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Hospital Bag Checklist: What to Pack for Labour & Birth
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There's a lot about labour you can't plan. Your hospital bag is one of the things you can. Packing it early means that when the moment comes, you're grabbing one bag by the door, not talking your partner through which drawer the "good" pyjamas are in. Here's a simple hospital bag checklist for you, your baby and your birth partner, plus when to pack it and what to leave at home.
The short answer
Aim to have your hospital bag packed by around 36 weeks, so you're ready if your baby arrives early. For you, pack comfy clothes, maternity pads, nursing bras, toiletries, snacks, your phone charger and your maternity notes. For your baby, pack nappies, wipes, vests, sleepsuits, a swaddle and a going-home outfit. Your birth partner needs snacks, a change of clothes and a charger. And have a rear-facing car seat ready for the trip home.
When Should I Pack My Hospital Bag?
Aim to have your bag packed by around 36 weeks. Babies don't always stick to their due date, and packing a few weeks early means you're not hunting for a phone charger between contractions.
If you're expecting twins, have a planned caesarean or your midwife has mentioned an early arrival, pack a little sooner. Leave a few last-minute items off (like your phone, charger and toiletries you use every day) and pop a sticky note on the bag so they don't get forgotten.
Hospital Bag Checklist for Mum
This bag is all about getting you through labour and the first few days feeling as comfortable as possible. You won't use everything, and that's fine. The NHS hospital bag checklist is a handy one to compare against, and your maternity unit may have its own list too.
Your bag
Tick these off as you go:
- Your maternity notes and birth plan
- Loose, comfy clothes for labour, plus 3 changes of clothes and an outfit to go home in
- Front-opening nightwear for feeding, a dressing gown and socks
- 2 or 3 nursing bras and breast pads
- 5 or 6 pairs of big, comfy knickers (disposable ones can be handy)
- 2 packs of maternity pads
- Wash bag: toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, lip balm, hair bands
- Slippers, plus flip-flops for the shower
- Phone, charger and an extra-long cable
- Snacks and a water bottle
- Your own pillow, if you'd like it
- A spare bag for washing
- Change or a card for the car park
Hospital Bag Checklist for Baby
Your baby's kit is small but mighty. The NHS suggests bodysuits, vests and sleepsuits, a going-home outfit, a hat, scratch mittens and socks, nappies and cotton wool or wipes. Some units supply a few basics, so it's worth asking what's covered.
Many parents like to pack a swaddle for those first nights. The Swaddle Up™ zips on in seconds, which helps when your hands aren't quite steady yet, and lets your baby sleep with their hands up near their face, just like they did in the womb.
Your baby's bag
Small but mighty:
- Newborn nappies (a full pack)
- Cotton wool or wipes
- A few vests and sleepsuits
- A swaddle
- A hat, scratch mittens and socks
- A going-home outfit in two sizes (newborn and 0 to 3 months), just in case
- A snowsuit or pram suit if it's cold
- A rear-facing car seat for the trip home (not in the bag, but the most important item)
Packing for your newborn
Hospital Bag Checklist for Your Birth Partner
Birth is a big day for your birth partner too, and a hungry, flat-phoned partner isn't much help to anyone. Many hospitals only provide meals for the person giving birth, so snacks matter. Ask them to pack their own bag, so they know where everything is.
Your birth partner's bag
Happy helper, happy birth room:
- A change of clothes and a wash bag
- Plenty of snacks and drinks (for them, not just you)
- Phone charger or power bank
- Swimwear, if you might use a birth pool
- Change or a card for the car park and vending machines
- A pillow, if they're staying overnight (check your unit's policy)
Extra Things to Pack for a Caesarean
If you're having a planned caesarean, you'll likely stay a little longer and move a little slower. Add these to your bag:
- High-waisted knickers that sit well above your wound.
- Loose dresses or soft trousers without a tight waistband.
- Dry shampoo, in case you can't shower straight away.
- Slip-on shoes, so there's no bending down to do up laces.
- An extra day or two of clothes for a longer stay.
What to Leave at Home
Space is tight on a maternity ward, so travel light:
- Valuables and jewellery. Leave them somewhere safer than a shared room.
- A whole wardrobe for your baby. Most newborns live in vests and a swaddle for the first few days.
- Candles. Naked flames aren't allowed in hospitals. Check before packing oils or a diffuser too.
- Anything you'd be sad to lose. Things go missing in the chaos, and that's OK when it's replaceable.
Hospital Bag Packing Tips
- Pack two bags. A small one for labour and a bigger one for your stay, so the essentials are easy to find.
- Put your baby's first outfit on top. A zip-lock bag with a nappy, vest and hat means your birth partner can find it fast.
- Pack together. If your birth partner helps pack, they won't need to ask where things are at 3am.
- Keep it by the door. From around 36 weeks, leave the bag near the door or in the car.
- Get the car seat sorted early. Have a rear-facing car seat fitted and practise using it before your due date.
Planning ahead for the drive home? Our guide to bringing baby home from the hospital covers what comes next.
Every hospital is different
What's provided, how long you'll stay and what's allowed on the labour ward all vary. A quick chat with your midwife before you pack can save a lot of lugging.
FAQs About Packing Your Hospital Bag
When should I pack my hospital bag?
Aim for around 36 weeks. If you're expecting twins, have a planned caesarean or your midwife expects an early arrival, pack a little sooner.
What do I need to pack for my newborn in hospital?
Nappies, cotton wool or wipes, vests and sleepsuits, a swaddle, a hat, scratch mittens, socks and a going-home outfit. Have a rear-facing car seat ready for the trip home.
How many nappies should I pack for hospital?
Newborns can get through 8 to 10 nappies a day, so a full pack is plenty for a short stay. Check whether your unit supplies any.
Do hospitals provide nappies and pads?
It depends on the unit. Some supply a few basics, many don't. Check with your midwife before you pack.
What size clothes should I pack for my baby?
Pack a going-home outfit in newborn size and a spare in 0 to 3 months. It's hard to know exactly how big your baby will be until you meet them.
Do I need a car seat to take my baby home?
Yes. In the UK, babies must travel in a suitable rear-facing car seat, including the very first trip home from hospital.
Key Takeaway
Pack your hospital bag by around 36 weeks, keep it by the door, and don't overthink it. Comfy clothes, pads, snacks and chargers for you. Nappies, vests, sleepsuits, a swaddle and a going-home outfit for your baby. Snacks and a change of clothes for your birth partner. Have the car seat ready, and you're ready to go. Everything else can wait until you're home, and the rest of the adventure begins.
Getting ready for life with a newborn? Explore the Love to Dream baby sleep blog.