Choosing and packing your hospital bag as an expectant mama has become a bit of a ritual, and so it should be. It's the bag that will hold everything you need close to you on that special day, the day you welcome your little one into this world. Once packed, you feel prepared and organised,  and just that little bit closer to greeting your new arrival. So we decided to help make it a little easier for you and create a check list of what essentials you should be packing in your hospital bag. Most of the items are eco-friendly products as this is something we champion at Avery Row.

THE HOSPITAL BAG
Choosing the right bag is a very personal decision. Some prefer a bag that has gone all over the world with them and others something new which then becomes their parenting day bag or baby changing bag. Our changing bag is made from organic cotton in a quilted canvas with handy zip and elasticated pockets inside. Available in Sage, Flint, Nutmeg and Cinnamon.

THE ECO-FRIENDLY NAPPIES & WIPES
As soon as the little one arrives the routine of endless nappy changing begins! Make sure you are prepared by popping some baby nappies in your bag. We love these Eco by Nati Nappies and wipes. Nati is a Swedish brand that creates eco-friendly compostable nappies that are made from plant based materials.

THE ORGANIC MUSLINS & SWADDLES
This really is the new baby essential you cannot live without. The smaller size are for mopping up milk spills and placing on your shoulder to protect your clothes when burping your baby. The larger swaddles are perfect for wrapping the little one up to snuggle, using as a breast feeding cover, or a sun shade draped over the pram. Our Organic Muslin Squares and Organic Muslin Swaddles are super soft, practical and breathable and also come in four gorgeous designs.

THE ORGANIC BABY SLEEP SUIT
Make sure you pack a couple of little outfits and dress your little one up for the first time in the softest organic cotton sleep suit. We love the designs of the Organic Zoo Baby Sleep Suit. Especially the Oat Dots gender neutral style. Perfect if the sex of the baby is yet to be discovered. Don't forget those baby booties, scratch mittens and hat also.

THE COTTON BABY BLANKET
It is always a good idea to have a soft baby blanket on hand ready to wrap the little one up to keep them snuggly and warm. Even in summer, that first trip from the warm hospital and out in to the cool fresh air will be a big change for bubba! Our Blankets will do just that. They come in a range of gorgeous colours and make the perfect new baby blanket to pop in your bag.

MATERNITY PYJAMAS, DRESSING GOWN AND SLIPPERS
We searched high and low for the perfect maternity night gown and we think we may have found it. The Seraphine Ultra-Soft Maternity & Nursing Loungewear Set is the perfect pyjamas to take with you on the big day. You will be walking around the hospital so don't forget to pack your slippers and dressing gown! And make sure to pack those all important large comfy knickers to finish the ensemble.

SPARE SET OF COMFIES
It's hard to get the right balance of being comfy and not just living in your PJs. Cub&Pudding Scatter Shapes Adult Pyjamas are the perfect in-between! So comfy and cosy but also really stylish. Cub&Pudding is also founded by a fabulous super-mama and create beautiful textiles so make sure you check them out. 

TOILETRIES, MEDICATION & SANITARY TOWELS
You never know how long you and baby will have to wait until you can head home so better to be prepared and pack a toothbrush, toothpaste and any other overnight essentials you need. Also pack some Eco by Naty Sanitary Towels to make sure you are prepared after the little one arrives. Pack them safely away in one of our lovely Quilted Wash Bags. 

NURSING PADS
This always seems an easy one to forget with many new mums not thinking they will need them right away. But trust us, they are super helpful to have packed in the bag. There are so many great ones out there but we love the Organic Cotton & Bamboo set of 3 from Nature Baby Store. Super soft and kind to the planet. 

NURSING BRA
You cannot go wrong with this Carriwell Organic Crossover Nursing Bra from JoJo Maman Bebe. Made from the softest organic cotton this nursing bra is nice and simple to use making those first feed times so much easier for mum.

PLENTY OF SNACKS & DRINKS
We cannot forget our fave snacks. However long or short your labour will be, you will need energy on the big day, and it's so much nicer to have food packed with you that you want to eat rather than having to rely on a hospital vending machine. We like Graze just for ease, you can have them delivered to your door for even less fuss! And don't forget a water bottle or some juice cartons.

NOTES & PLANNING
Make sure you pack those all important maternity notes and birthing plan, if you have made one. Keep a list of important phone numbers in your bag and phone including the hospital and your midwife or doula.

BOOKS, MAGAZINES, PODCASTS & TECH
For when things may be taking a little bit longer at the start make sure you take a few things to keep yourself occupied. Pack your fave magazine or headphones to keep busy. And don't forget your phone and charger.

HAND HELD FAN, COOLING MIST & AROMATHERAPY OILS
Trust us, this is a god send. No matter what time of year you will be giving birth you will thank us for this one. We particular love the cooling mist from The Body Shop. 

To all the expectant mamas out there reading this, do comment below if you have any questions about packing your hospital bag and we will do our best to answer them. For more new baby essentials see our other blog posts.

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