Top tips on when, how and what to pack in your hospital bag for childbirth.
You can pack your birth bag whenever you like, but ideally have it ready at least three weeks before your due date.
If you have a birth partner, get them involved in packing the bag – that way they’ll know where everything is on the day!
Use one large bag or suitcase for your ‘overnight stuff’, then pack three smaller bags to go inside it: one for you, one for your baby and one for your birth partner.
Bag for mum/birthing person
- Your birth plan and maternity notes
- A comfy, loose-fitting dressing gown
- Nighties (ideally ones that open at the front for breastfeeding)
- Comfy, loose clothes – baggy joggers, a zip-up hoodie, and tops that undo at the front for skin-to-skin and feeding
- Slippers you can slide your feet into – if you have a caesarean birth, bending over is tricky
- Socks – many people get cold feet during labour
- Slip-on shoes
- Flip-flops for the shower
- Hand sanitiser
- Wash bag, including shower gel with a hook (so you don’t have to bend down in the shower) and hand cream (frequent hand gel makes hands sore)
- Lip balm – hospital air is dry
- High-waisted, “Bridget Jones” cotton knickers in case you have a caesarean birth – dark colours are best, a couple of sizes up from your usual
- Arnica and/or witch hazel for piles and bruising
- Maternity pads (several packs)
- Nursing bras
- A large pack of breast pads, or washable ones, for any leaks
- Your own pillow and/or pillowcase
- A towel – hospital ones are scratchy
- Eye mask (it’s never dark!)
- Earplugs (it’s never quiet!)
- Hairbands
- Headphones
- Your phone with a labour playlist downloaded (you can usually take your phone into theatre and play music via Bluetooth)
- A small tripod to prop up your phone or camera
- Phone charger and power bank
- Snacks – if you’re having a caesarean birth, dried apricots or prunes can ease constipation, as you may not have a bowel movement for several days
- Peppermint tea bags – after a caesarean birth, they can help ease trapped wind caused by the operation
- A sports drink
- Books, magazines or puzzles – in case you need to stay in hospital before or after the birth
- Tissues for all the happy tears
- A photo of your partner for times they can’t be with you, or something they’ve given you, such as love notes
- Photos of older children and pets
Bag for baby
- Muslins
- Nappies – newborn size 1 fits most babies, and newborns can go through about 12 nappies a day
- Cotton wool pads or balls
- Baby clothes – at least vests, sleepsuits, cardigans and a hat, including a going-home outfit
- Baby blankets (cotton, cellular or wool)
Bag for your birth partner
- A change of clothes
- Snacks
- Phone, charger and power bank
- Change for vending machines (hospital shops may have limited opening hours) and the car park
- A list of people to call or message with the news
- The car seat to take your baby home – practise fitting it in the car beforehand!
I hope you find this list useful! If you have anything to add, please get in touch and I’ll add it to the list.