Tessa Quinn
Packing a hospital bag for labour and delivery is an exciting milestone for expectant mothers. One of the most important items to pack is nappies for your newborn. Newborn babies typically go through 10-12 nappies a day, so it is recommended to pack a full pack of nappies in newborn size. If you plan on staying in the hospital for one night, you can consider packing half the amount and asking someone to bring the other half if your stay is extended. Additionally, you may want to bring cotton wool balls or pads, as they are gentler on the baby's sensitive skin than wipes during the early days.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of Nappies | A full pack of newborn-sized nappies (10-12 nappies) |
| Type of Nappies | Disposable or cloth nappies |
| Other Items | Muslin squares, blanket, socks, hat, going-home outfit, cotton wool balls or pads, baby wipes, nappy rash cream |
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$28.22 $30.23
What You'll Learn
How many nappies to bring for a short hospital stay
Packing a hospital bag for labour and delivery is an exciting milestone for expectant mothers. It can also be a nerve-wracking experience, as you want to ensure you have everything you need for your hospital stay. One of the most important items to pack is nappies for your newborn.
Newborn babies typically go through 10-12 nappies a day, so you should take a full pack of nappies with you, which should be enough for an overnight stay. However, it is always good to prepare for any complications and pack a few extra nappies. If you are only staying in the hospital for a day, you can consider packing half the suggested amount and have someone bring the other half if your stay is extended. This will also allow them to take the first set of dirty nappies home to wash.
Most hospitals will provide you with a pack of nappies, and some hospitals will also provide cotton wool balls or pads, which are used with water instead of wipes during nappy changes and to bathe your baby in the early days when their skin is more sensitive. However, you can also use hypoallergenic baby wipes to keep changes quick and simple.
In addition to nappies, there are other essential items you should pack, such as a blanket, muslin squares, socks, a going-home outfit for your baby, and a car seat that has been correctly fitted to your car.
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Nappy alternatives
When preparing for childbirth, it's essential to pack the right amount of nappies for your newborn. Most hospitals provide nappies, but it's still advisable to bring your own. For a short hospital stay, 12 newborn nappies should suffice, but it's recommended to pack more to prepare for any complications.
There are several alternatives to traditional disposable nappies that offer similar benefits in terms of comfort, absorbency, and convenience. Here are some options:
- Thrive Sapling Newborn Pack: This pack provides a comprehensive nappy system that is eco-friendly, cost-effective, and convenient. The wraps in the pack are designed to grow with your baby and can be adjusted to accommodate their growth. They are compatible with various inserts or fitted nappies, enhancing their versatility and absorbency. The Thrive Sapling is designed for newborns weighing between 5-12 lbs.
- Kit & Kin's Reusable Nappies: These nappies are a great choice for eco-conscious parents, offering a soft, sustainable, and long-lasting alternative to disposables. They are designed with soft materials to protect your baby's delicate skin and feature a gentle dip at the waistband to accommodate the newborn's umbilical cord.
- Pampers New Baby Nappies: These nappies are a good option for those seeking reliable leak protection, even during longer stretches of sleep. They feature a wetness indicator, which is helpful for nighttime changes, and a clear size print on the waistband. Pampers New Baby Nappies are approved by the British Skin Foundation and received the Gold award for Best Value Disposable Nappy in 2025.
- Hypoallergenic Baby Wipes: While not a direct alternative, baby wipes can be used alongside cotton wool and warm water to clean your baby during nappy changes. Hypoallergenic wipes are kind to your baby's delicate skin and make changes quick and simple. They can also be used for a freshen-up during labour.
- Cloth Nappies: Many midwives and hospitals are experienced with cloth nappies and are happy to accommodate them. Cloth nappies offer a reusable and eco-friendly alternative to disposable options.
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How many nappies to bring for a longer hospital stay
Packing a hospital bag for labour and delivery is an exciting milestone. It is important to pack the right amount of nappies for your newborn. Newborns go through far more nappies than you might realise as the milk or formula will go straight through them in the beginning.
If you are planning a short hospital stay, you can consider packing half a pack of nappies, so you don't have too much to carry. You can then ask someone to bring the other half if you need to stay longer. However, if you are planning for a longer hospital stay, it is recommended to pack at least a full pack of newborn nappies (around 10-12 nappies). This should be enough for an overnight stay, but it is always best to prepare for complications, so pack a few extra.
Some hospitals will provide you with a pack of nappies, but it is always good to be prepared. You might also want to consider using cloth nappies, which most midwives and hospitals are experienced with and happy to see being used.
