Going through your hospital bag checklist can feel like preparing for an expedition, only with more nappies and fewer snacks for you (unless you plan better than I did the first time). For my first baby, I planned a home birth, but I still packed for a hospital transfer. Let’s just say my “just in case” bag turned into a “thank goodness I packed this” bag when I ended up needing it. For my second baby, I felt like a pro, but it was still such a lovely ritual, folding those tiny clothes and picturing my new little one.
Whether this is your first baby or you’re a packing expert by now, let’s make sure you’ve got everything sorted. And yes, snacks will come up a lot.
When Should You Pack Your Hospital Bag?
By around 36 weeks, you’ll want to have your bag packed. Babies are like unreliable house guests, they turn up when they feel like it, so it’s best to be ready early. If the idea of packing feels too much, just start small. Honestly, pop in a pack of maternity pads or a comfy dressing gown and call it progress. Once you’ve got a few bits, the rest will feel easier, kind of like a weird nesting version of Tetris.
Choosing the Perfect Bag
Your hospital bag doesn’t need to win any style awards, but it should be practical. A small suitcase with wheels is ideal for rolling through hospital corridors. A holdall or backpack works well too. (I’ve even seen some mums pack two smaller bags, one for labour and one for after labour. Clever, right?) Packing cubes are your best friend. Label one for mum, one for baby, and one for your partner, because, let’s face it, they’ll probably need help finding their socks.
What to Pack for Mum
Clothing
- Loose, comfortable clothes for labour, oversized T-shirts and maternity nighties work a treat.
- A lightweight dressing gown and slippers, flip-flops or slides. Walking around during labour is great for keeping things moving, and flip-flops are perfect for those slightly questionable hospital showers.
- Three changes of soft, breathable clothes for after birth. You’ll want something comfy but decent for photos, like lounge sets or a flowy dress.
- A cute but comfortable going-home outfit. Honestly, there’s nothing wrong with matching joggers and a hoodie. It’s the new mum uniform.
- Five or six pairs of high-waisted knickers. You’ll want comfort over style here. Trust me, anything low-rise is not your friend. Disposable knickers are also handy.
- Two nursing bras.
Personal Care
- A wash bag with toothpaste, toothbrush, deodorant, face wipes, and dry shampoo if you’re hoping to fake “put together” in those first photos.
- Lip balm, seriously, hospital air is drier than the Sahara.
- Nipple balm, you might not think you’ll need it, but early breastfeeding can be a bit ouch.
- Maternity pads or disposable underwear. Pack extra. You’ll thank me later.
- A couple of dark towels. Light-coloured ones will only make you question every decision you’ve ever made.
- Breast pads, even if you’re not breastfeeding, leakage happens.
What to Pack for Baby
- Bodysuits and sleepsuits with easy popper fastenings or zips. Bring a mix of sizes, newborn, tiny baby, and 0–3 months. My first was predicted to be massive but came out tiny, so those newborn clothes were swimming on her. Lesson learned.
- A soft blanket for the journey home. Top tip, use the hospital blankets while you’re there. They’ll inevitably end up covered in meconium (baby’s first poo, it’s like tar and just as impossible to clean), better them than your nice one.
- A hat, scratch mittens, and socks or booties.
- A pack of nappies, 20 should be plenty.
- Cotton wool or water wipes for those first changes.
- Formula Feeding: If you’re planning to formula feed, pack pre-made formula. Many UK hospitals require this, but it’s always worth checking with your hospital in advance.
- A car seat if you’re driving home or a lay-flat buggy/pram if you’re not.
What to Pack for Your Partner
- A change of clothes. Labour can be long, and no one wants a partner who smells like yesterday’s shirt.
- Snacks and drinks. Because hangry is not the vibe you want from your birth partner. Pack their favourites, maybe even throw in a little treat.
- Their phone charger and headphones. Bonus tip, get them to download a calming playlist or a podcast for those slower moments.
- Swimwear if they’re joining you in the birth pool.
- Coins or cash for parking and vending machines. It’s a small detail that makes a big difference.
- A toothbrush and deodorant. Freshening up after hours of support duty is a win for everyone.
Tips for Packing Your Hospital Bag
Label Everything: Packing cubes make life so much easier, especially when you’re shouting, “I need the muslins!” across the room.
Bring a Laundry Bag: Keep used clothes separate, because nobody wants to dig through meconium-stained baby grows.
Stay Flexible: Check your hospital’s policies, especially if you’re formula feeding. Some require pre-made formula, so it’s worth confirming ahead of time.
