Modern are stepping up their game when it comes to packing their hospital bags for , with luxury pyjamas, socks, and pillow mists making the cut. A survey of 1,000 women who've given birth in the past five years, along with 100 expectant mothers, revealed they've an average of £120 to create the perfect birthing suite ambiance.
The contemporary maternity bag essentials now include Bluetooth speakers for a personalised birth playlist, a phone tripod for the inaugural family photo, and even under-eye masks. With an average of 12 meticulously selected items packed, some mums have gone as far as bringing in aromatherapy diffusers to maintain tranquillity during contractions.
Bola Sol, a savings expert at , which commissioned the study and has launched a limited time cashback offer of 10% for existing members and 20% for new customers at high-street retailer Boots, commented: "The findings reflect how important it is for many women to feel calm, in control and comfortable when giving birth."
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"Whether it's a soothing playlist, a favourite pair of pyjamas or a spritz of pillow mist, these thoughtful touches can help boost confidence and reduce stress – which is good for both mum and baby."
The research also highlighted that mums invest significant time planning their bags – with 33% contemplating what to pack months in advance, and 28% starting to shop for items well ahead of time.
Affordability plays a crucial role in deciding what goes into these hospital bags. Almost half actively compare prices, and a third make sure they use cashback to stretch their budgets further.

Almost two out of five mums set themselves a for their bag. However, a third confessed to exceeding their budget in their quest to feel prepared for their hospital stay.
Comfort (73%) and practicality (52%) topped the list of priorities, but for 24%, including a few luxury or self-care items was crucial.
Over half (54%) sought advice from friends on what to pack, while 49% admitted being swayed by social media content. According to a study by OnePoll, 29% now view a high-end hospital bag as an integral part of their birthing experience.
Bol added: "Mums today are balancing self-care with smart shopping. They're using cashback and tools to get the best value, while still making space for a little indulgence.
"These bags are about more than comfort – they're about confidence, preparation and making the birth experience feel more personal."
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