Hospital bag checklist for mum and baby (2024)

If you’re nearing your due date, you might be wondering what to pack in your hospital bag. It is always best to plan ahead and pack some essentials – both for you and baby – at least two weeks before you’re due to give birth.

You can use any type of bag or suitcase. Some people prefer to pack two separate bags: one bag for mum, and one bag for baby. There are essentials for both, like a change of clothes for you and a full outfit for the newborn, but it’s also worth thinking about what possessions would make you feel at ease and comfortable during birth and labour.

Hospital bag checklist: for mum

Your midwife will likely have some suggestions on what to pack. To help you get started, we have complied a hospital bag checklist for you:

1. Something comfortable to wear

    Pack something loose and comfy to wear, such as a nightie or a baggy tee-shirt to wear during labour. Ideally, you want something that won’t be restrictive or make you too hot.

    2. Dressing gown

    A dressing gown will come in handy if you end up moving around the hospital during early labour. Hospitals can be warm, so ideally opt for something lighter (and dark-coloured, if you want to minimise stains).

    3. Slippers

    Slippers or flip flops are a good footwear option as they are comfortable and can be slipped on and off easily.

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    4. Socks

    Feet may get surprisingly cold during labour, so it is a good idea to pack socks.

    5. Healthy snacks

    Pack some snacks to eat at the hospital before, during and after labour. Most women are still able to eat during labour. While the hospital will have food, but it is a good idea to have snacks on-hand that you know you like. Opt for healthy, high energy foods that are quick to eat, such as fruit, unsalted nuts, crisps, popcorn or cereal bars.

    6. Breast pads

    Even if you don’t plan to breastfeed – bring these. Your breasts will still produce milk after the birth.

    Hospital bag checklist for mum and baby (2)

    SelectStockGetty Images

    7. Lip balm

    Lips tend to get dry on the wards – especially if you are using gas or air – so pack vaseline, or your lip balm of choice.

    8. Massage oil

    Massage oil or lotion can be great during labour for helping with relaxation and pain relief.

    9. Pads

    It’s normal to bleed after giving birth so bring a couple of packs of super-absorbent sanitary or maternity pads.

    10. Toiletries

    Don’t forget to pack your everyday toiletries, such as shampoo, your toothbrush, deodorant.

    11. Something to relax

    Bring along something that can help you relax and pass the time. We suggest a good book, magazine or podcast.

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    12. Hairties

    To help keep the hair off your face during labour.

    13. Clean clothes

    Bring about three changes of clean clothes, including an outfit to wear home from the hospital.

    14. Eye masks and ear plugs

    Hospital wards can be noisy and brightly lit, so these essentials will help you nod off.

    15. Change bag

    A change bag is perfect for carrying all of your baby essentials.

    Hospital bag checklist for mum and baby (4)

    A nightie

    JoJo Maman Bébéjojomamanbebe.co.uk

    A nightie or comfortable t-shirt to give birth in.

    Hospital bag checklist for mum and baby (5)

    Snacks

    waitrose.com

    Go forsnacks that are high energy andeasy to eat.

    Hospital bag checklist for mum and baby (7)

    Slippers

    Skechersamazon.co.uk

    You might be pacing the corridors.

    Hospital bag checklist for mum and baby (8)

    Socks

    TeddyT'samazon.co.uk

    £6.80

    Feet get surprisingly cold during labour.

    Hospital bag checklist for mum and baby (9)

    Lip Balm

    vaselineboots.com

    Lips tend to get dry on the wards so pack Vaseline.

    Hospital bag checklist for mum and baby (10)

    Massage oil

    Amazonamazon.co.uk

    This is for relaxation and/or pain relief.

    Hospital bag checklist for mum and baby (11)

    Pads

    ABENAamazon.co.uk

    It's normal tobleed after giving birth so bring pads.

    Hospital bag checklist for mum and baby (12)

    Breast Pads

    jojomamanbebe.co.uk

    £11.00

    Bring these – even if you don't plan to breastfeed.

    Hospital bag checklist for mum and baby (13)

    Book

    Amazonamazon.co.uk

    Bring something to keep you busy anddistracted.

    Hospital bag checklist for mum and baby (14)

    Clean clothes

    jojomamanbebe.co.uk

    Bring a change of outfit for the journey home.

    Hospital bag checklist for mum and baby (15)

    Change bag

    BabaBingjojomamanbebe.co.uk

    This change bag is perfect for carrying baby essentials.

    Hospital bag checklist: for baby

    For the baby, you might want to pack:

    1. Nappies

    You will need to bring nappies – either disposable or reusable – for your baby, who will go through about 12 each day. You should also bring a nappy bag to carry clean nappies.

    2. Full outfit

    A full outfit for your baby wear on the way home from hospital, including a pair of booties, a hat, socks and mittens (if it’s cold).

    3. Shawl or blanket

    Bring a cosy blanket to wrap your baby up in if it is cold outside when you are leaving the hospital.

    4. Muslin squares

    Bring muslin squares for mopping up any milk your baby brings up.

    5. Baby car seat

    You will need a baby car seat for the car ride home.

    Hospital bag checklist for mum and baby (16)

    Nappies

    HUGGIESamazon.com

    US$52.76

    Your newborn will go through about 12 nappies each day.

    Hospital bag checklist for mum and baby (17)

    Muslin squares

    SwaddleDesignsamazon.com

    US$17.99

    US$15.99 (11% off)

    For mopping up any milk your baby brings up.

    Hospital bag checklist for mum and baby (18)

    Full outfit

    jojomamanbebe.co.uk

    £25.00

    £22.50 (10% off)

    Don't forget a full outfit for your baby to wear home from hospital.

