5 Hospital Bag Snack Ideas

April 15, 2016

The hospital bag is the one thing that many mums to be spend a lot of time planning. Or alternatively, spend more hours than you could ever imagine worrying about the fact that they still haven’t finished packing it.

As well as the essentials for mum and baby, always make sure you pack a supply of snacks for both you and your partner. You don’t want to run the risk of daddy missing the birth of his darling first born because he has was wandering the corridors on the hunt for food to keep you both going in the middle of the night!   

Snacking in the early stages may even help you cope better with the later stages of labour, by eating little and often and sipping water regularly. Carbohydrates that provide a slow release of energy are a good choice and they also tend to be easy to digest. Foods high in fat and sugar are best avoided as they may be harder to digest, increase your nausea as well as causing quick boosts followed by a crash.

We’ve put together a list of some snack ideas but remember to pack things that you like. It may sound obvious but now is the time to go for tried and tested snack ideas. Eat little and often as food takes longer to digest during labour. A snack an hour is a good guide for the early stages to keep your energy up but the best thing to do is to consult with your medical team.

Water

Make sure you take lots of water! Packing a few bottles of frozen water is also a good idea (particularly for a summer birth) given how hot it can  get in the labour & maternity wards!  And don't forget a take a few bendy straws to help you drink during labour.

Consider adding some fruit for a healthy twist of flavour. These Infruition Water Bottles are a great way of infusing fruit flavours into your regular water. 

Heathy cereal bars or flapjacks

Buy them pre-packaged or even make your own so you know what’s in them. This is a great healthy alternative recipe to sugar loaded flapjacks by Deliciously Ella. She uses ripe bananas and date syrup to add the sweetness: Banana, Pumpkin Seed & Almond Granola Bars.

Not only will these be great in labour but also following the birth of your baby, especially if you are going to be breastfeeding.

Fruit

Cold fruit such as grapes, blueberries or strawberries can be really refreshing and easy to snack on.

Sandwiches

The trusted sandwich is a great option for your hospital bag but make sure you keep them wrapped and in a cool bag depending on the fillings that you choose. Peanut butter is a good high energy option. We love Pip & Nut.

Plain biscuits or crackers

There are a huge variety on the market; oat cakes, rice cakes or the kind you would usually serve with cheese. The best thing to do is to take along a selection of your favourite. 

Happy packing!

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