I am just coming up to my 35th week of pregnancy – it’s time to get my hospital bag packed and ready for the arrival of our little boy.
It’s gone so quickly – however – its also felt like a lifetime!
There are so many checklists and guides out there, but thanks to my team at Bounce, I am sorted.
Here are things they recommend…
FIRST UP THE BAG…
I adore this bag from Blossom Boutique [click here for website]
The tag on the bag is perfect for a hospital bag -“And so the adventure begins!”
It’s also a great size to get everything all of the things you need to the hospital (even hubby won’t mind carrying it because it looks so damn classy)! It has two short handles as well as a long over-the-shoulder strap, so he can take his pick.
PURCHASE THE BAG HERE (back in stock JULY) > https://blossom-thornton.com/collections/katie-loxton-1/products/katie-loxton-weekend-holdall-duffle-bag-navy?variant=14596358242346
FOR MUMMY…
Blueberry Boo Kids Baby Hospital Bag Organisation Set…
Want an organised hospital bag to make accessing all the important things a little easier?
I love these Hospital Bag Organisation Sets, they include Baby’s First Ever Outfit (super easy to grab, stick a few nappies in there and your partner will be ready to grab and dress them in the first outfit you have painstakingly planned), Bottom Bits (perfect for all things bottom, nappies, cotton wool etc), Lotions & Potions (for you or the baby, perfect little bag to store your essential oils in if that’s something you are planning) and the option to add Mummy Things (a few size options mean you can fit everything from small tubes of hand lotion & lip balm, to maternity and breast pads and supplies for your first shower), Daddy Things (options big enough to fit cameras, phone chargers, energy bars). This set also makes a fab baby shower gift for your expectant friend!
As all items are made to order and have a turnaround time of 1-3 weeks.
Bags are made from 100% cotton. We use only the highest quality PVC free and baby safe vinyl.
PURCHASE HERE for £13.50 – https://www.notonthehighstreet.com/blueberrybookids/
Eat Rea Healthy Snacks…
The perfect healthy snack for your hospital bag…
Made from real, natural ingredients with no added nasties (artificial flavourings, colourings and preservatives).
Theres a range of flavours and they are incredible moreish! They are also one of my favourite snacks – so well done team Bounce!
PURCHASE HERE (prices range) > https://www.amazon.co.uk/stores/
Kegel8 Mother Nurture Electronic Pelvic Toner & Labour TENS Machine…
The Kegel8 Ultra 20 blocks the pain signals being sent to the brain and stimulates the release of endorphins for natural pain relief.
It also helps to relax pelvic floor muscles that become “locked” in pain. Treatment is easy too, if you aren’t able to use a vaginal probe you can stimulate points outside your body using electrode pads for fast effective natural pain relief.
Plus after birth you can use it to retrain your pelvic floor muscles! I have been training mine – there is a great app called Kegal which sets you a reminder every morning, try it!
PURCHASE HERE for £84.99 > https://www.kegel8.co.uk/kegel8-mother-nurture-pelvic-toner-labour-tens.html
Disposable Maternity Briefs…
Do I need to say anything else about these? Let’s just say I think they would be a good idea!
PURCHASE HERE > https://www.tesco.com/groceries/en-GB/products/263642632
femfresh Intimate Wash…
femfresh 0% sensitive intimate wash is enriched with purifying Lotus Flower Extract and contains no colours, fragrance or soap, to work in harmony with your intimate area for gentle and effective cleansing everyday.
PURCHASE HERE for £3.49 > https://www.superdrug.com/Toiletries/Feminine-Care/Feminine-Wash/
Mama Mio Products…
This range has been my NUMBER ONE must have product since I fell pregnant. I have used the products from day one and I have the softest little bump with absolutely no stretch marks.
I’ve also used the Boob Tube cream which has soothed inching, the yoga spray which has been good for relaxation and also the face mist which really refreshes you.
This Sleep Easy Kit contains the perfect relaxation products for labour.
This expertly curated lavender and mint collection will help create a sense of peace and calm for a restorative night’s sleep and relaxation.
Scented with relaxing lavender and calming mint for the ultimate evening de-stress. The perfect pamper set: strengthen skin, sleep deep and hit the snooze button on pregnancy insomnia.
