What to pack in your hospital bag
Get ready for birth, baby and beyond with our ultimate hospital bag checklist
Hospital bag checklist - tick all the boxes ready for baby ✔️
Created for you by parents and baby experts, get your free, downloadable hospital bag checklist. With everything you need for labour, birth and those first few days with your baby, we’ve got you covered.
Hospital bag: mum's checklist
As you prepare for labour and birth, the most important thing is to feel calm, relaxed, and supported. Knowing that you’re prepared can really help.
As a general guide, it’s a good idea to pack your bag at least three weeks before your due date1. Our checklist, full of must-haves and top tips, will help you be as prepared as possible so that you can focus on meeting your baby and enjoying those first incredible moments.
Be prepared with our complete hospital bag checklist.
Or view the mobile friendly checklist here
The ‘don’t leave home without’ hospital bag essentials for mum
From comfy clothes to wear in labour to what you’ll need once you’ve given birth, be sure to add these handy must-haves to your hospital bag checklist:
- Birth plan and hospital paperwork.
- A few changes of clothes, including some comfy clothes to leave the hospital in and something loose and comfortable for giving birth - a T-shirt is ideal. If you’re planning a water birth, a bikini or tank top would be a good choice for the birth pool.
- Nursing bras (we suggest 2-3) or comfortable and supportive bras and a pack of breast pads.
- Maternity pants and pads are a post-birth must for your maternity bag - we suggest taking 1-2 packs.
- A few pairs of knickers, comfy PJs, front-opening nighties, a dressing gown, and slippers. Some flip-flops may come in handy for that post-birth shower, too.
- A portable fan. Look for one that sprays water - hospitals can get quite hot, and this can be a welcome relief.
- Hair ties or a scrunchie to help keep your hair back during labour.
- A water bottle—it’s essential to stay hydrated during labour. Top tip: Pack one with a sports lid or a straw to make it easier to drink from.
- A TENS machine if you plan to use one. TENS tends to be more effective during early labour. Check that it’s in good working order, and pop spare batteries in your hospital bag just in case. Before making a decision, chat with your midwife, who can provide helpful advice about using your TENS machine and whether it’s right for you. If you’d rather not buy a TENS machine, you can rent one, and your midwife should be able to provide you with more information about how to do this2.
‘Writing my birth plan was a great way to feel empowered and in control of my pregnancy and birth. I’d recommend writing one to any parent-to-be - just don’t forget to pack it in your hospital bag!’
Eve’s mum.
A few home comforts for your hospital bag
As well as the essentials, it’s worth adding a few home comforts to your bag to help you feel calm and relaxed. Things like:
- Some headphones or speakers. If you feel like it and have some waiting around to do, play some relaxing tunes or listen to your favourite podcast.
- Your mobile phone and your charger. Keep at least one phone fully charged so you’re ready to announce your baby’s arrival and take those all-important first photos.
- Ear plugs and an eye mask. These will be especially handy if you’re on a ward or sharing a room and want peace and quiet.
“Hospitals are well-known for their clinical feel and that infamous ‘hospital smell’. This can sometimes reduce the signs of labour and slow things down as your body goes into ‘fight or flight’ mode. My top tip? Take something comforting from home to the hospital—perhaps a comfy blanket with a familiar smell or some essential oils that promote a sense of calm and relaxation.”
Our Expert Midwife
Hospital bag toiletries: don’t forget your toothbrush
For when you want to freshen up, don’t forget the basics:
- Your toothbrush and some toothpaste.
- Shower gel.
- Shampoo and conditioner.
- Deodorant.
- A hairbrush.
- Moisturising lotion and hand cream.
- Lip balm.
‘Hospitals can get really warm and dry out your skin, especially if you’ve used gas and air and feel dehydrated. Pack a lip balm and a bottle (or two) of water (with a sports cap for easy-drinking) in your hospital bag.”
Daisy’s mum.
How to prepare for the unexpected
You can plan, plan, and plan some more, but sometimes, babies have their own ideas about how and when they’ll arrive. Our practical hospital bag checklist makes sure you’re prepared for every eventuality and includes valuable top tips like:
- Think about how long you might be in hospital. You’re likely to be in a little longer if you have a C-section.
- One of our midwives suggests packing a separate smaller bag of baby essentials that you can easily find. “If you need to go to theatre, or things move in a hurry, this will help your birthing partner focus on supporting you rather than trying to gather everything you need from your bigger hospital bag.”
- Where are you planning to have your baby? Check that your chosen hospital or maternity unit has the things you might need available, such as birth balls, birthing pools or TENS machines.
- If you’re having a home birth, having a hospital bag packed just in case you need to go to the hospital is a great way to be prepared.
For everything you need to know about packing for you, your birth partner, and baby, get the full easy-to-follow checklist now.
Or view the mobile friendly checklist here
Snacks for the hospital bag
Including some healthy and nutritious snacks for labour in your hospital bag for you and your birthing partner will help keep your energy levels up.