In addition to nappies, there are other essential items to pack for your newborn. These include muslin squares, a blanket, socks, a going-home outfit, and cotton wool balls or pads for sensitive skin in the early days.
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Nappy-changing essentials
Nappies are one of the most important items to pack in your hospital bag. Newborns go through far more nappies than you might realise, so it's important to pack enough to cover your hospital stay. As a general rule, newborn babies typically use around 10-12 nappies per day. Therefore, it's recommended to bring a full pack of nappies in a newborn size to the hospital, which should be enough for an overnight stay. However, it's always a good idea to pack a few extra in case of any complications or an extended stay.
In addition to nappies, there are a few other essentials to include in your hospital bag for nappy-changing:
- Cotton wool balls or pads: In the early days, when your baby's skin is more sensitive, it's recommended to use cotton wool and water instead of wipes during nappy changes. The first poos can be very sticky, so having a whole pack of cotton wool will come in handy.
- Nappy rash cream: Newborn skin is extremely delicate, so it's important to use natural and gentle products. Look for creams that form a protective barrier on the skin to prevent nappy rash.
- Muslin squares: These can be placed over your shoulder to prevent dribbles and keep your clothes clean. They can also be used to wipe up any spit-up milk, as they can get soiled quickly. Aim to pack at least four muslin squares.
- Baby wipes: While this is a personal choice, some parents find that hypoallergenic baby wipes make nappy changes quicker and simpler. They can also be used for your own freshening up during labour or after giving birth.
- Scratch mittens: Pack a separate pair of scratch mittens if your baby's sleepsuit doesn't have them built-in. This will help keep your baby's hands warm and prevent them from scratching their delicate skin.
Remember, it's always better to be over-prepared, so don't be afraid to pack extra nappies and related essentials. You can also ask someone close to you to bring additional supplies if needed or to take home the dirty nappies to wash them, ensuring a fresh stack awaits you upon your return.
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Nappy creams
When it comes to nappies, newborns go through a lot more than you might expect. It is recommended to pack at least 12 nappies for an overnight stay in the hospital, with a few extra in case of any complications. Some hospitals will provide a pack of nappies, but it's always good to be prepared.
Now, onto nappy creams. Nappy rash is a very common skin condition that occurs when a baby's skin is damaged and irritated, often due to wearing a wet or dirty nappy for too long. The ammonia in wee and poo can irritate the skin, as can the dampness. Other causes of nappy rash include soaps, detergents, fragrances, plant or food products left on the skin, and certain disposable baby wipes.
To prevent nappy rash, it's important to keep your baby's nappy area clean and dry. Change their nappy frequently and allow their bottom to air out as much as possible. After each nappy change, clean your baby's skin with lukewarm water and cotton wool or a light cotton cloth. You can also use gentle, hypoallergenic baby wipes if you prefer. Then, pat the skin dry and apply a protective cream.
There are many different nappy rash creams available on the market, and it may take some trial and error to find the one that works best for your baby. Look for creams that are gentle enough for daily use and suitable for sensitive skin. Some popular options include:
- Bepanthen: This water-in-oil formulation helps seal in natural moisture and create the ideal conditions for skin healing. It contains provitamin B5 and is suitable for newborns.
- Sudocrem: This hypoallergenic formula contains vitamin E and provitamin B5 to form a protective layer on your baby's skin. It's paediatrician- and dermatologist-approved, made from 99% natural-origin ingredients, and is gentle and fragrance-free.
- Aveeno Baby Daily Care Nappy Cream: This is ideal for babies with sensitive skin.
- Magic Salve: This award-winning natural salve forms a protective barrier on the skin to prevent nappy rash before it develops.
- Zinc cream or petroleum jelly: These simple, cheap options can be easily found in supermarkets or pharmacies without a prescription. Apply them thickly enough to create a barrier that protects your baby's skin from wee and poo.
For severe nappy rash or cases that don't respond to simple measures, your GP may recommend weak corticosteroid creams or ointments like hydrocortisone 1%. Always follow the instructions on the packet, and remember that it will take several weeks for your baby's skin to fully heal.
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Frequently asked questions
Newborns typically use 10-12 nappies per day, so a full pack of nappies is recommended. If you're only staying overnight, 12 nappies should suffice, but it's good to prepare for complications and bring a few extra.
Disposable nappies are common in hospitals, but midwives and hospitals are usually fine with cloth nappies as well. It's ultimately your choice.
Muslin squares, a blanket, socks, a going-home outfit, and cotton wool balls or pads for cleaning are all recommended.
A whole pack is recommended.
Breast pads, maternity pads, a blanket or dressing gown, and dark-coloured underwear are all suggested.
