There comes a point in pregnancy when you suddenly realise that your baby could arrive at any time — and that's usually when the hospital bag starts feeling rather important!
But when should you actually pack it?
There isn't one exact date that works for everyone, but having your hospital bag ready in the final few weeks of pregnancy means you won't have to worry about it if your baby decides to make an early appearance.
When should I have my hospital bag ready?
Around 36 weeks of pregnancy is a sensible time to aim for.
The NHS suggests getting your hospital bag packed at least three weeks before your due date, while some maternity units recommend having it ready from around 35–36 weeks.
Of course, you may want to pack earlier if your midwife has advised you to, or if there are particular circumstances that mean your baby could arrive sooner.
And remember, your due date is only an estimate. Only around 1 in 20 babies arrive on their actual due date, so having things ready a little early can give you some peace of mind.
Do I need to pack everything at once?
Absolutely not!
You don't need to spend one afternoon frantically filling a giant suitcase.
Instead, start gathering things gradually during the last few weeks of pregnancy.
You could put your bag somewhere easy to reach and add things as you think of them.
Just remember to leave out anything you'll still be using every day, such as your toothbrush, phone charger or favourite toiletries. Keep a little list of those items so you know exactly what needs to go in at the last minute.
What should I have ready?
Your hospital bag should contain the essentials you'll want during labour and afterwards.
Think about:
- Comfortable clothes for labour
- Nightwear
- A dressing gown and slippers
- Maternity briefs
- Maternity pads
- One or two comfortable nursing bras
- Breast pads
- Toiletries
- Phone and charger
- Snacks and drinks
- Any medication you regularly take
You'll also need some essentials for your baby, including clothes, nappies, muslin cloths, a blanket and an outfit for going home.
Your maternity unit may have its own recommendations, so always check their guidance before packing. What hospitals provide can vary.
What if I'm planning a home birth?
Even if you're planning to have your baby at home, it can still be sensible to have a hospital bag ready.
Birth plans don't always go exactly as expected, and you may need to transfer to hospital during or after labour.
Having a bag packed means you won't need to start searching for things while you're in labour.
Don't forget your birth partner
It's easy to focus on what you need and forget about the person who'll be beside you.
Make sure your birth partner knows where the bag is and what's inside it.
They might also want to pack:
- Comfortable clothes
- Toiletries
- Snacks and drinks
- Phone and charger
- Any regular medication
- Something to keep them occupied
Knowing where everything is can make things much easier when you're both tired and have other things to think about!
Keep your hospital bag somewhere easy to grab
Once it's packed, don't hide it away at the back of a cupboard.
Keep it somewhere accessible and make sure your birth partner knows where it is.
It's also worth thinking about how you'll get to hospital and making sure your car seat is ready if you're planning to travel by car.
Already packing your bag?
Our Hospital Bag Checklist: What Do You Really Need? covers the essentials for you, your baby and your birth partner, without giving you a huge list of things you probably won't use.
And if you're looking for comfortable maternity and nursing essentials to add to your bag, take a look at our Maternity & Nursing Lingerie collection.
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