What to Pack in Your Hospital Bag ?
It’s best to have your bag packed by around 36 weeks.
You might want to pack two: one for the birth itself and a smaller one for your postnatal stay.
For Mum: Labour and Postnatal Care
- Essential Documents and data:
Your maternity notes (this is your green or purple folder).
Your birth plan (if you have one).
Any medication you are taking.
Hospital paperwork (e.g., your MATB1 form).
A useful phone number list for people to call after the birth. - Comfort during Labour:
A loose, comfortable nightdress or an old t-shirt (front-opening if you plan to breastfeed).
A dressing gown.
Slippers (non-slip for walking the corridors).
Bedsocks – your feet can get cold.
A flannel or sponge to cool your face.
Lip balm – hospital air is dry.
A water spray (e.g., an Evian mist spray)Your own pillow (often a welcome comfort). - For After the Birth:
Maternity pads – very important; you will need several packs (do not use tampons).
Big, comfortable knickers (full briefs) – dark colours are practical, or disposable ones.
A comfortable nightdress or pyjamas (front-opening for breastfeeding).
A comfortable outfit to wear home (you will likely still look around 6 months pregnant, so maternity clothes are best).
Nursing bras and breast pads.
Toiletries : toothbrush, toothpaste, hairbrush, hair ties, shampoo, conditioner, shower gel, deodorant.
A towel – hospital towels are often small and thin. - Sustenance:
A bottle of water with a sports cap.
High-energy snacks for you and your birth partner (e.g., flapjacks, cereal bars, bananas).
Money (cash coins )for the vending machine. - Entertainment:
Music playlist and a portable speaker or headphones.
A book or magazine.
For Your Baby:
- Vests (2-3) – short or long-sleeved depending on the season.
- Sleepsuits or “babygrows” (2-3) – with built-in mitts and socks are useful.
- A hat (a few thin cotton ones are usually provided by the hospital).
- A cardigan or pramsuit for the journey home.
- A blanket.
- Nappies (newborn size) – the hospital will have some, but it’s good to have your own.
- Cotton wool pads – recommended for nappy changes in the early days instead of wipes.
- Muslins (at least 2) – for mopping up milk and sick.
- Scratch mitts (if the sleepsuit doesn’t have built-in ones).
For Your Birth Partner
- A list of important phone numbers to announce the news.
- Snacks and drinks.
- A change of clothes (labour can be long).
- Something to read or watch on a tablet.
- A camera or phone with a good camera.
- Pound coins for car parking, vending machines, and the hospital coffee shop.
Essential for Going Home
- A properly fitted infant car sea – It is illegal to drive your baby home without one.
- Practice fitting it before your due date.
Final Tip
It’s a good idea to separate your things into different bags or sections: one for labour, one for after the birth, and one for the baby.
This makes it much easier for your midwife or partner to find what you need quickly.