Hospital Bag: What to Pack Complete Guide
Packing your hospital bag is one of those tasks that feels daunting until you break it down. The trick is thinking in three separate bags — for labour, for you afterwards, and for baby — rather than one overwhelming pile.
For Labour
Keep this bag small and easy to grab, since it's the one you'll actually use while in active labour.
- Comfortable, loose clothing you don't mind getting messy — an old t-shirt or nightdress works well
- Hair ties or a headband to keep hair off your face
- Lip balm (labour wards are notoriously drying)
- A refillable water bottle with a sports cap you can drink from one-handed
- Snacks that are easy to eat between contractions — dried fruit, oat bars, or glucose sweets
- Your phone, charger, and a portable battery pack in case sockets are in short supply
- Any birth plan or notes you want your midwife to see
- Massage oil or a TENS machine if you're using one
For You, After Birth
- A dressing gown and slippers for moving around the ward
- Front-opening nightdresses or pyjama tops if you plan to breastfeed
- Maternity pads — pack more than you think you'll need
- Disposable or old, comfortable underwear
- Nursing bras and breast pads
- Toiletries, including a toothbrush and any medication you take regularly
- A comfortable, loose outfit to wear home — your pre-pregnancy clothes won't fit yet
For Baby
- Vests and sleepsuits in newborn and first size, since it's hard to predict exact birth weight
- A hat for warmth
- Scratch mitts
- A blanket or two
- Nappies in newborn size, plus cotton wool for cleaning
- A going-home outfit
- A car seat, fitted and checked in advance if you're travelling home by car — hospitals may not let you leave without one properly installed
When to Pack It
Most people aim to have everything ready from around 36 weeks, since labour can start earlier than expected. Keep the bag somewhere accessible, let your partner or birth supporter know exactly where it is, and consider a small top-up bag for a longer stay in case of a caesarean or complications.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I pack my hospital bag?
Aim to have it ready by around 36 weeks. Some babies arrive before their due date, so it's better to have everything sorted early rather than rushing at the last minute. Make sure your partner or support person knows where the bag is kept.
What's the one thing people always forget?
Phone chargers and snacks are the most commonly forgotten items, closely followed by enough maternity pads. It's worth packing a spare charging cable that stays in the bag permanently so it's never borrowed and not replaced.
Do I need a separate bag for a caesarean birth?
Not a separate bag, but it's worth packing a couple of extra pairs of comfortable, high-waisted underwear and slightly longer stays in mind, since recovery and hospital stays after a caesarean are often a little longer than after a vaginal birth.
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice.
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