It only feels like two minutes ago when we started trying to conceive baby number two or when we announced our pregnancy, so it's quite surreal to think that our baby girl will be here in just a few weeks’ time. With her arrival so imminent, I've been spending a lot of time organising our home and all of her things and I feel so much better now that I've got the main jobs out of the way. Everything is pretty much ready for her now from all her clothes through to her pram and car seat. We are just waiting for her now and we are so excited to meet her!
One of the most exciting and important tasks on the lead up you your baby’s birth has got to be packing the hospital bags. I remember doing so when I was pregnant with Noah, but with him being my first child I think I over packed and filled both mine and his bag with quite a lot of things that we ended up not needing. This time around I felt a bit more in the know so made lists and stuck to them.
The first items I packed in the baby's hospital bag were a whole array of different clothing. As we aren't sure what size she will be when she's born, I've packed a vest and baby grow in three different sizes; first size, newborn and 0-3 months. I've also made sure to include different sized hats and scratch mitts too. As you can see after having a boy the first time around I've totally gone OTT with the pink.
Next up we have nappies and wipes, the essentials. I of course opted for the Pampers New Baby range as its super sensitive for her brand new and delicate skin and they are recommended by the British Skin Foundation, which puts my mind at rest knowing they will be mild on her skin. We always used Pampers as they were ideal for us and we never had any leaks or rashes with them. Their wipes I've also packed in the hospital bag but I'll also be using cotton wool balls and cooled boiled water to clean her with too.
Lastly, we have a cellular knitted blanket, muslin cloths and a soft toy. The blanket is a must have to keep the baby warm after our skin to skin contact and when she's all suited and booted and ready to leave the hospital. The muslin cloths are ideal for multiple things and will be a staple in my changing bag for the next couple of years. Last but certainly not least, I've included a soft bunny toy which used to be Noah's so it's a little gift from big brother to baby sister. Every new baby needs a cuddly toy when they are born; it's like a rite of passage.
I haven't packed any bottles, formula or dummies as I intend to breastfeed so that freed up a lot of space in my changing bag this time around. I also haven't packed a pram suit as they usually don't fit in to them at birth and they aren't safe to wear in a car seat anyway, lots of blankets will keep her warm instead.
My hospital bag on the other hand is rather boring in comparison and contains all the delightful things that I'll need after birth like sanitary towels, breast pads and extra-large knickers! Now that part I can't say I'm that excited about!
My hospital bag on the other hand is rather boring in comparison and contains all the delightful things that I'll need after birth like sanitary towels, breast pads and extra-large knickers! Now that part I can't say I'm that excited about!
What did you pack in your hospital bags?
