What to pack in your hospital bag: your complete checklist
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Emily Cater
WriterAs you approach your due date, you'll no doubt be wondering what you'll need to pack in your hospital bag. Luckily, we've compiled this handy list of everything you'll need to pack ahead of labour. Trust us, it pays to be prepared!
Your notes and birth plan
Keep your maternity notes and your birth plan (if you have one) in a handy place ready to go at the top of your bag.
Pants!
Pack 7-10 pairs of knickers. You can buy disposable paper ones but loads of mums prefer to just buy a cheap pack of cotton knickers instead – much more comfortable!
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Just make sure you pick knickers with a super high waist, in case you end up needing a C-section; high-waisted knickers are less likely to irritate your scar.
Also arm yourself with two packs of sanitary towels. You can buy huge maternity pads but many of our mums tell us they preferred to buy maximum flow towels as they were just as absorbent but much comfier to wear.
Clothes for labour
Pack a couple of nighties or a large T-shirts to wear in labour. If you're planning a water birth, you might want to pack a bikini too.
Include a couple of changes of clothes, in case you need to stay in hospital for a few days after the birth. If you're planning on breastfeeding, tops that open in the front can be ideal.
You'll probably also want a dressing gown for wandering around the hospital; hospitals are usually pretty warm, so opt for something light.
Pack some cosy socks – your feet often get chilly in labour! Also you'll need a pair of slippers or comfy indoor shoes such as Crocs. Go for shoes you can put on without bending down; it'll make life much easier after the birth.
Remember you'll need clothes to go home in, too (although someone can always bring these in later when they visit).
For your baby
As well as clothes and underwear for you, you'll also need to think about your baby. They'll need a sleepsuit or two, vests, a hat and a cosy cardigan for when they go home.
Bring newborn nappies – you can get a full-size pack of Aldi Mamia's newborn nappies for FREE here. Read up on the key things to consider when buying nappies for your newborn baby.
You'll also need cotton wool as well as a cosy blanket to wrap your baby in. And muslin cloths are a must-have!
Lip balm and hair bands
It's good to think about the little things that will make you more comfortable in labour.
Many mums have told us that lip balm is a must-have to soothe chapped lips. This is especially handy if you're planning to use gas and air, which can dry out your lips.
Other suggested items include face mist, moisturiser, a hair bobble to tie back long hair, ear plugs and an eye mask, anti-bacterial wipes, face wipes and Rescue Remedy.
Oh, and a paper straw, so your birth partner can help you have a drink no matter what position you find yourself in!
Snacks and juice
Pack some snacks and juice cartons to keep you going throughout labour and in your stay in hospital afterwards.
It may be tempting to go for sugary snacks, but remember labour is a marathon, not a sprint! Loading up on too much sugary food can lead to an energy crash later on, while too much fatty food may make you feel sick during labour.
Instead, opt for foods that release energy slowly – sandwiches, fruit, nuts and crackers are all good options.
Energy tablets can be good for a quick pick-me-up if you need it towards the end, though.
Don't forget your toothbrush!
Pack a wash bag with all you'll need for an overnight stay – toothbrush, toothpaste, hairbrush, shampoo and conditioner, body wash and deodorant are all essentials.
You might also want your favourite moisturiser and a flannel to place on your forehead to cool you down in labour.
Finally, you may also want to take your own towels. Most hospitals will have some lying around, but they can be pretty threadbare.
Nursing bra and breast pads
You'll also need a nursing bra and breast pads. You can get measured for a nursing bra at around 36 weeks of pregnancy, and a trained fitter will advise you to allow a little extra space for when your milk comes in.
If you plan on breastfeeding, nipple cream is handy, too.
Phone or camera
If you're planning to use your phone to capture those precious first photos of your newborn, make sure you keep it fully charged, and that there's enough memory spare for plenty of snaps.
If your phone camera isn't up to much, you may prefer to use a separate camera instead; again, make sure it's fully charged and has plenty of space.
Most hospitals and birth centres will let you plug in small electrical items, but not always. It's a good idea to ring ahead and check what the rules are where you plan to give birth.