Bananas and other fresh fruits are great options, as are dried fruits, breadsticks and crackers, and sandwiches made with wholemeal bread.
Hospital bag: Baby’s checklist
Between the mittens and vests, muslin squares and baby blankets, having an easy-to-follow list can be a real time-saver. Here are a few new baby basics you’ll need to pack ahead of your due date:
- Hats, scratch mitts and babygrows. We’d suggest packing at least four sets.
- Nappies - if you have space, bring a full pack.
- Muslin squares.
- Fragrance and alcohol-free baby wipes or cotton wool for changing.
- Going home outfit. Keep an eye on the outside temperature so your baby is dressed appropriately for the weather
“Hospitals won’t let you take your baby home without a car seat. Make sure you practice using it well before going to the hospital, and if you’re using Isofix, make sure the base is installed ahead of time… no-one wants a battle with a car seat in the car park after having a baby!”
Jack’s dad.
Don’t forget the all-important car seat either for when going home
- Baby car seat base installed (if required)
- Baby car sear suitable for newborns ready to bring little one home in
“I have a great hack for packing your baby’s newborn outfits; bundle them up into the complete set (a baby grow, scratch mittens and a hat) and put each outfit in a sandwich bag. It made it so much easier when I asked my husband to rummage around my massive bag to get the clothes out as soon as she was born… one of those tiny hats would have been impossible to find if it were loose!”
Farrrah’s mum.
Hospital bag: checklist for dads & birthing partners
If you’ve chosen to have your partner or anyone else with you during your labour and birth, our checklist has them covered, too. Our top ideas include:
- A variety of healthy and nutritious snacks - they’ll need to keep their energy up, too.
- Water bottle. Preferably one with a sports cap.
- Magazines, books or a tablet will come in handy for any waiting around.
- A pillow to get some rest. Hospital chairs are not renowned for their comfort, and they won’t be offered a bed, regardless of how long you’re in hospital.
- A change of clothes - in case they want to freshen up.
- Phone and charger.
What to pack in a hospital bag for a c-section?
Whether you’ve opted for a planned C-section or simply want to be prepared, you will need a few extras like:
- High-waisted cotton knickers that will go above your scar and be less likely to catch or irritate it.
- Loose, comfy clothing that’s not too tight on your scar, and front-opening tops that provide easy access for breastfeeding.
- Slip-on shoes so you don't have to bend - you’ll need to take it easy.
- Cleansing wipes - freshen up easily without numerous trips to the bathroom.
- Magazines, books and a tablet to keep you occupied. If you have a C-section, you’re likely to be booked in a few hours beforehand. You’re also likely to be in hospital for a few days afterwards.
What to pack in the hospital bag if your baby is premature
If it’s been decided that your baby needs to come earlier than your due date, you’ll still need all the things on our checklist - you’ll just need them a tad sooner.
Things to think about include:
- Smaller sized clothes - many clothing shops have a small or early baby range.
- Nappies to fit premature babies.
- Baby and story books that you can read to your baby. Perfect for helping them to recognise your voice.
- Front fastening tops and nighties to make any skin-to-skin contact easier.
- Hand lotion. If your baby needs additional care, you’ll likely have to get used to washing your hands more than usual.
No time to pack? Relax, the hospital will have everything you need
Sometimes, babies just decide to come early. Rest assured that hospitals are very well equipped to deal with early babies and will provide most, if not everything that you and they need. Your doctor and midwife will also be there to provide any help and support you need when it comes to feeding and general care.
Just focus on you and your baby. There’ll be plenty of time to get the things you need once you’ve got a clearer idea of how long you’re likely to be in hospital.
‘My first baby surprised us all by coming early. I hadn’t packed a thing and felt very unprepared. I needn’t have worried, as the hospital staff were fantastic and ensured that my baby and I had the things that we needed until my partner had the chance to get my things together. During my second pregnancy, I made a point of packing my hospital bag at around week 30 - it’s never too early!’
Sebastian’s mum
Hospital bag size
There are no set rules about the size of your bag, but remember that space may be a little tight, particularly if you’re on the maternity ward.
Make sure you’ve got enough room for a 2-3 night stay. Some hospitals are really big, and you may have a bit of a walk to get to where you need to be—a cabin-hold-sized wheelie bag can make things a little easier. Alternatively, choose a spacious holdall that you might use for a weekend away.
Written by Aptamil's medical and science team
Reviewed by: Aptamil's Medical & Science Team in November 2024
- NHS Start for Life. Hospital bag checklist - what to pack for you and your baby [online]. Available at https://www.nhs.uk/start-for-life/pregnancy/preparing-for-labour-and-birth/hospital-bag-checklist/. [Accessed November 2024]
- NHS. Pain relief in labour [online 2023]. Available at https://www.nhs.uk/pregnancy/labour-and-birth/what-happens/pain-relief-in-labour/. [Accessed November 2024]
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