Hospital bag checklist: what should I pack?

It can feel really difficult to start packing your hospital bag – where do you start?! If you’re feeling overwhelmed and not sure how to begin –  not to worry! I have created a comprehensive list of what you might need during labour, after birth, for your baby and your birthing partner to make you all as comfortable as possible.

When should I pack my hospital bag?

You can start whenever feels comfortable, but I wouldn’t recommend leaving it any later than 3 weeks before your due date.

What should I pack in my hospital bag for labour?

• Your birth and feeding plan – and make sure the medical team around you have read and understood them

• Your maternity notes

• A list of important numbers in your purse or phone such as hospital, midwives, partner, birthing partner, doula, family etc.

• If you have harvested colostrum – make sure it’s labelled, goes into a fridge ASAP and you know which fridge it’s in. Read more on how to harvest and collect your colostrum for hospital.

• Nursing bras/comfortable bras (not too tight)

• Comfy, loose clothes for labour

• Your phone & charger – an extra long charger is helpful as it means that you can sit comfortably in bed and be on your phone regardless of where the plug socket is in the hospital

• Aromatherapy oils and anything else you need for hypnobirthing

• A birth ball if you want to use one (check whether the hospital has its own available)

• Relaxing entertainment/anything that calms you in case you have a long wait – headphones, magazines, iPad/tablet etc.

• Healthy, nourishing snacks and drinks

• Toiletries – toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, shampoo/conditioner, flannel, deodorant, hairbands/brush/clips and anything else that will make you feel comfortable

• Lip balm – your lips can get very dry and chapped during labour

• Eye mask & ear plugs – hospitals are loud and bright, so this will help you to rest during and after labour

• Any medication you’re currently taking

• Hand held fan or water spray to cool you down

• If you’re planning a water birth, bring whatever clothes you’d like to wear in the pool (e.g. crop top, tankini, t shirt).

What should I pack in my hospital bag for after the birth?

• 3 x comfy, maternity sized outfits. It’s hot in the maternity ward to keep the babies warm, so don’t bring too many thick clothes – aim for thin layers instead

• Super-absorbent sanitary/maternity pads

• 5 or 6 large comfy knickers

• A towel

• Slippers/sliders/crocs

• A thin robe – you can be in your underwear or naked underneath if that’s more comfortable, but you can still cover up if you need to

• A going home outfit

• Extra pillows if you need them

• Cash/cards – you may need this for parking or purchasing some additional food

If you’re planning to breastfeed:

• Nursing bras

• Breast pads

• Easy access clothes – front opening, loose fitting

If you’re planning to formula feed:

• Formula (ready made instead of powder will be easiest for hospital)

• Bottles – at least 2 if possible

(There will be sterilising access and equipment in the hospital)

What should I pack in my hospital for my baby?

• Size 1 or 0 nappies – bring 15-20 nappies, more can be brought to you.

• 3 x outfits (more can be brought to you) – sleepsuits are a simple all-in-one option, and try to go for ones with poppers that fasten at the front as they are easier to do up.

• Vests to go underneath the outfits to keep your baby warm

• Socks (if you bring sleepsuits, they come with sock attachments)

• A hat, mittens (many sleepsuits have mitten attachments) and booties/thick socks

• Fragrance free wipes or cotton wool

• A blanket

• Muslin cloths

• Nail scissors/clippers/file – babies have long, sharp fingernails!

• Going home outfit – remember to pack warm clothes if it’s cold outside (snow suits and thick coats should be removed before putting your baby in their car seat for safety reasons.)

• Car seat ready and set up in the car that brings you home (if you get a taxi, make sure you know how to safely set up a car seat in the taxi)

What should my birth partner pack in their hospital bag?

• Snacks

• Purse/wallet

• A change of clothes

• Toiletries

• Phone charger (so they don’t steal yours!)

• Entertainment/distraction for themselves and you

• Eye mask & ear plugs

And remember - there isn’t much space on hospital wards and more items can be brought to you by your partner, family and friends. Just try to focus on packing for the first couple of days.

For more support with preparing to feed your baby, view my full list of support services and book some time with me.