partner bring with them to the hospital?

Your birth partner will undoubtedly need to pack a bag as well since they may stay at the hospital with you for long periods of time or perhaps overnight.

They ought to consider packing:

• Cash/debit card
• Change of clothes
• Snacks
• Toilet Bag

If there is space, a camping mattress; and if you are resting in the early stages, a book or something to occupy themselves.

We hope that the birth goes well and that you remember to pack everything you need. This list is by no means exhaustive, but it should help you organise the essentials for your hospital stay.