HOSPITAL BAG CHECKLIST: WHAT TO PACK

Baby clothes

Alongside diapers and wipes, you’ll need sleepsuits, bodysuits and a plush yet tiny hat for their little newborn head, so this organic cotton five-pack set is perfect.

If your baby has arrived a little earlier than expected, our premature and tiny baby collections will help support them through their earliest days. We’ve also got a special range of Easy Dressing baby clothes for new arrivals who need a touch more help.

Pramsuit and hat

Don’t forget the cosy extras for taking your baby home – if it’s cool you’ll want additional layers such as a pramsuit and warm hat for the journey. In extra cold climates, a fleece-lined baby blanket is an ideal choice for keeping baby warm.

You won’t need all these extra layers if it’s hot – stick to breathable cotton layers instead and ensure that you keep your baby out of direct sunlight (a muslin draped in the car window is a handy makeshift sunshade).

Comfy pajamas

Most women will have to stay in hospital for at least one night after giving birth, so cosy nightwear is a must. Button-down PJs are a pretty and practical choice, particularly if you choose to breastfeed. Choose from long-sleeved and short-sleeved options in a host of prints and colours.

A Sumptuously Soft chemise nightdress or jersey T-shirt nightdress are also a handy choice both pre- and post-birth. If you really feel the chill, try a cosy lounge dress – we love this uplifting slogan style. If you’re staying in hospital a little longer, our multi-pack nightdresses will come in handy.

A comfortable robe

If you’re nervous about feeling a bit exposed on the maternity ward or when you have visitors, it’s worth bringing a robe with you. Choose from our spa-worthy waffle robe, fluffy fleece robes and our Sumptuously Soft lounge robe.

Keep your feet comfortable with a pair of slippers. Slip-on mules or slider-style slippers are an easy choice for post-birth, but if you get very cold feet our snug slipper boots are easy to pull on.

A going-home outfit

The final trimester is serious baby bump territory, and you may find your wardrobe limited to a few choice items worn on rotation. A couple of good dresses will serve you well; choose between maternity dresses or simply sizing up in a standard shirt dress – you can easily belt this style to fit smaller when you’re no longer pregnant, and they’re great for breastfeeding. You’ll want some nursing tops that you can keep wearing for the weeks after your baby’s arrival.

Your bump won’t go down for a week or so after giving birth, so bring loose, comfy clothes, such as those in our maternity dressing guide, to wear for your days in hospital and the journey home.