If necessary, you may want to buy a portable charger so you can be sure your phone won't run out of juice.
Books, magazines, puzzles
There might be lots of waiting around and quieter moments so pack some magazines, books, puzzles or a notepad and pen.
You could also make sure you have plenty of fun games downloaded on your phone to help pass the time in early labour.
Music
Many mums say that having the right music really helped them through their labour.
Create a playlist before your due date arrives. Include some slow and soothing music to help you relax between contractions in early labour, plus more upbeat tracks to spur you on when you're flagging.
If your phone's speakers aren't great, you might also want to take along some separate speakers or a docking station.
Pillow
Some mums love to take a pillow from home with them to hospital.
Choose one you love – it can be really comforting and means you'll be comfortable too and have a little piece of 'home' with you in your hospital bed.
If you've been using a special pregnancy pillow, you may find that handy for getting comfortable in different positions, or for helping with breastfeeding after the birth.
Birthing ball and TENS machine
Don't forget your birthing ball or TENS machine if you're planning to use them in early labour.
Some hospitals and birth centres have birthing balls you can use – so check in advance if you need to bring your own.
Car seat
If you're planning to drive home you will need to have a car seat fitted in the car – the hospital won't let you leave without one.
You can get advice from the shop you buy it from as to how to make sure it is fitted correctly.
Learn all you need to know about choosing a first car seat for your baby.
Your labour bag
Of course, you'll need a hospital bag packed and ready to go a few days before your due date.
The ideas for what you need to pack have largely come from Netmums members and are all things they found useful. You might not need them all – pick the things that might be useful to you.
Don't worry if you've forgotten something, you will likely have visitors and you can ask them to bring in anything you have forgotten or need.
For your partner
Don't forget about your birthing partner and what he or she might need.
Pack snacks and drinks, a camera, list of useful phone numbers, change for the hospital car park (if you need it), an MP3 player, mobile phone, comfortable spare clothes, and if they are joining you in the pool for a water birth then pack swimming trunks/costume too.
If you have older children
If you have an older child or children then it's a nice idea to pack a photo of them to bring in and pop on your bedside table.
Also think in advance about whether you want to buy a present for them 'from the new baby' and pack this too or have it ready somewhere at home.
Bring positive thoughts
Finally remember to take with you all the knowledge and skills you have learnt.
Relaxation, breathing, massage, visualisations and birthing positions for example. Positive thinking can increase your chance of having a straightforward labour.
Try to think yourself into being calm and strong and take this with you too!
Handy checklist
Make sure you have gathered and packed everything you will need.
Giving birth can feel like a daunting experience, and in the run-up to labour, you'll no doubt want to do everything you can to try and ensure things run as smoothly as possible on the day.
And that means being prepared. Alongside making sure you have all that you need at home in your nursery, you'll want to get organised and prepare your hospital bag at least a few days before your due date, so when you feel it's time to go, you just have to grab it and go.
After all, you don't want to get to hospital and realise you've left something crucial behind!
When should I pack my hospital bag?
It's a good idea to have it all packed and ready by the time you're 36 weeks pregnant. Remember, your due date is just an estimate, and many babies appear within a week or two either side of the due date, so it pays to be prepared.
If you're expecting twins or more, you may want to get it packed a bit earlier. Multiples are often born around 36 weeks or even earlier, so the NHS recommends that you aim to pack your bags from around 26 weeks if you're expecting more than one baby.
You may also want to pack earlier if you've been told you're at high risk of going into labour prematurely. For example, this could be if you've had an infection or problems with your placenta in this pregnancy, or if you're given birth prematurely before. If you're at risk of premature labour, your midwife should let you know and explain all about what it might mean.
What do I need to bring for myself?
Well, firstly there's the essentials like your maternity notes and your birth plan, which will ensure you, your birth partner and your midwife are all on the same page right away.
Then, there's other must-have bits and pieces like spare maternity underwear, a pack of super absorbent maternity or sanitary pads, socks, a nightie or large size t-shirt for labour, and your usual toiletries.
