Getting prepped with what you’ll need can help you feel much more ready to have your baby. Here’s a comprehensive guide…
The basics
If you're planning to give birth in a birth centre(midwife-led unit), you’ll still need a hospital bag. Pack it with stuff you, your partner and the baby will need at the midwife-led unit or birth centre, but also if you are transferred to hospital. Your midwifewill probably give you an idea of what you need to pack. But here’s the lowdown and the checklist.
The bag
Do remember – in what is probably quite a pricey time for you – you don’t need to buy a new bag for labour. You can use any kind of bag you want.
Some women prefer to pack two smaller bags. That means one for labour and one with the stuff you and your baby will need after their birth.
During the Covid pandemic, each maternity unit has carried out a risk assessment. Check with your unit about any rules around partners leaving during or after labour to pick up another bag, in case you need to bring everything in one go (NHS, 2020a).
It’s a good idea to have your bag packed by 37 weeks.
Packing checklist: labour
These are some suggestions for your hospital bag for labour:
- birth plan
- maternity notes, if they are not online
- a couple of changes of clothes – something comfortable and cool for moving around in labour, like big T-shirts
- books, iPads, games, music, or magazines – to help you pass the time and relax during labour
- water spray bottle or handheld fan
- lip balm – lips often get super-dry during labour
- money for car parking and/or taxis
- phone and charger (check you have enough storage on your phone)
- healthy snacks and drinks
- extra pillows
- TENS machine if you want one
- birth ball and pump if not provided
- any medications you’re on
- toiletries bag with toothbrush, toothpaste, hairbrush, hair bobbles, soap and shampoo.(NHS, 2018)
Packing checklist: after the birth
Suggestions for after the birth:
- comfortable and supportive bras, including front-opening nursing bras if you're planning to breastfeed
- breast pads
- maternity pads (two packets)
- an extra five pairs of knickers
- towels
- one or two front-opening or loose-fitting nighties or tops if you're planning to breastfeed
- dressing gown and slippers
- loose, comfortable shoes and clothing to go home in
- mobile phone and charger
- some cash – for parking or hospital shop.(NHS, 2018).
Packing checklist: baby
Suggestions for your baby:
- bodysuits, vests, sleep suits and a hat
- a going home outfit
- scratch mittens
- socks and booties
- lots of nappies for your newborn
- cotton wool or baby wipes suitable for a newborn
- baby blanket
- muslin squares
- snowsuit if it’s cold – choose one you can easily remove before placing your baby in their car seatto make sure the fasteningsfit snugly
- car seatif you’re driving home – make sure it’s correctly fitted or if you’re getting a taxi home, that you know how to fit it.(NHS, 2018)
Packing checklist: your partner
Don’t forget your birth partner. They should either whip up a bag for themselves, or you should pack a joint one with their stuff in it too. Either way, make sure they’re familiar with what’s in yours as you’ll probably ask them to pass you various things when the time comes.
In their bag, they should pack:
- drinks
- snacks
- cash
- books/games/magazines
- a change of clothes and toiletries in case they stay overnight
- face mask (NHS, 2020a)
Important numbers for labour
Wherever you're planning to give birth, make sure all the important numbers are in your phone and written down as back-up too. Include:
- your hospital, midwife or doula's phone number
- your partner or birth partner's phone number
- your hospital reference number, which is on your card or notes.
This page was lastreviewed in April 2021.
Further information
Our support line offers practical and emotional support with feeding your baby and general enquiries for parents, members and volunteers: 0300 330 0700.
We also offer antenatal courses which are a great way to find out more about birth, labour and life with a new baby.
Make friends with other parents-to-be and new parents in your local area for support and friendship by seeing what NCT activities are happening nearby.
The Which? Birth Choice regional guide to labour wards and birth centresprovides information about services in your area, including what equipment is already provided.
NHS Maternity unit search (NHS, 2020b)to find services, contact details and information.
FAQs
Toiletries and personal items
Including a hairbrush, toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, face wash, shampoo, conditioner, lotion, contact lens case and solution. (Remember, travel-sized products are your friends!) Our Pick: Here's a smart travel kit with most of the hospital bag essentials.
What do you pack in a birth bag for a birth center? ›
Birth Center Packing List
- Healthy food and beverages for mom and her support people (fruit, vegetables, nuts, beans, whole grains, etc)
- A washed cotton baby blanket or two (washed prior to birth - even if new)
- 100% cotton infant clothes to bring baby home in, prewashed (not new with tags)
Toiletries and personal items
Including a hairbrush, toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, face wash, shampoo, conditioner, lotion, contact lens case and solution. (Remember, travel-sized products are your friends!) Our Pick: Here's a smart travel kit with most of the hospital bag essentials.
