Hospital bag checklist: What to pack in your hospital bag

Your handy checklist for mum, partner and baby!

The big day is approaching and the question on the mind of every mum-to-be is what on earth do I pack in my hospital bag, when shall I pack it and how much do I actually need to take with me?! Read our helpful guide on packing your hospital bag, from handy checklists for mum, birth partner and baby to when it's best to start preparing.

When to pack your hospital bag.

No-one likes to feel un-prepared – especially when it comes to labour and birth. That’s why it’s generally recommended to pack your hospital bag at least 2-3 weeks before your due date. This way, if your little one does decide to make an early appearance, you’ll be ready to go with one less thing to think about. Once your bag is packed, store it in an easily accessible, convenient spot, such as by the front door or in your car, so it’s easy to grab should you need to.

How to organise your hospital bag.

A small carry-on suitcase or weekend holdall is an ideal size for a hospital bag. It offers ample space for all your essentials without overcrowding your hospital room or ward.

As a general starting point, pack enough for a couple of nights. If you need to stay longer, you can usually bring additional clothes and supplies to the ward, so you don’t need to pack everything from the start. You could leave extra clothes and everyday essentials ready at home for someone to bring in if needed.

To make accessing your items easier during your stay, consider organising your belongings into clearly labelled packing cubes or sealed bags. This way, you can quickly find what you need without rummaging through your entire bag. Keep the things you’re likely to reach for first somewhere easy to access, and pack your bag with your birth partner if you can so they know where everything is when you need it.

It’s also best to leave valuables at home where possible, so there’s less chance of anything being lost or damaged during your stay.

A changing bag can also help keep baby’s nappies, clothing and other essentials together and easy to reach.

What to pack for Mum: Everything you’ll need for labour and birth.

Hospital file – Keep your medical notes handy so doctors and midwives can easily look at your history whilst you’re in the hospital.
Birth plan – If you have one, it’s a good idea to have a few copies of your birth plan printed out for reference.
Nightdresses – Take something comfortable to wear during labour, ideally with easy access for skin-to-skin and feeding, plus a couple of changes of comfortable clothes or nightwear for afterwards.
Super-absorbent sanitary or maternity pads – Pack maternity pads rather than liners for after the birth. Your hospital may provide these for you, but it’s best to have your own just in case.
Comfortable underwear – Pack 5-6 pairs of big, comfy knickers. You may prefer to go up a size for extra comfort, while high-waisted styles can be useful after a C-section.
Comfortable bras or nursing bras – Pack 2-3 comfortable bras, including nursing bras if you’re planning to breastfeed.
Phone, charger and battery pack – So you can stay in touch with loved ones and take those precious first photos.
Loose-fitting clothing – take a change of clothes in case you need them during your hospital stay, plus an outfit for going home in.
Healthy snacks and drinks – Because there’s nothing worse than being hungry! Pack easy-to-eat snacks to graze on between meals.
Refillable water bottle – To help you stay hydrated and keep water close by.
Dressing gown – To keep you comfortable and cosy during your stay.
Socks – Lots of women say their feet get cold during labour, so be sure to pack a warm, comfortable pair if you think you’ll want them during labour or your hospital stay.
Slippers, flip flops or sliders – For walking around the ward and using the shower.
Wash bag – Pack a toothbrush, toothpaste, hairbrush, flannel, soap, lip balm, deodorant, nipple cream and hair ties.
Comfortable pillow – Although the hospital will provide you with a pillow, it’s sometimes more comforting to have your own there with you.
Books, magazine, tablet, playing cards, music or podcasts – Labour can take its time, so be sure to pack books, magazines or a tablet with movies downloaded to keep you entertained.
Eye mask and ear plugs – The hustle and bustle of a hospital doesn’t stop at night, so an eye mask and ear plugs may help you get some rest.
Breast pads – Disposable or reusable breast pads can be useful when your milk comes in to keep milk and moisture away from your skin. If you’re planning to breastfeed, read our guide to breastfeeding and expressing for more advice.
Towels – If you prefer to use your own.
Water spray or fan – May help keep you cool during labour.
TENS machine - If you’re planning to use one during labour, remember to pack it and make sure it’s ready to use.
Medication - Remember any regular medication you’ve been advised to continue taking during your hospital stay.

