Hospital Bag Checklist

Tip: If you have dogs or cats at home, consider asking a family member to take home a blanket or item of clothing that has been in contact with your baby before you are discharged from hospital. Allowing your pets to investigate the scent beforehand may help make the first meeting more relaxed.

Tip: Many maternity units provide your baby's first hat, but it often becomes stained during birth. Packing an extra soft cotton hat means you'll have a clean one ready for cuddles, photos and the journey home.

Tip: Your baby will usually need a nappy change shortly after birth. Even if your maternity unit provides nappies, having a couple of your own within easy reach can be very helpful.

Extra tip: Size 0 nappies are the most commonly used size for newborns. Most babies born within the normal birth weight range will wear them during their first week of life.

Tip: Choose a nightdress with buttons from top to bottom. This allows easy access for immediate skin-to-skin contact and makes breastfeeding easier in those first precious hours.

Extra tip: Labour can be a little messy, with blood, amniotic fluid and vernix all part of the process. Many parents prefer to bring a darker-coloured nightdress, as it tends to hide stains better and can make those first photos feel a little more comfortable.

Tip: Pack one pair in your labour bag for after the birth. Your main hospital bag will usually be available once you have been transferred to the postnatal ward, so there's no need to pack everything for your stay in this bag.

Extra tip: This is the only bag that will stay with you throughout labour, so keep it small, organised and within easy reach. It will save you and your birth partner from searching through your main luggage during such an important moment.

Tip: Keep all your pregnancy notes and any documents requested by your maternity unit together in an easily accessible folder. Having everything organised can make your admission much smoother.

Extra tip: If you have a birth plan, keep it with your pregnancy notes and share it with the healthcare team when you arrive. This helps everyone involved in your care understand your preferences and discuss them with you throughout your stay.

Tip: Pack loose, comfortable clothing that is easy to put on and remove. Soft fabrics and front-opening tops are especially practical if you plan to breastfeed.

Extra tip: Maternity units are usually kept quite warm, so lightweight clothing is usually the most comfortable choice. If you'd feel more comfortable when leaving your room, a lightweight dressing gown is well worth packing.

Tip: Choose clothes that fitted you comfortably towards the end of your pregnancy. Your body needs time to recover, and it's completely normal to still have a pregnancy-shaped tummy after giving birth.

Extra tip: Loose-fitting clothes with a stretchy waistband are usually the most comfortable choice for the journey home, whether you've had a vaginal birth or a caesarean birth.

Extra tip: Don't forget your shoes! Your feet may still be swollen after birth, sometimes even more than they were at the end of pregnancy, so comfortable, roomy shoes or sandals are often the best choice.

Tip: Pack your everyday toiletries in travel-sized containers if possible. They take up less space and are usually enough for your hospital stay.

Extra tip: Don't forget a lip balm. Many women find their lips become dry during labour, especially if they're breathing deeply through contractions or if the maternity unit is warm.

Extra tip: If you wear contact lenses, remember to pack your glasses as well. During labour and after birth, you may find them much more comfortable to wear.

Tip: Bring your phone charger so you can stay in touch with your loved ones, take photos and videos, and access any information you may need during your stay.

Extra tip: A long charging cable (around 2–3 metres) can be particularly useful, as power sockets are not always close to the bed in maternity units.

Extra tip: If you usually use a portable power bank, it can also be helpful, especially if you're moving around during labour or using your phone frequently.

Tip: Staying well hydrated during labour and after birth is important. Bringing your own reusable water bottle means you'll always have a drink close by whenever you need it.

Extra tip: A bottle with a built-in straw or flip-top lid can be especially practical, as it's often easier to drink from without sitting fully upright or using both hands.

Extra tip: Even if your maternity unit provides drinking water, having your own bottle close by can make it easier to sip regularly throughout labour and during your recovery.

Tip: Pack a few easy-to-eat snacks for yourself and your birth partner. They can be especially welcome after your baby is born, when you may feel surprisingly hungry.