What do you wear to a birthing center? ›
As long as you have the car seat, we can provide everything else you'll need. During labor, you might choose a birthing gown, but wear whatever you're comfortable in. If you think you'd like to have a water birth, you may want a swim top or sports bra, although it's certainly not required.
What should a woman pack in her hospital bag? ›
5 or 6 pairs of knickers – you may want to bring some disposable ones. your washbag with a toothbrush, hairbrush, flannel, soap, lip balm, deodorant, hair ties and other toiletries. towels. things to help you pass the time and relax – for example, books, magazines, music or podcasts.
What food to bring to birth center? ›
You MUST bring a Substantial Meal
- Drinks. Favorite juices. Teas. Gatorade. ...
- Snacks. Fruit- banana, strawberries, berries. Single serving yogurt or adult drinkable yogurt. ...
- Post-Birth Meal. We recommend a substantial, high-protein meal that can be made or reheated in a microwave/crockpot/griddle/blender. Eggs, sausage, bacon.
Personal toiletries (face wipes, hairbrush, toothbrush, toothpaste, mouthwash, dry shampoo, eye drops, etc) Doula certification: Hospitals ask for it nowadays. Non-scented massage lotion: Massage is necessary. Yoga pants/jacket/Doula shirt: The professional doula uniform.
How far in advance should you pack a hospital bag? ›
When Should You Pack Your Hospital Bag? You should have your hospital bag ready to go between weeks 32 and 35 of your pregnancy, in case your baby comes a bit earlier than expected. A good time to start the packing process is around the 28 week mark, or at the start of your 3rd trimester.
Do you wear a bra during labor? ›
Studies suggest giving birth is the equivalent to running a marathon in terms of energy output, (and can actually result in similar injuries, but let's not go there right now!) so it makes sense to wear a bra and/or clothing fit for exertion and perspiration.
At what week should I pack my hospital bag? ›
You should have your hospital bag ready to go by 36 weeks or 37 weeks pregnant, just in case you go into labor before your due date. It's fine to throw some items in at the last minute, like your toothbrush, but you'll want your bag mostly packed and easily accessible by this point in your pregnancy.
“Any comfortable clothing is great, just obviously not your best items as birth is unpredictable and can get messy!” “Natural fibres (silk, hemp, wool, linen, fine cotton) are preferred as they are highly absorbent, but you'll also want to choose cool, breathable fabrics as the body does overheat during labour.”
What should dad wear in delivery room? ›
Dads should only pack comfortable clothes. This will help them change quickly, without any hassle. No need to pack anything you don't mind sitting in for a while. Think about things that won't wrinkle and don't take up a lot of space.
Do you wear your labor gown to the hospital? ›
Although the hospital will provide you with a paper gown to wear during labor, some women prefer to bring their own gown that offers more comfort and style. Regardless, you will need to wear some sort of labor and delivery gown so your birthing team has easy access to your body for necessary medical care.
How many maternity pads do I need for a hospital bag? ›
2 packets of super-absorbent sanitary or maternity pads. your wash bag – with toothpaste, toothbrush, hairbrush, flannel, soap, lip balm, deodorant, hair bands, hand sanitiser, body lotion and anything else you need.
How many outfits to bring to hospital for baby? ›
Usually, you'll only need to bring one outfit for your baby – a coming-home outfit to wear for the trip home. Most hospitals provide a newborn hat, long-sleeved shirts, and swaddling blankets for your baby to wear during your stay. Wear something comfortable to the hospital, such as maternity leggings and a loose top.
Is 37 weeks too late to pack hospital bag? ›
It's a good idea to have everything ready by no later than 37 weeks.
Do you pack bottles in hospital bag? ›
And, bonus: You won't have to remember when to take your medications because they'll be brought to you! Diapers, diaper wipes, bottles, nipples and (if you decide to use them) pacifiers. Everything your baby will need during their hospital stay is provided. You only need to pack for the trip home.
Is 32 weeks too early to wash baby clothes? ›
It's not necessary to do it before they're born, but it's a good idea to do it before they wear them. Why? Baby's brand new birthday suit hasn't toughened up yet! Their skin is sensitive and the finish that's put on new clothes to make them look cute enough for you to snatch up can irritate baby's virgin skin.
Should I pack my hospital bag in a suitcase? ›
A large suitcase or duffel bag for you and a small one for your partner will help keep all of your items organized. Many moms also recommend bringing an empty duffel bag along to the hospital as well for all of the diapers, supplies and samples that the hospital may give you to make transporting everything home easier.
What documents do I need to bring to the hospital for my baby? ›
Items the Hospital Will Need from You
Health plan insurance card. Hospital admissions papers (you may have to be pre-admitted) Pregnancy medical file, including over-the-counter and prescription medicine information. Birth preferences.
