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What I Packed In My Hospital Bag (L&D)
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items A curated list of hospital must-haves I actually used during labour and postpartum. These essentials made my stay more comfortable, practical, and stress-free, especially as a new mum. Perfect for first-time mums who don’t want to overpack but still ...
I felt so warm and sweaty throughout pregnancy, so I always assumed the hospital rooms would be icy cold. Surprisingly, they weren’t. I felt really hot the moment I got to the birthing unit, maybe it’s the nerves, maybe the hormones, who knows.
This ...
JISULIFE Portable Handheld Fan Life9, Turbo Power
Be prepared: staff will come in and out checking your boobs like it’s a drive-thru. A good maternity bra makes life easier, just whip it out and go. I still haven’t found “the one” (looking for something soft but supportive), but honestly a cheap com...
Momcozy Seamless Nursing Bra, Ultra Comfort
No one warned me how hard it is to wash down there after birth. Even with a C-section, it was difficult to bend or move comfortably, I can’t imagine how tender it must feel after a vaginal birth.
The portable bidet made such a difference. It helped m...
VITCOCO Rechargeable Portable Travel Bidet
A MUST for first-time mums. You do not want to hear other mums screaming in labour next door. Trust me, protect your peace.
Apple AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancel
Yes, the hospital provides toiletries, but it’s that mysterious 3-in-1 soap that’s somehow hand wash, body wash, shampoo (and possibly floor cleaner). Bring your own unless you want to smell like “generic hospital scent”.
MAANGE Toiletry Bag for Women Men
You’ll probably wear the same pair the entire stay. Make sure they’re shower-friendly too because… well, you don’t want to know what’s on the hospital floor.
adidas Sportswear Adilette Shower Adult's Slides
For the swelling! The hospital ones are uncomfortable. They’re thin, white, and made me feel like I was retiring in a nursing home.
Cambivo 3 Pairs Compression Socks 20-30 mmHg
Preferably one with a straw so you can sip while half-lying down, half-asleep. Get a big one so you don’t keep walking to the pantry.
BUZIO 64oz Insulated Water Bottle w/3 Lids
If you plan to breastfeed, bring these. My milk didn’t fully come in at first, yet somehow my bra still gets soaked. Turns out your boobs can take up to 6–12 weeks to regulate, so yes, the random leaking is absolutely a thing.
Pigeon ComfyFeel Aloe Vera Breast Pads 50pcs
If you plan on breastfeeding, this is an absolute must. No one warned me my nipples would crack, and yes, even bleed. Nipple balm keeps everything moisturised and stops your bra from sticking (a pain I wasn’t emotionally prepared for).
Medela Purelan Lanolin Nipple Cream 37g
Hospital power points are always placed exactly where you can’t reach them. A long cable saves you from reaching in ways your body definitely shouldn’t be right now.
Aioneus 100W USB C to USB C Cable 3M PD
Yes, the hospital has the famous pink stripe blanket, but I struggled with the ‘burrito fold’ swaddle, especially at 2am during nappy changes. Zip-up swaddles were faster, easier, and bub was a hands-up fan
Love to Dream Swaddle UP Baby Sleep Sack 1.0 TOG
Yes, the hospital has the famous pink stripe blanket, but I struggled with the ‘burrito fold’ swaddle, especially at 2am during nappy changes. Zip-up swaddles were faster, easier, and bub was a hands-up fan
ergoPouch Cocoon Swaddle Sack 1.0 TOG Baby
Bring lots of burp cloths, newborns spit up a lot. One minute they’re fine, the next they’ve vomited down your top, the sheets, and somehow themselves again. You’ll use them constantly for feeds, clean-ups, and emergencies, and you’ll always wish you...
Organic Burp Cloths 5-Pack, Soft Cotton
Bring mittens to stop baby from scratching their own face, newborn nails are tiny but sharp. They also help keep little hands warm.
Baby Mittens Anti Scratch Gloves 0-12M
Pack a pacifier (or a few!) to soothe your baby between feeds, help them settle, and give your arms a tiny break. Bonus: it’s a lifesaver during those fussy moments when nothing else works.
Tommee Tippee Stay Put Pacifier Set, 0-6M, 4 Pack
I had no idea babies come out with tiny little wolverine nails. Even with mittens and covered growsuits, bub still managed to scratch himself during nappy changes. I really wish I packed a nail filer or baby nail trimmer, it would’ve saved us a few l...
haakaa Electric Baby Nail File Set w/ LED
I fully planned to breastfeed, but when things didn’t go as expected, I found myself pumping and constantly washing bottles. A microwave sterilizer would’ve made everything so much easier and less overwhelming. Definitely something I’d bring next tim...
Philips AVENT Microwave Steam Sterilizer SCF281/05
I fully planned to breastfeed, but when things didn’t go as expected, I found myself pumping and constantly washing bottles. A microwave sterilizer would’ve made everything so much easier and less overwhelming. Definitely something I’d bring next tim...
Medela Quick Clean Microwave Bags, 5 Pack
There are times when you’re just too lazy (or too sore) to look for your charger. A power bank is a lifesaver for keeping your phone nearby.
INIU P24-E1 3-in-1 45W 10000mAh Power Bank
Bub’s first poop (that sticky black tar called meconium), nothing wipes it away like warm water, cotton balls, and a touch of baby oil.
Cetaphil Baby Moisturising Oil 200mL Pack of 2
Bring a soft night light to make late-night feeds and nappy changes easier without waking everyone up. Gentle on your eyes, baby-friendly, and less shocking than the overhead lights.
MediAcous Kids Night Light, 7 Colors, Timer
A white noise machine can help your newborn sleep better by drowning out hospital sounds. It’s like giving them a little womb-like comfort wherever you are.
ergoPouch Drift Away White Noise Machine
Bring a laundry bag to keep all your hospital laundry, and baby’s tiny outfits in one place. Trust me, it’s way easier than trying to wrangle a pile of soggy, milk-stained clothes.
2 Pack Heavy Duty Drawstring Laundry Bags