What to Pack in Your Hospital Bag: A Checklist from a Mum of Six

I've packed a hospital bag six times now, and I can tell you that the first time looked very different from the last. First time round I had three bags, a pillow from home, and enough snacks to survive a small apocalypse. By baby six I had one sensible holdall and a very clear list. So consider this the distilled version — everything you actually need, nothing that'll sit untouched at the bottom of the bag.

Most midwives will tell you to have your bag ready by 36 weeks, and I'd say don't leave it any later. Babies have a habit of arriving on their own schedule. ☽

How Many Bags Do You Need?

Two bags is the sweet spot for most people. One for labour — kept close and accessible during the birth — and one for the postnatal ward that can stay in the car until you need it. If you're having a planned caesarean or know you'll be staying in for a few days, it's worth packing a bit more for the second bag.

Your Labour Bag

This is the one you want easy access to during the birth itself. Keep it light and logical.

• Your pregnancy notes and birth plan
• A TENS machine if you're planning to use one (hire well in advance)
• Comfortable, loose clothing — a nightie or oversized T-shirt works well
• Flip flops for the shower
• Snacks and drinks — labour can be long; think energy bars, juice, biscuits
• An old pillow from home if the hospital ones don't agree with you
• Phone and charger, plus a portable power bank
• Entertainment for the slower early stages — a book, headphones, a downloaded series
• Hair ties if you have longer hair
• Lip balm — you'll thank me for this one

Your Postnatal Bag (For You)

Once baby is here, this is what you'll live out of on the ward.

• Maternity pads — pack more than you think you'll need
• Comfortable, loose underwear — the disposable kind or ones you don't mind parting with
• Nightwear that opens at the front if you're planning to nurse
• A dressing gown and slippers
• Toiletries — travel sizes are easiest; don't forget dry shampoo
• Breast pads and nipple cream if you're nursing
• A change of clothes for going home in — something soft and forgiving
• Any medication you take regularly
• Cash for the hospital car park (some still don't take cards)

What to Pack for Your Baby

This is the bit I love. There is something so wonderful about folding those tiny babygrows and tucking them into the bag. It makes it all feel very real.

A few things to know before you pack: babies are born in all sorts of sizes, so it helps to have a couple of sizes to hand. Most newborn clothing fits up to about 7.5lbs — if you're expecting a bigger baby or just want to be safe, throw in a couple of 0–3 month pieces too. And pack more than you think you'll need — newborns go through vests and babygrows at a remarkable pace in those first hours.

• Babygrows / sleepsuits — pack 2 to 3. Choose ones with poppers at the front or along the legs for nappy changes
• Vests — 2 to 3, in newborn and 0–3 month sizes
• Newborn hats — 2 (babies lose heat quickly, especially in the first hours)
• Scratch mitts — a couple of pairs; newborns' nails are surprisingly sharp
• Socks or booties
• A going-home outfit — something you love. This is the first outfit they'll wear into the world, and it's worth giving it a little thought
• A blanket or swaddle for warmth in the car and on the ward
• Nappies — some hospitals provide them, many don't; bring at least one pack of newborn size
• Cotton wool or fragrance-free wipes — gentle on brand new skin
• Nappy bags
• Muslin cloths — you can never have too many

A Packing Trick Worth Stealing

Roll each baby outfit into a little bundle — vest, babygrow, hat and mitts together — and pop each one in a small zip-lock bag. When you're exhausted at 3am on the ward and trying to find a clean outfit in a dark room, you will be so glad you did this.

For Your Birth Partner

It's easy to forget about the person who'll be there with you, but they need to be comfortable too — especially if you're in for a long one.

• A change of clothes
• Snacks and drinks (hospital vending machines are expensive and not always reliable)
• A phone charger
• Pillow and blanket if they're staying overnight
• Something to keep them occupied in the quieter moments

The Things People Forget

Based purely on personal experience and conversations with other mums over the years, these are the things that most often get left behind:

• The car seat — not just packed, but fitted correctly before you leave home
• Coins or card for parking
• Nipple cream (if you're nursing, you'll want it from day one)
• A going-home outfit for yourself — something comfortable that isn't the thing you laboured in
• Your phone's memory cleared for photos

When Should You Pack?

The NHS recommends having your bag ready by 36 weeks. If you're carrying multiples or have had any complications in your pregnancy, aim for 32 weeks. There's no harm in being a little early — and a lot of peace of mind in knowing it's done.

However many times you've done this before, packing that bag is its own little ritual. Take your time with it, do it on a good day, and maybe let yourself enjoy folding those tiny clothes a little longer than is strictly necessary.