10 Things You’ll Wish You Packed in Your Hospital Bag (But Probably Forgot)
Hi there, I’m Ada, founder of My Baby Nest and mum to a little boy who decided to surprise us a whole month early. Let me tell you something no one warned me about: what you forget in your hospital bag can haunt you. 😅
I turned up to give birth with two bottles of shampoo, a single onesie, and no maternity pads. I spent more time stress-ordering things off Amazon than soaking in those precious newborn cuddles.
So, to save you from making the same mistakes, here’s a list of 10 things you’ll wish you packed, but probably didn’t. Some of these are in our curated hospital bag already (because I learned the hard way), and a few are cheeky extras you can throw in a minute.
1. A 3-Metre Phone Charger
Why it matters: Hospital sockets are never next to the bed. Labour isn’t the time to play hide-and-seek with your charger.
💡 Included in your Baby Nest bag — tick!
2. Lip Balm
Hospitals are dry. Gas and air is drier. Your lips will crack faster than you can say “epidural.”
💡 We include this in your self-care kit — because comfort matters.
3. Nipple Cream (Even If You’re Not Sure You’ll Breastfeed)
Day 2 of feeding? You’ll wish you brought it. Day 3? You'll cry if you didn’t.
💡 We pack the gold-standard Lansinoh one — thank us later.
4. A Peri Bottle
If you’re a first-time mum, you might not know what this is. If you’ve given birth before, you’d never go without it again.
💡 Trust me, it's a lifesaver — and yes, it’s in our bag.
5. A Labour Fan
Labour is sweaty, hospitals are stuffy, and hormones are relentless. You’ll want that breeze.
💡 Battery-powered fan? Included.
6. Flip Flops for the Shower
Hospital floors. Fungus - That’s all I’m saying.
💡 We pack both slippers and flip-flops — you’re covered.
7. A Soft, Stretchy Nursing Bra
Not the lacy one. Not the wired one. You want soft, stretchy, and zero effort.
💡 Ours is comfy enough to sleep in.
8. Snacks… But Keep It Plain
A heavy sandwich will come back up mid-labour. Plain crackers, cereal bars, or dried fruit are your friends.
💡 Not included — but easy to throw in!
9. Lucozade or Coconut Water
Mid-labour energy boost? Yes, please. Hospital drinks are hit or miss.
💡 Pop a bottle in before you leave for that sweet sugar hit.
10. A Second Baby Outfit
Your newborn might spit up, have a little blowout, or just need an outfit change.
💡 We pack a full newborn set — but an extra vest never hurts.
Final Thoughts — Pack Like a Pro (or Let Us Do It for You)
These may sound like little things, but when you’re in pain, tired, and adjusting to the wild beauty of birth, they become everything.
At My Baby Nest, we created our Ultimate Hospital Bag to take the stress off your plate. It’s mum-curated, NHS-approved, and packed with all the essentials — including the ones you didn’t even know you needed.
Because every mum deserves to feel looked after, even when baby decides to show up early 💛
With love,
Ada x
Founder, My Baby Nest