What to pack for your Birth Partner: To keep them entertained, occupied and comfortable.

Small pillow – Your hospital stay may go on longer than planned, so taking a small pillow for your partner will help them get some rest during your time on the ward.
Entertainment – When hospital boredom strikes, it’s best to have a tablet, book, magazine or board game handy to pass some time!
Snacks and drinks – To keep your partner fed and watered during longer labours.
Phone/camera and chargers – For those first photos and updates for family.
Comfortable clothing – They too might be in the hospital for long periods of time, so wearing comfy clothing will help during the day – and night!
Their own essentials – If there’s a chance they’ll be staying for a while, they may want to bring basic toiletries and anything else they’ll need to stay comfortable.

There’s more to being a birth partner than packing the snacks. Discover our guide to being a supportive birth partner for more ways they can prepare.

What to pack for your baby: The most exciting part!

Nappies – Your little one may need up to 12 nappies each day, so it’s best to pack at least three days’ worth of newborn nappies.
Babygrows and baby vests – Pack at least three of each so you’re prepared for any accidents!
Muslin cloth – Perfect for feeding, burping, using as a towel or shawl.
Cotton wool - Useful to have ready for newborn care.
Socks, hat and scratch mittens – To keep your little one warm and protected whilst you’re in hospital.
Cellular Blanket – Pack a cellular rather than fleece blanket for your newborn, for warmth and comfort.
Formula and bottles, if needed – If you’re planning to formula feed.
Going home outfit – Depending on the time of year, pack a going home outfit that suits the climate and will keep your little one warm, for their first journey home.
Car seat – Be sure to have your car seat fitted a few weeks before your due date. Practise fitting it, and taking it in and out of the car ahead of time so you have ultimate peace of mind on the big day.

Getting ready for baby’s first journey home

Packing baby’s essentials is only part of preparing to leave hospital. If you’ll be travelling home by car, getting familiar with your newborn car seat before your due date means there’s one less new thing to figure out on the day.

Check that your car seat is compatible with your vehicle and practise fitting it ahead of time. It’s also worth familiarising yourself with the harness so you feel confident securing your little one correctly.

Think about baby’s going-home outfit too. Choose thin, comfortable layers that allow the car seat harness to sit securely against your baby, rather than thick or padded outerwear underneath the straps.

If you’ll be walking from the hospital or continuing your journey on foot, make sure your carrycot is ready to use too.

For more advice, read our guide to bringing your newborn home from hospital safely.

Packing your hospital bag: FAQs

What snacks should I take in my hospital bag?

Pack easy-to-eat snacks that keep well, such as cereal bars, crackers and dried fruit. Choose foods you enjoy and include drinks to help you stay hydrated, plus enough for your birth partner. Check with your maternity unit if you’ve been given specific guidance about eating and drinking during labour.

How many nappies should I pack in my hospital bag?

Pack around 12 newborn nappies in your hospital bag, and consider taking a few more than you think you’ll need so you’re covered for changes, leaks or a longer stay. If you do run out, extra supplies can be brought to the ward.

What should I pack in my hospital bag for a C-section?

For a planned C-section, pack loose-fitting clothes and comfortable, high-waisted underwear that sits above the wound area, alongside your usual hospital essentials.

You may need to stay in hospital for longer after the birth, so ask your maternity team how long you should prepare for and whether there’s anything specific they recommend bringing.

Do I need to take formula and bottles to hospital?

Whether you need to bring formula and bottles depends on what your maternity unit provides. If you’re planning to formula feed, contact the unit before your stay to check whether you need to bring ready-to-feed formula, bottles or any other feeding essentials.

What does the hospital provide for me and my baby?

What hospitals provide can vary, so check with your maternity unit before you finish packing. Ask specifically about items such as maternity pads, nappies, formula and feeding equipment so you know what you’ll need to bring yourself.