Hospital Bag Checklist.

So, I have 4 weeks left before baby arrives and I cannot wait! I've decided to do this little blogpost mainly because I am so ready to have this baby and not be pregnant anymore, and this is just part of trying to pass the time and feel like we are closer to the day.

My bag is from Accessorize and baby's bag is from Storksak.

I am having a caesarean, so my bag will be a little different to the mums giving birth naturally. Not that much, just in a few details. I also won't be breastfeeding, so baby bag will include bottles and formula as opposed to nipple cream and nursing tops. Penelope was born at 11:43 on a Monday and we were discharged the next day at about 15:00, so I won't over pack this time like I did the first time. I had way too much stuff then: extra snacks, clothing and too much of everything for baby. Wojtek can always go home to get things if we need to stay longer. (Fingers crossed that won't happen.)

Mum's Bag:

1. Bag

2. Maternity notes (don't forget these!)

3. Toiletries (tootbrush, toothpaste, cleansing wipes/wash, shampoo, makeup - if you can be bothered)

4. Towel

5. Pillow (I'm having a c-section so it is essential for the journey back home in the car. It is the most painful bit and you need it to hold over your tummy.)

6. Breast pads (even if you are not breastfeeding you'll still have leaky boobs) and sanitary pads

7. Flipflops or slippers

8. Dressing gown

9. Comfy clothes for leaving the hospital, including some comfy panties

10. Phone & charger

11. Snacks & drinks (for you!)

Baby's Bag:

1. Changing bag

2. Sleepsuits x 4

3. Baby scratch mittens

4. Hats

5. Newborn nappies

6. Sudocrem or other bum cream, but personally I think Sudocrem is best.

7. Cotton pads (cotton pads are a bit more expensive, but less messy than cotton balls)

7. Swaddle Blankets (Penelope loved being swaddled, and these really help with flailing arms)

8. Burp Cloths (for burping and general spillage)

9. Wash cloths

10. Blanket for driving home.

11. Baby Formula (I bought the little Aptamil bottles with teats, so it's really easy and no need to sterelise anything)

Cotton pads or cotton wool with luke warm water worked best for the meconium (first sticky, black poo) and I used WaterWipes after that. I used Pampers with Penelope and will do the same with new baby, but a different brand might be better for your baby. They are all a bit different, so you might need to shop around first. With Penelope I bought a variety of newborn nappies instead of a lot of one single brand, but quickly realised Pampers fit best.

A gift for older sibling. I'm planning on giving Penelope a goody bag full of new art materials, a book or two, and some treats from her new sister.

Don't forget your car seat. The hospital won't let you leave without it.