The ultimate hospital packing list

There's certainly no shortage of hospital packing lists online (in fact, we've also posted one before) - but we thought it was time to take it up a notch and get specific. Because when it comes to your third trimester, there are enough decisions you need to be making. (Names and birth plans, anyone?)

So we've made it as easy as possible - here is everything you need to pack (including links to products that we highly recommend) - perfect for the organisational master within. 

Firstly, we need to start with two bags:

• Your labour bag 
• Your hospital stay bag

Your labour bag
This is going to be a smaller-sized bag, which you can happily carry in to hospital while knee-deep in rolling contractions. Our pick? An overnighter like this one from Lululemon. 

In here, you're going to store everything you need for labour, as well as your toiletry bag (because there's likely some more space in this one). So now, what to pack

For labour:

• Your birth plan (if you have one)
• Any documents your doctor has been using throughout your pregnancy
• Your phone
• Your wallet
• A charger
• A book (something light, please)
• Lip balm
• A room spray
• A massage oil
• A good water bottle with a straw
• Snacks! (Nuts, dried fruit, and easy things to eat are our top picks.)

Your toiletry bag (we recommend buying this set - which covers you off for a lot of your products - and using the bag as it's a fabulous size): 

• Make up wipes
• Cleanser (included in your set above)
• Moisturiser (included in your set above)
• Deodorant
• Tinted moisturiser
• Concealer
• Something for your brows
• Waterproof mascara
• Cream blush 
• Hair brush (whatever is already sitting in your cupboard)
• Straightener (if you don't already have one ... You don't need one now.)
• Hair elastics (we know you have these already)
• Dry shampoo
• Razor (you don't need a link for this)
• Shampoo (included in your set above)
• Conditioner (included in your set above)
• Toothbrush
• Toothpaste

Your main bag
This all depends on your hospital - including how long you'll be in hospital for, and whether they provide essentials for your baby. We've assumed a 4-night stay at a hospital that provides what your baby needs throughout your stay. Use your favourite small suitcase - ideally a carry-on size (it may seem small - but with this clever list - you can do it). Now, get packing:

• 2 x maternity bras
• 8 x pairs of big, black undies
• Pack of maternity pads (if you run out mid-stay, remember that your partner or a friend can pop down to the hospital's pharmacy to grab you some more)
• Pack of breast pads
• Pyjamas
• Robe
• Slippers
• Thongs
• Comfy shoes (and socks if you need them with the shoes)
• 2 x pairs of bed socks
• Post birth recovery shorts
• 4 outfits:
• Loose t-shirt and tights
• Maternity singlet and loose pants
• Oversized shirt and tights
• Loose t-shirt and pants
• Cardigan
• Light scarf 
• Going home outfit (something easy!)
• Going home outfit for your baby (onesie and socks are a good idea)
• Another bag tucked inside to pop all your washing in for at-home; a canvas bag from your supermarket is fine! (And you can then use the extra room in your suitcase for all those gorgeous gifts you'll inevitably receive and hospital mementos.)

And you're done! It may seem light-on, but with this super simple packing list, you'll be set with just what you need for your hospital stay - nothing more, nothing less. Is there a better way to pack!?

Good luck! X

Image via Gentry California.