    Hospital bag checklist for mum and baby (19)

    Booties

    jojomamanbebe.co.uk

    £16.00

    Hospital bag checklist for mum and baby (20)

    Cosy blanket

    JoJo Maman Bébéjojomamanbebe.co.uk

    Bring a blanket to wrap your baby in if it is cold outside.

    Hospital bag checklist for mum and baby (21)

    Changing mat

    mothercare.com

    You will need a changing mat for your baby.

    Hospital bag checklist for mum and baby (22)

    Nappy bags

    amazon.co.uk

    For your baby's dirty nappies.

    Hospital bag checklist for mum and baby (23)

    Baby car seat

    Britax Römeramazon.co.uk

    For the car ride home.

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    Last updated: 20-10-2020

          Anna BonetAnna is a Senior Writer at Hearst Lifestyle, covering arts, entertainment and celebrity interviews.

          Hospital bag checklist for mum and baby (2024)

          FAQs

          Hospital bag checklist for mum and baby? ›

          Toiletry bag – I filled with good hair ties, toothbrush, toothpaste, makeup remover, cotton pads, cleanser, moisturizer, mini shampoo/conditioner, mini dry shampoo, soap, aquaphor, light makeup. Kindle – I love my Kindle for some downtime, but it also helps me fall back to sleep if I have any time to rest.

          What must you have in a mommy hospital bag? ›

          Toiletry bag – I filled with good hair ties, toothbrush, toothpaste, makeup remover, cotton pads, cleanser, moisturizer, mini shampoo/conditioner, mini dry shampoo, soap, aquaphor, light makeup. Kindle – I love my Kindle for some downtime, but it also helps me fall back to sleep if I have any time to rest.

          What should parents pack when going to the hospital to have a baby? ›

          You'll want your hairbrush, regular or dry shampoo, toothbrush and toothpaste, deodorant, lip balm, body lotion, extra hair ties and face wipes (Babylist parents recommend these in case you're not up to showering right away). Remember extra contact lenses (plus contact lens solution) and/or glasses, if you wear them.

          When should I pack my first hospital bag for my mom? ›

          Babies are unpredictable. They come when they are ready to come. But if you're a planner like me and want to be ready for your little one's arrival, I'd suggest having your hospital bag packed between 36 and 38 weeks.

          What to bring to the hospital for someone who just had a baby? ›

          Cozy Apparel. A new mom in the hospital will appreciate comfortable and cozy apparel that will make her feel more at home. A robe and slippers are essential items that will keep her warm and comfortable during her stay. The robe should be soft and lightweight, and the slippers should have a non-slip sole.

          What week is best to pack a hospital bag? ›

          When Should You Pack Your Hospital Bag? You should have your hospital bag ready to go between weeks 32 and 35 of your pregnancy, in case your baby comes a bit earlier than expected. A good time to start the packing process is around the 28 week mark, or at the start of your 3rd trimester.

          What to wear during labor? ›

          Something cool and loose to wear during labour such as a cotton nighty or a large t-shirt, including something to wear in the birthing pool (the hospital can provide a gown if you would prefer this) Dressing gown, slippers and nightwear. Support bra to wear while breastfeeding.

          Should I bring pacifiers to the hospital? ›

          Pacifiers. You can bring a few pacifiers if you want to test out the different styles. Hospitals will usually have a few on hand, but they may not have a wide selection.

          What do babies wear right after birth? ›

          Most hospitals prefer to dress babies simply, either in just a diaper and swaddled in a flannel blanket, or in a side-snap bodysuit or basic gown (all of these items will be provided for you).

          What to bring to labor and delivery? ›

          After You Deliver
          • Fresh nightgown.
          • Cell phone/charger or prepaid phone card.
          • List of family and friends to call.
          • Toiletries.
          • Nursing or regular bras.
          • Maternity underpants (with heavy-duty sanitary pads at home). Stretch panties are provided.
          • Photos of your other children.
          • Notepad or journal and pen.

          How long do you stay in hospital after birth? ›

          If you're both doing well, you'll usually be ready to go home somewhere between 6 and 24 hours after birth. You may need to stay a bit longer if: you've had an emergency caesarean section. you or your baby need extra care.

          How many maternity pads do I need? ›

          Most new mums will bleed for up to 6 weeks after giving birth so Maternity Pads with wings for extra protection are recommended throughout this period. Maternity Pads will require changing as needed, or every 4 hours, so it's likely you'll need around 250 maternity pads over this period.

          Is 24 weeks too early to pack hospital bag? ›

          As you never quite know exactly when your little one will make an appearance, we recommend packing your hospital bag in the third trimester, at around week 36. You may want to consider packing the bag together with your birth partner to double check you have everything you need.

          What to wear to the hospital for labor? ›

          Items for Mom

          The hospital will supply you with a gown, slippers, disposable underwear, and basic toiletries. While it is nice to have your own clothes with you, labor and the first few days postpartum are most often a very messy time, so you may not want to wear your brand-new lingerie.

          Should I bring my breast pump to the hospital? ›

          You do not have to bring your breast pump to the hospital — one will be provided to you while in the hospital if needed. However, if you would like help learning the set-up and use of your breast pump, you can bring it and a lactation consultant can assist you.

          Do I need to bring my breast pump to the hospital? ›

          You do not have to bring your breast pump to the hospital — one will be provided to you while in the hospital if needed. However, if you would like help learning the set-up and use of your breast pump, you can bring it and a lactation consultant can assist you.

          Do I need to bring burp cloths to the hospital? ›

          Burp cloths - Your newborn will have lots of feedings as you get used to a new routine, which means you'll be burping your baby a lot – bring burp cloths to clean up after your little one. Swaddle and blanket - No matter the weather, swaddling your newborn is always a good idea.

          References

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