Extra tip: Cereal bars, crackers, dried fruit, biscuits or other snacks that don't need refrigeration are practical options to keep in your hospital bag.

Extra tip: Clear drinks such as water, diluted fruit juice or iced tea can also be refreshing during labour if you're allowed to drink. Your healthcare team will advise you according to your individual circumstances and your maternity unit's policies.

Tip: Pack two or three comfortable, well-fitting nursing bras without underwire. Your breasts may become fuller as your milk comes in, so comfort is more important than support during the first few days.

Extra tip: If possible, wait until the last few weeks of pregnancy before buying your nursing bras. This gives you a better idea of your size and helps you choose a more comfortable fit.

Extra tip: If you don't have a nursing bra yet, a soft, stretchy bra or crop top that can be pulled aside easily can also work well during your hospital stay.

Tip: Bring any medication you take regularly and keep it in its original packaging whenever possible.

Extra tip: Let your healthcare team know about any medication or supplements you're taking, including vitamins or herbal products, so they can advise you appropriately during your stay.

Tip: Pack around 10–12 high-absorbency pads. Heavy-flow maternity pads, overnight sanitary pads or absorbent incontinence pads can all be suitable options.

Extra tip: Most maternity units will provide all the pads you'll need during your hospital stay. However, you may feel more comfortable using your own preferred brand, so it's worth packing a few.

Extra tip: Choose unscented pads whenever possible. Fragranced pads may mask an unpleasant odour, which can sometimes be an early sign of a postpartum infection.

Tip: Pack 4–6 pairs of comfortable underwear. Soft cotton briefs or disposable maternity briefs are both excellent choices. Choose a full-coverage style rather than a thong, as it will help keep your maternity pad securely in place.

Extra tip: If you choose disposable maternity briefs, many women find it more comfortable to buy one size larger than they would normally wear.

Extra tip: Menstrual underwear can also be an excellent option after birth. Although it's still recommended to wear a maternity pad inside, it provides an extra layer of protection in case of small leaks, giving many women greater confidence and peace of mind.

Tip: Silver nursing cups can help protect sore or sensitive nipples between feeds. Their natural antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties may help create an environment that supports skin healing during the early days of breastfeeding.

Extra tip: Breast pads are not routinely needed during your hospital stay. Milk leakage is often minimal during the first few days, and many women only find them useful later if leaking becomes more noticeable.

Extra tip: If you do choose to use breast pads later on, opt for unscented, breathable ones and change them regularly to help keep the skin dry and healthy.

Tip: If you have long hair, pack a few hair ties or a hair clip to keep your hair comfortably out of your face during labour, birth and while caring for your baby afterwards.

Extra tip: Keeping your hair tied back can help you feel more comfortable during labour and birth, whatever type of birth you have. It can also make breastfeeding easier and help you feel cooler during those early feeds, when many mothers naturally feel warm.

Extra tip: Pack a spare hair tie in case one breaks or gets misplaced.

Tip: Pack a pair of comfortable, non-slip slippers. You'll be encouraged to get up and move around after birth, so comfortable footwear is important throughout your hospital stay.

Extra tip: Choose slippers that are easy to slip on and off. This can be especially helpful during the first few days, when bending down may feel uncomfortable.

Extra tip: Opt for slippers that are easy to wipe clean, as you'll be wearing them around the maternity ward throughout your stay.

Tip: Pack a pair of flip-flops to wear in the shower. They can make showering more comfortable and help reduce the risk of slipping on wet floors.

Extra tip: Choose flip-flops with a non-slip sole for extra stability, especially during the first few days after birth.

Tip: Headphones can be a great way to block out some of the background noise during labour, helping you stay focused, relax and create a calmer environment.

Extra tip: They can also be useful after birth if you're sharing a room, allowing you, your birth partner or any visitors to listen to music, watch videos or make phone calls without disturbing others.

