Hospital Bag Checklist: Complete Guide
Packing your hospital bag in good time takes one thing off your mind as labour approaches. Most UK midwives suggest having it ready by around 36 weeks, since babies don't always stick to schedule. Here's what to pack for you, your baby and your birth partner.
For you
- Nightwear and dressing gown — front-opening if you plan to breastfeed, plus slipper socks or slippers for wandering the ward.
- Maternity pads (not regular sanitary towels) for post-birth bleeding, and disposable or old pants you don't mind discarding.
- Nursing bras and breast pads if you're planning to breastfeed, even if you're still deciding.
- Toiletries — toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, hairbands and any skincare you can't do without.
- Going-home outfit — something loose and comfortable, as you won't be back in pre-pregnancy clothes straight away.
- Phone charger (a long cable helps, as sockets are often near the bed but not the chair), snacks, and a refillable water bottle with a sports cap for easy sipping during labour.
- Any medical notes or your maternity notes, plus your hospital admission letter if you have one.
For your baby
- Vests and sleepsuits — pack two or three of each in newborn and first size, as babies vary in birth weight.
- A hat, scratch mitts and a couple of muslin cloths for burping and general mopping up.
- A blanket to wrap baby for the journey home, and a going-home outfit.
- Nappies and cotton wool or fragrance-free wipes — the hospital may provide some, but it's worth having your own.
- A car seat fitted and ready in the car before you leave for hospital, as most maternity units won't discharge you without one for the journey home.
For your birth partner
- A change of clothes, snacks and drinks (hospital cafés don't always keep convenient hours), a phone charger, and something to pass the time during a long labour, such as a book or downloaded shows. Comfortable shoes matter too — birth partners spend a lot of time on their feet.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I pack my hospital bag?
Aim to have your bag packed and ready by 36 weeks of pregnancy, even though your due date is likely a little later. Labour can start earlier than expected, and having everything ready removes one source of last-minute stress. Keep the bag somewhere easy to grab, and make sure your birth partner knows where it is too.
Do I need to bring my own nappies and wipes?
Most UK hospitals provide a small supply of nappies and wipes for the first day or so, but it varies by trust and isn't guaranteed to last your whole stay. It's sensible to pack your own newborn-size nappies and fragrance-free wipes just in case, especially if you might be in for longer than expected.
What shouldn't I bring to hospital?
Leave valuables, large amounts of cash and anything sentimental you'd be upset to lose at home, as hospital storage is limited and busy wards aren't always secure. Also skip anything scented near your baby, as newborns respond better to unscented products, and avoid overpacking — a large suitcase is awkward to manage in a small hospital room or car.
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice.
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