Packing my hospital bag was one of those exciting yet slightly daunting tasks—I wanted to be prepared but also make sure I had a few little luxuries to make the experience more comfortable. With a focus on softness, practicality, and ease, here’s what I packed, including some of my favourite pieces from our collection.
Softness First: Organic Cotton Muslins, Swaddles & Dohas
Newborn skin is incredibly delicate, so I made sure to pack our organic cotton muslins—perfect for wiping, burping, and just about everything in between. I also brought along a couple of lightweight swaddles to keep baby snug and a hand-stitched doha for an extra layer of warmth. Our dohars are made with breathable cotton, making them ideal for hospital air conditioning while still being soft enough for a newborn’s skin.
Comfortable Nightwear: Testing Out Our New Nightie Set
One of the best things I packed for myself was our soon-to-launch nightie set—designed especially with new mums in mind. Soft, airy, and feeding-friendly, it was the perfect choice for those long nights and early mornings with a newborn. I also brought my trusted cotton nightshirts, which are loose, breathable, and make skin-to-skin moments so much easier.
If you're expecting in the coming months, keep an eye out for our new maternity nightie set launching this spring—it’s been a dream to test out, and I can’t wait for you to try it too!
Toiletries & Little Luxuries
A good lip balm, gentle skincare, and my favourite shampoo made all the difference. Hospital air can be drying, and those first post-birth showers feel almost sacred—so having products that made me feel refreshed was a small but meaningful comfort.
Snacks & Hydration
Labour is unpredictable, and hospital food isn’t always appealing, so I packed a few nourishing snacks. Coconut water, energy bars, and nuts kept me going, especially in the early hours of new motherhood.
Baby’s First Outfit & Essentials
Choosing baby’s first outfit was special—I packed a soft cotton onesie, a tiny hat, and our organic muslin wrap.
Quick Checklist: What I Packed in My Hospital Bag
For Labour
✅ Birth plan/notes
✅ 1 cheap nighty/massive T-shirt for labour
✅ Nightie or Nightshirt
✅ Dressing gown
✅ Pillow(s) for extra comfort
✅ Hair band (if you have long hair)
✅ Flip-flops/disposable footwear
✅ Socks (because hospitals can be cold!)
✅ Lip balm/chapstick
✅ 2 bottles of water with a flip sipper
✅ Snacks and food for energy
✅ Antiseptic wipes/spray
✅ Smelly spray (something calming like lavender)
✅ Music (playlist or speaker for relaxation)
For Recovery & Baby
✅ Wash bag (toothbrush, toothpaste, washcloth, moisturiser, shower gel)
✅ Towel (hospital ones can be a bit rough!)
✅ Breast pads
✅ Disposable/maternity knickers
✅ Maternity sanitary pads
✅ Nipple cream (a lifesaver!)
✅ Toilet paper/packets of tissues (because hospital paper isn’t always the softest)
✅ Phone/phone charger (extra-long cable is handy)
✅ Ear plugs & eye mask (for better rest)
✅ Comfy outfit to wear home
✅ Nappies for baby
✅ Cotton wool pads
✅ 3 baby bodysuits
✅ Swaddling blanket
✅ Baby hat
✅ Feeding bras
✅ Baby’s first outfit
✅ Car seat (essential for the journey home!)
✅ Baby blanket (soft and cosy for the ride home)
Packing my hospital bag was a mix of practicality and indulgence—balancing essentials with little comforts that made those first days with my baby even more special.
If you’re expecting, I’d love to know—what’s in your hospital bag? Let me know in the comments! And if you're looking for the softest newborn essentials, explore our organic cotton collection to make those first moments even more special.