What to pack in your hospital bag: your complete checklist

Last modified on Monday 8 August 2022

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As 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!

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.

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