This kit contains:
Sleep Easy Tummy Rub Butter, 120g
Clinically proven, Omega-rich stretch mark protection with a light but soothing lavender and mint fragrance.
Sleep Easy Pillow Spray, 50ml
Find peace of mind and scent your pillow and surroundings with this calming and soothing sleep mist.
Sleep Easy Bath and Shower Oil, 100ml
Balance skin and calm the mind with this luxurious bath and shower oil. Formulated with ultra-nourishing Organic Sunflower Seed Oil and Pumpkin Seed Oil.
PURCHASE HERE for £45.00 > https://www.mioskincare.co.uk/mama-mio-sleep-easy-kit/11468886.html
CEP Compression Socks…
The Socks for Recovery guarantee fast recovery between workouts thanks to two highly innovative technologies: highly effective medi compression and SMART INFRARED featuring yarns with bioactive minerals that use your body heat to stimulate recovery processes. The Socks for Recovery improve your circulation, prevent sore muscles and help you recover fast so that you can perform at your peak again in no time. Perfect for those swollen canckles!
PURCHASE HERE FOR £34.99 – https://www.cepsports.co.uk/socks-for-recovery-women.html#color=38&size=79
Mama Journals – The New Mama Journal…
A stunning baby journal and self-care diary that any new mum will find invaluable during baby’s first year.
The New Mama journal is ideal for your hospital bag! It’s a 365-day baby care tracker and a thoughtfully designed planner giving you re-assurance and helping you keep organised throughout your first year of motherhood…. whether it’s your first or fourth baby!
Inside there are; 52 weeks of daily baby journal pages to track feeds, changes and sleep; useful list pages (during pregnancy through to first birthday); weekly planners and self-care pages for mummy; positive quotes; places to record all the lovely milestones of baby’s first year; and pages for you to reflect on motherhood. Plus there are plenty of extra pages for to-do lists, notes and more.
Any mum-to-be or new mother will love having a place to write down everything baby related – giving her poor, sleep-deprived baby brain a break from needing to remember everything!
This stylish, gender-neutral and practical journal helps you to track and understand your baby’s routine, plan meals, reflect on how well you’re doing and give you some all-important reminders to look after yourself too. It will be with you every step of the way so you’ll always remember when the last feed was, when your baby smiled at you for the first time and how you were feeling during those life-changing first 12 months. It will help you to be the best version of you, a calm and happy Mama.
PURCHASE HERE for £48.00 – https://www.notonthehighstreet.com/mamajournals/product/the-new-mama-journal
Arm & Hammer Toothpaste…
A vegan friendly formula created from 95% natural ingredients as well as pure grade baking soda to gentle whiten your smile.
There is no excuse for bad breath! Don’t punish your hubby!
PURCHASE HERE for £1.48 – https://www.superdrug.com/Toiletries/Dental/Teeth-Whitening-Toothpaste/Arm-%26-Hammer-Natural-Clean-White-75ml/p/773898
Blistex Lip Brilliance Rosy Glow SPF15…
Apparently gas and air can make your lips dry!
Blistex Lip Brilliance® does it all! It’s enriched with lots of lovely stuff, like Vitamin E to naturally replenish, Silk Extracts for super-softness, and Grape Seed Oil to condition your pout. Its Hyaluronic Filling Spheres boost your lips’ natural fullness so they look healthy, full and fabulous.
PURCHASE HERE for £2.61 > https://www.boots.com/blistex-lip-brilliance-blushing-spf15-3-7g-10132734
BREAST FEEDING SUPPLIES…
Lansinoh HPA® Lanolin Cream (40ml tube)
Lansinoh’s award-winning HPA® Lanolin has been developed for breastfeeding mothers to soothe and protect sore and cracked nipples. It’s the safest, purest nipple cream available and completely hypoallergenic. A must have for new breast-feeding mums.
CLICK HERE for stockists RRP £10.45 > https://lansinoh.co.uk/product/lansinoh-hpa-lanolin/
Rite Aid Discs…
Rite Aid Hydrogel Breast Discs are one of the best selling products in Australia, recommended by maternity wards and midwives, and are now available in the UK. The discs provide cooling, soothing relief to cracked and sore nipples, allowing women to continue breast-feeding. They are safe and non-toxic for the baby, and keep the nipple area dry whilst restoring the skin’s natural moisture. They can save mothers who are about to stop breastfeeding due to the pain and soreness.
