Hospital bag essentials

Posted by scotsgirlinhk (49 days ago)

So I have read all the books about what they advise I should pack but i am looking to hear form those who have delivered at Queen Marys about what the actaul essential are to pack for both myself and my newborn.............practical advice much appreciated............from mittens to maternity pads!!!

(I am based in Hong Kong)

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Posted by cara (49 days ago)

you need to take EVERYTHING.

toilet roll
tissue
cup
towel
shampoo
soap
flipflops (for the shower)
*******EARPLUGS*********(do not forget these!)
magazines/book/ipod/laptop
mat pads
underwear
under/bed pad
clothing for leaving hospital for you and baby (they supply wraps and blankets for baby)
snacks
eyepatch for sleeping
toothpaste
toothbrush
dental floss
cotton buds
nappies
wipes/cotton balls (& bowl for water)
lip balm
hand cream (i found it rather dry)
i took peanut butter and a half loaf of bread with a knife in case i wanted a late night snack
bra pads, in case your milk comes in before you leave hospital


i found the food absolutely abyssmal (i was in 13 times over two pregnancies). hubby brought food for me, but you can also order from soho delivers, dial-a-dinner, pizza hut etc. and have them deliver to you on the ward. no problem. just have them call you when they arrive and you can meet them outside the doors.

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by Sarah99 (48 days ago)

The QM are very strict about which types of maternity pads / under bed sheets that you need for when it comes to giving birth - they seem to delight in sending off hubby in search of additional supplies (or should I say their preferred brand). There are (conveniently) a couple of shops on the ground floor of K block which sell these - so make sure you get the right ones and enough to sink a battleship or expect hubby to be sent off on spending spree!

You MUST provide nappies for your baby - I preferred pampers new born as the have a strip in the that turns blue when wet, they want to make sure the baby is passing urine (i.e Breast feeding is working if you intend this route).

In the ward they PREFER you to wear their pyjamas - they will also provide wraps for the baby, about the only clothing I saw that was not hopital issue was a "top" layer to keep yourself warm - A/C is on all the time in the ward and you might get chilly, other than that you knew when someone was going home as they got to wear their own clothes. Although the hospital issue for both you and bub are hideous you are likely to get through quite a few changes through one thing and another so at the end of the day it is easier to wear their clothes. All the bathrooms keep a stock of clean clothes / blankets for both mum and babe so you can change as many times as you need in one day without worrying.

Other than that Cara has summed up all that you need - the only additional item I might add would be the antiseptic hand gel, and a sense of humour and understanding for the differences between east and west thinking

Good luck you'll be fine - for most people theyare only in for a few days.

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by scotsgirlinhk (48 days ago)

thanks for this ladies, much appreciated.....
i know its a bit naive but what do you actaully wear during labour?? or is it just a sheet??

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by cara (48 days ago)

can't say as i had a c-section both times and have never experienced any labour.

ps>i never had a problem with the bedliners or the mat pads.
i also found the place quite warm and always took my own camisoles/tank tops to wear. i sometimes put their top on over top.


also, i took my own pillow, made me more comfortable

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by PDNS (48 days ago)

mittens for baby. Bring few pairs. I cannot imagine how long the new borns fingernails are.... i had to ask my husband to bring some from home EARLY in the morning as my boy was scratching his face all over - red with some blood stains!

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by Sarah99 (47 days ago)

When it comes to labour I think (god how soon you forget) you wear a hospital gown - I seem to remember changing from the hospital PJ's into those ever so exposing tie fasten up your back things! Don't worry though as you get whisked off to delivery ward in wheelchasir with blanket over you so your dignity is preserved on the move!

(I am based in Hong Kong)