With summer drawing to a close, influencer and entrepreneur Giulia De Lellis is counting down the final weeks before welcoming her first child. Over the past months, she has shared beauty tips, nutritional advice and behind-the-scenes glimpses of her pregnancy journey with her millions of followers. Now, she has turned the spotlight on a rite of passage for every new mum-to-be: packing the perfect hospital bag. Drawing on her recent viral Instagram video and medical advice from her gynecology team, here’s how Giulia’s “maternity must-haves” can inspire every expectant mother as she prepares for the big day.
Why timing matters: when to pack your hospital bag
Medical experts recommend having your hospital bag ready between weeks 34 and 36 of pregnancy. Beyond week 36, labour can begin at any time, so leaving your essentials until later risks last-minute panic. Giulia, now in her final trimester, finalised her bag early to stay calm, organized and focused on rest rather than packing.
Preparing in advance also allows you to:
- Ensure you’ve washed and sterilised baby clothes in a gentle, fragrance-free detergent.
- Test any pumps or devices you plan to bring.
- Review hospital requirements for personal items (snacks, paperwork, etc.).
Newborn essentials: pink perfection for baby Priscilla
In her Instagram reel, Giulia opted for an all-pink theme, selecting soft hues that celebrate her baby girl, Priscilla. Key items include:
- Cotton bodysuits (0–3 months): at least three, in long- and short-sleeve versions for temperature changes.
- Pink sleepers or rompers: featuring front snaps or zippers for quick changes in the middle of the night.
- Knitted baby bonnet: to keep little heads warm, especially in cool hospital wards.
- Anti-scratch mittens and socks: two sets each to protect delicate skin and prevent lost items.
- Light muslin swaddles: for calm, cosy wrapping and layering during feedings.
- Baby-care kit: digital thermometer, cotton pads, gentle baby wipes and saline solution.
By grouping outfits and accessories into labelled packing cubes or transparent pouches, Giulia ensures nothing gets misplaced when the big moment arrives.
Mom’s must-haves: comfort meets practicality
Giulia’s video also revealed her own essential items, chosen after consultations with her hospital’s gynecology department. For maximum comfort and ease during her hospital stay, she packed:
- Nursing-friendly nightwear: soft, button-down nightgowns or loose pyjama sets that facilitate breastfeeding.
- Supportive maternity bras: two wireless, cotton bras designed for both day and night wear.
- Disposable mesh underwear: to hold postpartum pads securely without discomfort.
- Heavy absorbency postpartum pads: choose fragrance-free, hospital-grade liners.
- Toiletries pouch: toothbrush, toothpaste, gentle shampoo, body wash, lip balm and travel-size moisturizer.
- Healthy snacks: granola bars, mixed nuts and dried fruit to keep energy levels up between scheduled meals.
- Water bottle and straw: to encourage hydration during labour and recovery.
- Phone charger and power bank: for capturing first photos and keeping in touch with loved ones.
Adding a personal touch—such as a favourite scented hand cream or a comforting playlist—can also boost morale and provide relaxation during otherwise busy hospital days.
Important paperwork: the admin side of hospital days
Amid all the carefully chosen garments, Giulia reminded followers to include key documents in an easily accessible folder:
- Identification and health insurance card: mandatory for patient registration.
- Medical records: antenatal notes, latest ultrasound reports and any test results.
- Birth plan copy: outlining preferences for labour positions, pain relief and immediate skin-to-skin.
- Emergency contacts list: phone numbers for partner Tony Effe, close family or doula.
Having these documents neatly organised avoids frantic last-minute searches and ensures hospital staff can begin care immediately.
Packing strategy: how Giulia stays organised
To keep packing stress-free, Giulia recommends dividing the preparation into four stages:
- Stage 1 – List creation: note every item required for mom, baby and partner.
- Stage 2 – Shopping and laundry: buy missing pieces and wash them with a baby-safe detergent.
- Stage 3 – Separate pouches: pack complete outfits for easier grabbing—bodysuit plus romper plus bonnet in one bag.
- Stage 4 – Final bag: organize the main suitcase with pouches at the top, documents in an outer pocket.
This methodical approach, championed by Giulia, reduces anxiety and allows last-minute additions if needed.
Partner support: Tony Effe’s role in the prep
Behind every well-packed hospital bag, there’s often a supportive partner. Tony Effe closely assisted Giulia by:
- Co-crafting the checklist and checking off each item.
- Researching top-rated maternity and baby brands for quality essentials.
- Ensuring all paperwork was signed, copied and stored in the admin folder.
- Tasting snack bars and choosing the most satisfying options for Giulia’s cravings.
This team effort not only lightens the physical workload, but also deepens their bond as they embark on the parenthood adventure together.
Ready for the big arrival
With only weeks to go, Giulia’s meticulously assembled hospital bag stands as a blueprint for any new mum. From pastel-pink newborn outfits to practical snack provisions and peace-of-mind paperwork, each detail has been carefully curated. As she and Tony eagerly await baby Priscilla’s grand entrance, they—and every expectant parent—can draw inspiration from Giulia’s approach: plan thoroughly, pack thoughtfully and step confidently into this life-changing moment.