There’s something very different about packing a hospital bag the second time around.
You know what you’ll actually use, what can stay at home, and which little comforts make those first days feel that bit easier.
With another C-section ahead, I’m packing less just in case and choosing a few things that will genuinely be useful, for me, for baby, and for those first moments together.
Here are the things I’ll be taking with me this time.
For baby
A newborn doesn’t need a huge amount. A few soft, easy layers, something special for coming home and a blanket for those first cuddles.
Our 100% cashmere blanket will be coming with us. Lightweight, naturally breathable and wonderfully soft, it folds easily into the hospital bag and can be used well beyond those first few days, in the pram, at home and eventually as a keepsake.
Having their name quietly embroidered onto it makes it feel even more personal.
For me
After a C-section (and for that matter any delivery), comfort is everything.
I’ll be prioritising loose, soft clothing that’s easy to put on and comfortable around the incision, along with a soft dressing gown, comfortable underwear and something easy to wear home.
And, importantly, things that make the hospital room feel a little more like home.
Our practical hospital bag list
For Mum
- Loose, comfortable nightwear (think oversized, loose, as irritation free as possible think soft materials (cotton, bamboo, jersey) - I’d take an option for being too hot and too cold!
- Peppermint tea (can comfort trapped wind after surgery)
- High-waisted, comfortable underwear (especially the Frida mom ones)
- Soft dressing gown
- Hospital only slippers and new cashmere socks (hello winter baby)
- Toiletries (lip balm, pads, nipple balm, add a little bit of luxury in your toiletries you deserve it)
- Flannel/big towel/hair tie's/shower essentials
- Hairbrush and flat claw grip (my hairbrush obsession is La Bonne Brosse)
- Large water bottle (a fold straw Stanley is my go to, it can be stored laying down without leaks)
- An eye mask, mines Dore and Rose (for relaxation)
- Pillow and blanket from home (of course my BB hug me pregnancy pillow, the best)
- Easy outfit for going home (easy shoes, swelling is possible, breastfeeding bra’s and accessible clothing, feeding dependant)
- Antibacterial hand sanitiser
For Baby (this really depends on the time of year, Hugo was a summer baby so less layers, this is for December)
- 4–6 sleep suits long sleeved this time, for winter (Baby Mori are on my list)
- Vests (short sleeved)
- A soft layer (specifically for us, our cashmere baby sweater in size 0-6)
- Muslins (rather than bibs, link to the softest i’ve found)
- Scratch Mittens (Hugo tended to scratch his little face, some say not essential, but we used them)
- Our personalised cashmere blanket
- Nappies and wipes (specifically water wipes, I also noticed a new baby skincare brand called Softie Baby (mum founded!) created a no rinse cleansing cream as an alternative I’ll definitely be ordering)
- Cotton wool balls / pads
- Hat and booties for going home and a plain white newborn hat (Our going home set of hat and booties is from La Coqueta)
- Car seat and base (we have the Cybex Cloud T)
- Antibacterial water vital baby
- Sleep sack, with Hugo the hospital was so hot but this time, as a just in case (The Clever sleeping bag by Baby Mori or we love The White Company) the tog you need will be depending on the temperature in the hospital, personally I’d suggest a lower tog (1 tog or 1.5 rather than a heavier) and then layering up based on safe sleep recommendations and guidance and temperature dressing guidance (maybe also take a room thermometer for guidance)
- Anything essential for feeding/how you choose to feed
A few extras
- Separate bags or packing cubes for each size of clothing (newborn and the next size up factoring in a possible bigger baby) and for ease for your birth partner
- Small laundry bag for used clothes
- Extra-long charging cable
- Any items recommended by your hospital or midwife
- Cash for parking
- Washable Breast Pads
Everyone’s hospital bag will look a little different, and your own hospital’s guidance should always come first.
The little things
Perhaps the loveliest thing about preparing for a second baby is knowing just how quickly these early days pass.
The first outfit. The first blanket. The journey home.
So amongst all the practical things, I’m taking a few pieces that simply make the beginning feel special.
For little moments worth keeping.
Elizabeth Alexander Baby
100% cashmere · Personalised · Embroidered in Britain
