Newborn and Mummy checklist

First time mums are often unsure of what are the essential items to make their stay in hospital as comfortable as possible. Based on our own experience and listening to the suggestions of friends in our Mothers’ Groups, we have compiled a list of suggestions.

For Mum:

• Comfortable night gown, pyjamas or long T-shirt (1 per day expected in hospital)
• Bathrobe
• Comfortable cotton underwear (High cut style for mums with a Caesarean section, so they do not put any pressure on the stitches)
• Clothes and shoes for your departure date
• Essential toiletries
• Books and magazines (especially in case of natural birth and several potential hours in birthing suite)
• Sanitary pads (long and thick)
• Slippers
• Earplugs (it can get noisy in maternity wards!)
• Your favourite treats to celebrate your baby with family and friends (a must after all this effort!)

For Baby:

• 4 to 6 Cotton Bodysuits
• 1 Sleep suit
• 1 Cardigan
• 1 Cotton Hat
• One comfortable Baby Blanket
• Muslin wraps (most hospitals provide them while you are there, if so, 2 will be enough for check-out day)
• 1 baby washing lotion for the first bath (something very mild and not containing soap is best)
• Cotton wipes and cleansing lotion if you intend to clean baby’s bottom this way. Most hospitals provide washers and towels
• Nappy rash cream
• 2 to 3 bottles if you intend to bottle-feed your baby and/or cannot breast-feed
• Formula if you intend to bottle-feed your baby and the baby might have special needs (for example gluten-free formula).

Also, make sure that your car has a properly fitted baby capsule for checkout day. Some hospitals have a fitting station on site.

Prior to writing your checklist, we recommend that you check with your hospital and clinic to understand what services they provide (baby wraps, baby blankets, nappies, formula, bottles, etc…) and how long your stay might be. This should help you decide what to take with you. Enjoy your hospital stay and congratulations in advance.