Packing your hospital bag? Our practical hospital bag checklist covers what you really need for labour, birth and those first few days with your baby.
Packing your hospital bag can make everything feel very real! But with so many hospital bag checklists telling you to pack absolutely everything, it can be difficult to know what you actually need.
The good news? You don't need to take your entire house with you.
A few comfortable clothes, some practical maternity and nursing essentials, and things to help you feel more at home are usually enough.
Here's our simple hospital bag checklist to help you feel prepared without overpacking.
When should I pack my hospital bag?
There's no magic date, but many mums-to-be like to have their hospital bag ready by around 36 weeks of pregnancy.
Of course, your midwife or maternity team may recommend packing earlier depending on your circumstances.
Having everything ready a few weeks before your due date means one less thing to think about if your baby decides to make an early appearance.
What should I pack for myself?
Think comfortable, practical and easy to wear.
Comfortable clothes
You'll want clothes that feel good before, during and after birth.
Consider packing:
- A loose nightdress or oversized T-shirt for labour
- Comfortable pyjamas or loungewear
- A dressing gown
- Slippers or cosy socks
- A comfortable outfit to travel home in
Don't worry about packing your favourite clothes. Birth can be messy, so practical is definitely the way to go!
Nursing bras
If you're planning to breastfeed, pack one or two comfortable nursing bras.
Look for styles that are soft, supportive and easy to open when you need to feed your baby.
You don't necessarily need a whole collection in your hospital bag. You can always buy more once you know which styles you find most comfortable.
If you're not sure what type of nursing bra to choose, have a look at our Ultimate Nursing Bra Guide.
Comfortable maternity briefs
A few pairs of soft, stretchy maternity briefs are another hospital bag essential.
You'll want underwear that feels comfortable and doesn't dig in, particularly after giving birth.
Choose practical styles that you're happy to wear during those first few days and pack more than you think you'll need.
Maternity pads
You'll need maternity pads for after the birth.
Your hospital may provide some, but it's worth checking what your maternity unit recommends and packing your own supply too.
Toiletries
A small wash bag with your everyday essentials can make you feel much more comfortable.
Pack things such as:
- Toothbrush and toothpaste
- Shampoo and conditioner
- Shower gel
- Deodorant
- Hairbrush
- Hair ties
- Lip balm
- Face wash or moisturiser
You don't need your entire bathroom cabinet — just the things you'll actually use.
What should I pack for my baby?
Your baby doesn't need a huge suitcase either!
You might want to pack:
- Bodysuits
- Sleepsuits
- Nappies
- Muslin cloths
- A hat
- Socks or booties
- A blanket
- An outfit for going home
It's worth taking a couple of different sizes if you're unsure how big your baby will be.
Don't forget your birth partner
Your birth partner needs a bag too!
They'll probably appreciate:
- Snacks and drinks
- A phone charger
- A change of clothes
- Toiletries
- Any regular medication
- Something to keep them occupied if there's a lot of waiting around
And definitely don't forget the snacks.
A few things that are easy to forget
Some of the little things can make a surprisingly big difference.
Phone charger: A longer cable can be particularly useful.
Water bottle: Choose one that's easy to drink from.
Snacks: For you and your birth partner.
Hair ties: Especially if you have long hair.
Plastic bags: Handy for dirty or wet clothes.
Important paperwork: Keep any documents your hospital or midwife has asked you to bring somewhere easy to find.
Do you really need everything on a hospital bag checklist?
Probably not!
Every hospital is different, and your own needs will depend on your birth plans and how long you end up staying.
Before packing, check the guidance from your own maternity unit to see what they provide and what they recommend bringing.
The aim isn't to have the biggest hospital bag.
It's to have the things that will make you feel comfortable, prepared and looked after.
Your simple hospital bag checklist
For you:
- Comfortable nightwear
- Nursing bras
- Maternity briefs
- Maternity pads
- Dressing gown
- Slippers
- Toiletries
- Phone charger
- Water bottle
- Snacks
For baby:
- Bodysuits
- Sleepsuits
- Nappies
- Muslins
- Hat
- Blanket
- Going-home outfit
For your birth partner:
- Snacks and drinks
- Phone charger
- Change of clothes
- Toiletries
And that's it!
You don't need to pack for every possible scenario. Pack the essentials, leave yourself a little room, and try not to overthink it.
Getting ready for birth?
If you're putting together your hospital bag, have a look at our Maternity & Nursing Lingerie collection for comfortable essentials to see you through pregnancy, birth and breastfeeding.