The discs are water-based treatments designed to provide a moist environment to accelerate the healing process, cooling and soothing the wound area, whilst restoring moisture to the wound. When applied to a wound, the hydrogel creates a barrier around the wound to protect against bacteria and excessive fluid loss. Unlike traditional dressings, they do not adhere to the wound, reducing the trauma to the skin when the disc is removed.
They are safe and extremely easy to use, however they are unlike anything else in the market; promoting healing from underneath the pad, they are not just an absorbent or protective pad like existing products. As soon as they are applied, they give instant relief of pain whilst simultaneously healing the cracked and sore nipple.
PURCHASE HERE > http://www.healthcare4all.co.uk/
Lansinoh Washable Nursing Pads – pack of four
Environmentally-friendly washable nursing pads created in response to mums demanding more eco-friendly options. These pads mould to the breast, offering complete discretion and are made from three layers to eliminate embarrassing leaks:
- A super soft skin facing sheet to provide superior comfort for even the most sensitive of skin or tender nipples
- A unique absorbent core containing bamboo fibres for fast absorption and drying
- A waterproof layer to stop any leaks
The pads are washable at 40 degrees and come complete with a special mesh washing bag to protect the pads in the washing machine.
CLICK HERE for stockists RRP £6.99> https://lansinoh.co.uk/product/new-washable-nursing-pads/
Bio-Oil Skincare Oil 60ml…
Bio-Oil Skincare Oil is the UK No. 1 scar and stretch mark product* that helps improve the appearance of scars, stretch marks and uneven skin tone.
It’s formulation contains a blend of vitamins and natural plant oils important for skin health, plus a unique ingredient PurCellin Oil™. PurCellin Oil™ creates a dry oil to ensure the ingredients are easily-absorbed into the skin where they can provide targeted treatment.
PURCHASE for £9.99, Available from Boots, Sainsbury’s, Superdrug, Tesco and all other national retailers
Weleda Nursing Oil…
Prepare for your breastfeeding experience to be the best it can be, using Weleda’s Nursing Oil during late pregnancy to soothe sensitive breasts. Natural essential oils of marjoram, fennel and caraway are traditionally used to stimulate milk-flow, and encourage lactation, while breast massage supports healthy free milk flow, and releases tension in the breast during pregnancy.
PURCHASE for £11.95 from Weleda.co.uk
WHAT TO WEAR…
Dagsmejan temperature controlled sleepwear…
The Balance 2.0 collection provides 4 Unique Benefits including:TEMPERATURE – The patented high-tech, lightweight and breathable natural fibres offer thermo-regulation through the night.SWEAT – Moisture-wicking zones have been added to help keep you dry and comfortable.FIT – The 4-way stretch enhances fit and offers a natural range of movement.COMFORT – No tags and flat ergonomic seams ensure a non-friction, no-rub experience.
PLUS the Balance 2.0 collection will:
– Keep you in the ideal climatic zone for longer, giving the wearer a deeper and longer sleep.
– Keep your skin 1°C cooler during the night versus cotton even as the room temperature rises.
– The 100% natural Nattwell ® fabric used in the new collection is:
6 x more breathable than cotton
4 x better at drawing moisture away from the skin
2 x softer than cotton
PURCHASE FROM > https://www.dagsmejan.com/collections/balance-women
Lily & Ribbon – Serentiy PJ Set and matching dressing gown…
Flexible and comfortable, the maternity and nursing pyjama set and robe is a perfect fit for all the pregnancy and beyond. This set is a beautiful addition in your maternity wardrobe with sophisticated details, such as stylish gathering on the wrists and refined lace on the shoulders.
I love Lily & Ribbon – YOU CAN GET 10% OFF BY QUOTING RACHEL10 AT CHECKOUT!
PURCHASE PJ SET HERE > https://www.lilyandribbon.com/serenity-pyjama-set-black RRP £75
PURCHASE ROBE HERE > https://www.lilyandribbon.com/serenity-dressing-gown – RRP £45
FOR BABY…
Mamas and Papas Basic Long Sleeve Bodysuits (5 Pack)…
Because babies go through them! Envelope shoulder opening for easy changing, they’re soft, comfortable and durable, retaining their shape no matter what life, or your little one, throws ate them.
