For mother:

2-3 nightgowns and/or very comfortable, loose clothing that allows easy access to both your breasts (for breastfeeding) and to your nether regions (for giving birth and for washing)

Bathrobe

2-3 pieces of disposable underwear (can be purchased at pharmacies or baby stores)

Ultra heavy duty sanitary pads, or even better, incontinence pads (they absorb more moisture)

At least two towels, and some hand towels as well

Socks

Slippers you can wear into the shower

Nursing bra (not absolutely necessary as you will likely find it most comfortable to be braless)

“Going home” clothes. Assume that you will have the figure you did when you were 6 months pregnant. Do NOT pack pre-pregnancy jeans and expect to fit into them.

Toilet paper!!! The softer the better.

Soap, shampoo, toothbrush, toothpaste, comb, etc.

Plate, utensils, napkins, cup. Hospitals do NOT provide them.

Kettle (in case you want to boil water for decaf coffee/tea)

Camera and batteries.

A small inflatable swimming ring to sit on in case your episiotomy site hurts too much to sit on.

Phone and charger

Money (there may be vending machines)

PAPERS!

Recommendation: Printed name you want to name your child on their birth certificate

Picture ID (passport), marriage certificate, paternity declaration, address card, residency permit, etc.

For baby:

Soft receiving blanket to wrap baby in after birth.

3-4 changes of clothes including undershirts and footsie overalls or sleeping gowns

Hats, socks and mittens – newborns have trouble keeping warm

Although most hospitals provide some diapers each day, some mothers find that they do not provide enough.

As dictated by the weather, bring appropriate outer wear for bringing baby home.

Infant carseat on the last day to take baby home.

Prescription baby-care products prescribed by your baby’s pediatrician: includes diaper cream, bath cream, alcohol and antiseptic powder for cord care. Typically there is a nearby pharmacy where you can collect prescriptions.

TIPS

Diapers – your going be buying a lot of these. I found the best place to by was DM, Rossmann, Auchan, I am sure Tesco also has. Don’t look at the overall price, look at the unit price. Rossmann and DM typically run specials when you buy two bags at a time and if one isn’t offering the special then the other might be.

Don’t load up on sizes 0/1, they move quickly out of 0s.

Creams. If you can find A+D ointment buy it! You’re going to be wipping this on your child’s ass for the next 18m or so.

Baby wipes – get the unscented, less chance of a reaction. Fold up a bunch and put into a ziplock bag for the purse, car, diaperbag…you can never have too many.

Always have a change of clothes for the baby (maybe for you). When that first poo storm hits you’ll be happy you’re prepared.

Onesies are cheap but they move sizes quickly. Again, Tesco/Auchan are a great place to buy cheap, cotton clothes that’s just getting spit-up on, peed on, pooped on.

If your shy buy a nice big thin scarf to cover up when breast feeding. You’ll be how surprised how quickly you switch from modesty when your kids screaming.