A handy guide to all you need to pack in your maternity hospital bag
Welcoming a new baby into this world is wonderful, but it can be more than a little overwhelming. Here, we hope to help you feel more at ease with our guide on how to pack your hospital bag.
With a rundown of all the essentials you need to take you through labour to birth and beyond, our handy checklist ensures you arrive at the hospital prepared, with one or two added luxuries included…
When should I pack my hospital bag?
There’s no set rule on when you should pack your hospital bag, but being prepared never hurt anyone! It can be a good idea to get a few things ready at least three weeks before your due date in case your baby arrives a little sooner than expected, and then adding snacks and perishable items just before you leave.
What type of hospital bag do I need?
Any style of bag will do, as long as it fits everything you need – and yes, a mini suitcase will also do the trick. You might find that packing two separate bags is more efficient; one for during labour and one for afterwards, so you can easily locate items when you need them.
Once you’ve got everything together, leave your bags by the door or any other accessible place so they’re easy to grab and go when the time comes. Let your birth partner or whoever is driving you to the hospital know where they are, too.
What else should I prepare outside of my hospital bag?
It’s important to plan how you will get to the hospital or midwifery unit, as you won’t be able to predict when you might need to make this journey. Talk to your birth partner or whoever is driving you to ensure they know what to do when the time comes. If you’re planning to go by car, make sure you have plenty of fuel in the tank, too.
The first few weeks as a mother are precious, and you’ll want to spend as much time with your newborn as you can. If you’re able to, in the weeks leading up to your due date, gather items you’ll be regularly using, so you don’t feel caught out. Consider buying basic items, such as toilet roll, sanitary towels and nappies, and stocking up your freezer with leftovers.
Getting your hospital bag ready
Include everything you’ll need for your baby, plus a few little luxuries for yourself. And don’t forget the car seat! You won’t be allowed to leave the hospital without it.
Now that’s out the way, here’s our ultimate hospital bag checklist for mum, baby and partners!
What you’ll need to pack
Medical notes and birth plan (if you have one)
Having these at hand and ready to share with your labour team will help keep things running smoothly. Top tip: it’s worth having a few extra copies.
Toiletries
We recommend packing mini deodorant, toothbrush and toothpaste, your skincare routine, shower gel and shampoo and conditioner. These are must-haves for freshening up and for feeling vaguely human when the visitors start popping by to congratulate you.
Maternity pads and disposable maternity briefs
While not the most glamorous of additions, ensuring you’ve got plenty of maternity pads and briefs is a necessity to help with bleeding after birth (which is totally normal btw). The good news? They’re super comfortable.
Lip balm
You’ll be grateful for a nourishing balm if your pout is feeling parched. Look for ones containing petroleum jelly or beeswax as these ingredients help form a layer of hydrating protection.
Entertainment
Have a book or a film downloaded for any moments of down time – when it comes to the unpredictability of the labour ward, there may be more time spent waiting than you think.
Face flannel
The not-so-humble face flannel is ideal for dipping in water and cooling off a hot forehead.
Change bag
A baby changing bag full of compartments is a great way to keep all your baby’s items in one organised place.
Nightie
At times like these, comfort really is key. Choose natural fibres and soft textures. And, if you’re planning to breastfeed, you might benefit from something that buttons down at the front.
Slippers or flip flops
Comfy, easily accessible footwear is a must. You’ll not want to be fussing with laces and your feet will thank you.
Hair clips, scrunchies and a hairbrush
We predict there’ll be more than just a few occasions where you’ll want your hair kept out of your face… trust us.
Phone charger
Your charger is one of the most important things to pack. Ensure your phone is full of juice for when those lovely congratulatory messages start pouring in.
