Babies are hardly ever on time, so make sure you pack your hospital bag way in advance and keep it by the front door or in the car.
ALSO SEE: 12 tips to help you prepare for baby’s arrival
What to pack in your baby’s hospital bag:
- Vaseline
- Light blankets or muslin wraps x 2
- Disposable baby wipes
- Baby face cloths x 2
- Newborn-sized dummy
- Newborn bodysuits x 2 each
- Newborn pajamas if colder weather
- Socks x 2 pairs
- Booties
- Cotton hat
- Going-home outfit
- Baby oil (great for cleaning up baby’s bottom after meconium nappies)
- Formula, bottles, teats, and sterilizing equipment if you plan to bottle-feed
- Wet wipes
- Baby blanket
- Baby powder
- Bum cream
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Also see: Introducing your baby to the family pet
What to pack in your hospital bag:
In the countdown to your baby’s birth, make sure you have these essentials ready and packed in your hospital bag:
- A nursing bra
- Disposable underwear
- Sanitary pads
- Baby clothes for leaving the hospital
- A nappy bag with your newborn essentials and an extra blanket
- Arnica tablets for bruising after birth
- Warm socks
- A hot water bottle
- Your toiletry bag with a hairbrush, toothbrush, mirror, face cream and a few makeup essentials
- A book to read
- Soothing music on your phone
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