As you get closer to your due date it makes sense to have your bags packed and ready to go. You will probably want to pack two bags, one with things you want for the actual labour and one with everything you’ll need afterwards – including something for your new baby to wear going home.

For Mom

• 3 or 4 light cotton nightdresses (front-opening ones are easy for breastfeeding & labour) or some old T-shirt
• Music player and headphones (you may be waiting a while for your little bundle of joy to arrive)
• Dressing-gown, slippers and non-slip socks
• Hairbrush and hair ties/clips if you have long hair
• Toothbrush and toothpaste
• Mobile phone and charger
• Magazines/books to keep you occupied
• Camera
• Drinks and snacks for you and your partner
• Water spray and 2 facecloths for cooling your face and skin
• Comfortable day clothes which are loose-fitting (front-opening clothes are easy for breastfeeding)
• Outfit for going home in
• Old/cheap comfortable underwear, including large, close-fitting pants to hold maternity pads – you may find disposable pants useful for the first few days
• Nursing bra
• Maternity pads or night-time sanitary pads
• Breast pads
• Tissues and cotton wool balls
• Nipple cream
• Wash bag with toiletries - your favourite shampoo/conditioner, shower gel, moisturiser (face, hand & body), lip balm, etc
• Towel
• Deodorant
• Flip-flops for the shower
• Travel hairdryer
• Pillow
• Make-up (absolutely not a necessity, but if it will help you feel more yourself afterwards then go for it)

For Baby

• Unscented toiletries and cosmetics – if there’s no scent they won’t interfere with you and your baby bonding with each other
• Nappies & nappy bags
• Cotton wool
• Sudocrem
• 2 soft baby towels
• 8 vests
• 8 sleepsuits/babygros
• 1 or 2 cardigans
• Hat
• Scratch mitts
• Warm blanket
• An approved car seat
• All in one warm baby suit

For Dad/Partner

• Mobile phone and charger
• Toothbrush and toothpaste
• Camera
• Spare t-shirt
• Deodorant

When your little bundle of joy arrives and if you need any advice on your baby’s health, please pop in to your local CarePlus Pharmacy and speak to our in-store Baby Advisors.