Hospital bag checklist – what to pack for you and your baby
Babies do things in their own time, and only 1 in 20 will arrive on their due date.
It might be a good idea to get your hospital bag packed at least 3 weeks ahead of the due date, so that you're all ready to go if your baby decides to make an early appearance.
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What to pack for you
In your hospital bag, make sure to pack:
- your birth plan and hospital notes
- loose, comfortable clothing to wear during labour
- dressing gown and slippers or flip-flops (which are also good for wearing to the shower)
- nightwear – front-opening or loose-fitting if you're going to breastfeed
- 3 changes of comfortable clothes
- socks
- 5 or 6 pairs of knickers, disposable ones may be useful
- 2 or 3 comfortable bras, including nursing bras if you're planning on breastfeeding
- breast pads
- 2 packets of super-absorbent sanitary or maternity pads
- your wash bag – with toothpaste, toothbrush, hairbrush, flannel, soap, lip balm, deodorant, hair bands, hand sanitiser, body lotion and anything else you need
- an eye mask may help you sleep on the brightly lit ward
- towels
- your own pillows
- healthy snacks, drinks and a water bottle (one with a straw may be handy)
- a fan or water spray to help keep you cool
- any medicines you're taking
- a TENS machine if you have decided to use one for pain relief (with spare batteries)
- books, magazines, podcasts, music playlists – anything to help you relax and pass the time
- phone and phone charger (an extra-long charging cable or battery pack can be useful)
- spare glasses or contact lenses if you wear them
- a spare bag for any washing
What to pack for your baby
For your baby, remember to take:
- bodysuits, vests and sleepsuits
- an outfit for going home in
- a hat, scratch mittens, socks or booties
- snowsuit if the weather is cold
- nappies
- cotton wool or wipes
- muslin squares
- car seat for the trip home
- a blanket or shawl
A few suggestions for your birth partner
- a change of clothes
- toothbrush, toothpaste and deodorant
- phone and charger
- camera or camcorder
- snacks and drinks
- swimwear if they'll be getting in a birth pool
- any medicines they're taking
- spare glasses or contact lenses if they wear them
- spare change for the car park and vending machine
Download the hospital bag checklist
You can use our downloadable version to easily edit and print your checklist.
