You’re nearly there and are starting to get that nesting instinct. Before you sort out the nursery though, take some time to pack a bag for yourself and your new arrival to take into hospital with you. Have them ready a couple of weeks before your due date in case your baby decides to show up early. If you’re having a caesarean, pack enough for a few nights.

Your Baby's Bag

• Newborn size nappies
• Two or three vests
• One or two babygro body suits (plus a warm outdoor suit for on top if you’re having a winter baby)
• A soft cotton hat
• Cotton wool

• Wash bag with all your usual overnight essentials such as shower gel/soap, shampoo and comb (and hair bands if you wear them), flannel or sponge, toothpaste and brush, facial cleanser and moisturiser, body lotion. You might want to add a spritz bottle filled with water for using to spray cool mist onto your face during labour
• Towel Underwear, including nursing bras and breast pads
• Disposable knickers
• Nightie or oversized T shirt for the birth, plus a clean nightie/pjs for afterwards with button front opening for breastfeeding
• Change of clothes and underwear for going home in (maternity clothes will be fine)
• Lightweight bathrobe (maternity and post natal wards are hot) and slippers
• Maternity towels
• Bottle of water for sipping during labour; boiled sweets, fruit bars or similar to snack on
• MP3/CD player for listening to in the early stages of labour (or during labour);
• A book or magazines
• TENs machine if using
• Your antenatal notes and birth plan
• Camera/video camera
• Phone card or change for phone (mobile phones shouldn’t be used in hospitals) Any other creature comforts to help you relax
• Any other creature comforts to help you relax