PURCHASE HERE for £14.00 – https://www.mamasandpapas.com/en-gb/basic-long-sleeve-bodysuits-5-pack/p/s41zc17
Mamas and Papas Basic Long Sleeve Bodysuits (5 Pack)…
Just in case its a little warm! If you’re blue da ba dee da ba dye, then you’ll love their collection of blue bodysuits. They’re super soft and cosy in stunning blue shades. And because there’s five in a pack, you’ll never be short of spares. Well, almost never.
PURCHASE HERE for £12.00 > https://www.mamasandpapas.com/en-gb/blue-bodysuits-5-pack/p/s79gx15
Mamas and Papas Scratch Mitts…
Protect your little one from themselves with our soft secure scratch mitts. This pack of two gives you twice the choice, while the gentle cotton fabric ensures their face is well protected from their little nails and unwanted scratches.
PURCHASE HERE for £4.00 > https://www.mamasandpapas.com/en-gb/scratch-mitts-white/p/s70cx35g4
Mamas and Papas Blue Socks…
Everybody needs socks they’re a staple fashion accessory. Start your little one’s collection early with this five piece Mamas & Papas gift set of blue ribbed socks. Made with 100% cotton so it’s soft against baby’s sensitive skin.
PURCHASE HERE for £12.00 > https://www.mamasandpapas.com/en-gb/blue-socks-gift-box/p/s73kck4
Emile et Rose Novel Baby Boys Blue Velour Pull On Hat…
To keep their little head warm! Keep baby warm with this simple and luxurious pull on hat in pale blue velour which is turned up at the hem.
PURCHASE HERE for £10.00 from https://www.emile-et-rose.co.uk/novel-baby-boys-blue-velour-pull-on-hat
Little Bird Designs Birth Announcement Plaque…
Mark your baby’s birth with this gorgeous wooden birth announcement plaque.
The perfect way to announce the arrival of your little one.
Each plaque announces “Hello World I’m here” and there’s room to add all baby’s details (using a permanent marker) including Name, date, weight and height.
PURCHASE HERE for £10.95 – https://www.notonthehighstreet.com/littlebirddesigns/product/birth-announcement-plaque
Paper and Wool – Personalised Baby Name Short Sleeve Bodysuit…
A gorgeous outfit for your little one
This beautiful, personalised bodysuit is a perfect baby shower gift or if you’re looking for something fun for your pregnancy announcement then this is a lovely way to share your special news!
Personalised with the family surname so it makes the perfect gift for a baby shower or when you find out your bestie is pregnant and they haven’t yet chosen a name for the baby. These bodysuits are made from 100% white cotton making them extra soft for new babies.
PURCHASE HERE for £16.00 – https://www.notonthehighstreet.com/paperandwool/product/personalised-baby-name-short-sleeve-bodysuit
Muslin Squares… Aden and Anis…
Used when you breast feed or bottle feed a baby to wipe milk away from their mouths and clean up sick. It is also used during winding, usually over the shoulder when baby is held up against you in a hug position and having it’s back rubbed, protecting your clothing from sick.
PURCHASE HERE for £21.00 > https://www.adenandanais.co.uk/muslin-squares/metallic-gold-deco-3-pack-musy-muslin-squares-7235g
Snooze shade…
For bringing baby home these are perfect to keep the light out.
SnoozeShade for Infant Car Seats Deluxe is the air-permeable car seat sunshade and canopy that protects baby from the sun and other elements whilst encouraging sleep when needed. It works with Group 0/0+ infant carriers with rigid carry handles.Use it day or night, on holiday and when travelling so your little one can sleep comfortably wherever you are.
OTHER THINGS WHICH MAY BE HANDY!
Getting your little one home… don’t forget your car seat!
Straws… Could be useful for labour.
Flip Flops / Slippers… easy to put on and off quickly.
Ear Phones… In case you find yourself surrounded by noise.
Chargers… to keep your phone topped up.
Energy Drinks… to keep you going.
Nappies… for the little one.
Maternity Pads… for post birth.
Camera.. to capture your special (when requested) moments.
And so… I am ready for you Baby Hunt!