Presume you will be in hospital at least for one night, so things like face wipes, toothpaste and a toothbrush, a flannel, and moisturiser should all be packed. A small battery-operated hand fan is also great for keeping you cool.
If you're planning on breastfeeding, don't forget a nursing bra and breast pads, too (in fact, you'll need the breast pads even if you're not breastfeeding, as your boobs will leak either way).
It's also wise to pack things to do for any lulls or quiet periods (yes, they do happen!) – books, magazines, knitting, puzzles, or an MP3 player are all ideal. Whatever relaxes you best.
Lastly, you might want to take with you some home comforts. This could be a pillow or blanket from home to help you sleep, a picture of any other children you have, or your favourite snack.
Little things like this might just help keep you that bit calmer during labour.
If you have any special needs, chat to your midwife about whether you'll need anything extra that's not on our list.
What do I need to bring for the baby?
Of course, some of the most important items in your hospital bag will be for your newborn baby.
According to the NHS, the essentials include:
- bodysuits, vests and sleepsuits
- an outfit for going home in
- a hat, scratch mittens and socks or booties
- plenty of nappies
- a shawl or blanket
- muslin squares
- a pram suit if it's cold
- a decent car seat for the trip home
A car seat is a particular must-have if you plan on leaving the hospital by car; they won't let you leave with your baby without one!
Buying your baby's first clothes can be a really exciting time in your pregnancy, but don't get carried away. Babies grow really quickly, so don't buy too many newborn clothes or newborn nappies for your baby.
What does my birth partner need?
Presuming they'll be with you for the entire birth, they'll also need a spare change of clothes, toiletries, books or music, snacks and drinks and a phone. Be sure to pop all your important numbers on it prior to your trip to the hospital.
You might also like to draw up a list in advance of who you want to tell as soon as you go into labour, and who you want to tell once the baby is born.
Will I be able to charge my phone at the hospital or birth centre?
Most hospitals and birth centres will have somewhere you can charge your phone, but it does vary from place to place. It's a good idea to call up beforehand and check.
If you're in any doubt, you could always invest in a portable charger.
There may be particular areas of the hospital where you can't use your phone, but the midwife or doctors will give you the guidance you need.
What's the best kind of bag to use?
It's completely up to you; you may find that your normal holiday luggage works well. There is limited space on the labour ward, so bear that in mind. The NHS says that anything from a rucksack to a small suitcase should be fine.
You may like to opt for a bag with lots of different compartments, so you can easily find what you need. Or you could pack several small bags in one big bag to make it easier to see where everything is.
What else do I need to know?
Try not to go overboard, with a super-size bag – hospitals are often short on space, so only pack the essentials for yourself and the baby, as well as a couple of home comforts.
You could also pack two bags; one for what you'll need during the birth, and one for what you'll need on the postnatal ward. That way, you can leave one in the car and swap them over later.
You might want to keep a list of what you need next to the bag, and check things off as they go in. That way, you won't find yourself anxiously packing and re-packing the bag to make sure everything's in there; you can just check your list.
Another tip is: once you've packed, get your birth partner to unpack and re-pack it all. That way, they'll know exactly where everything is, and will be able to find it quickly for you when you need it.
Finally: don't worry! It's easy to get into the mindset of thinking you have to include absolutely everything or labour will be a disaster. But in reality, if you do forget anything, you can usually call someone and have them drop it by, or you may even find that you're fine without it.
You certainly don't have to bring everything on this checklist, some of it you may see no use for, but it's a good starting point if you're unsure of what you might need. So print it out, and get ready to pack!
Home births
If you're planning to give birth at home, you should discuss your plans and what you need to prepare with your midwife. Think about where in your home you will be most comfortable giving birth.
At the very least, you're likely to need:
- clean bed clothes and plenty of towels
- clothes (including a hat) and nappies for the baby
- a couple of packets of super-absorbent sanitary or maternity pads
Even if you're planning to have your baby at home, you should pack some things in case you need to go into hospital unexpectedly at any point.
Check out our complete home birth essentials list.
Are you nearing your due date and wondering what to pack for hospital? Or do you have some top tips on items that helped you during labour? Share your experience with other mums-to-be over on our Forum.