Tip: Labour wards can be warm, and the combination of breathing techniques, talking and staying hydrated can leave your lips feeling dry. Keeping a lip balm within easy reach can make you much more comfortable.

Extra tip: Many mothers also notice that their lips remain dry during the first few days after birth, particularly while establishing breastfeeding, so you'll probably continue reaching for it after labour too.

Tip: Pack a small laundry bag or waterproof wet bag to keep dirty or damp clothes separate from the rest of your belongings.

Extra tip: A waterproof bag is especially useful for storing clothes with milk, blood or other fluids, helping to keep the rest of your hospital bag clean and dry.

Tip: If you plan to breastfeed, packing a small tube of lanolin nipple cream may help moisturise and protect dry or sensitive nipples during the early days of breastfeeding.

Extra tip: Lanolin helps to moisturise the skin, but it doesn't treat the underlying cause of nipple pain or damage. If you experience persistent pain or cracked nipples, seek breastfeeding support, as improving your baby's latch and positioning is usually the most effective solution.

Tip: A breastfeeding pillow isn't essential, as the hospital will provide pillows to help support you and your baby during feeds. However, if you already use one at home and find it comfortable, you may prefer to bring it with you.

Extra tip: Whatever support you use, try to bring your baby up to breast height rather than leaning forward towards your baby. This can help make feeding more comfortable and reduce strain on your neck, shoulders and back.

Tip: Pack around four complete outfits for your baby. Including a vest, sleepsuit and socks (if needed) in each outfit can make dressing your baby much easier.

Tip: Maternity units are usually kept warm, so babies often need one more layer than you to stay comfortable. For example, if you're comfortable wearing a T-shirt, your baby will usually be comfortable in a vest and a sleepsuit. Always adjust clothing according to the room temperature and your baby's comfort, rather than following a fixed number of layers.

Extra tip: Packing each outfit in a separate labelled bag can be very helpful. If someone else needs to dress your baby, they'll know exactly what to use without having to search through your hospital bag.

Tip: Although most maternity units provide nappies during your stay, you may prefer to pack a small supply of your own, especially if you have a preferred brand.

Extra tip: Most full-term babies will wear size 0 or size 1 nappies during their first few days. If your baby is expected to be very small or larger than average, you may wish to pack a small selection of different sizes.

Extra tip: During the first few days after birth, newborn babies typically need 8–12 nappy changes every 24 hours. This isn't a fixed rule, but it's a good guide to help you understand how frequently your baby's nappy may need changing.

Tip: Although most maternity units provide gauze swabs during your stay, you may prefer to pack a small supply of your own.

Extra tip: Gauze swabs are useful for gently cleaning your baby's eyes, face or nappy area whenever needed.

Tip: Saline solution is useful for gently cleaning your baby's eyes or moistening gauze swabs whenever needed.

Extra tip: Most maternity units provide saline during your stay, so packing your own is optional but can be reassuring to have close at hand.

Tip: Most hospitals provide towels for your baby. These are standard towels used throughout the hospital, so if you prefer a towel reserved just for your baby, you may wish to bring your own.

Extra tip: We recommend packing two soft baby towels. After the first bath, the towel is often soiled with blood and vernix, and it may not have enough time to dry before it's needed again.

Tip: Muslin cloths are one of the most useful items to have in your hospital bag. They're ideal for feeding, burping, cleaning up small spills or simply protecting your clothing.

Extra tip: We recommend packing at least one large muslin cloth (around 100 × 100 cm). Its generous size makes it perfect for swaddling, which many newborn babies find comforting during their first few days of life.

Tip: A soft baby brush or comb can be useful during your baby's first bath to gently help remove dried blood and vernix from the hair and scalp.

Extra tip: It can also be useful for gently brushing your baby's hair before going home or for those first family photos.

Tip: Newborn babies are often born with long nails, which can easily scratch their face. A paper nail file allows you to gently smooth any sharp edges if needed.

Extra tip: We recommend using a paper nail file rather than baby nail clippers during the first few days, as it's gentler and easier to use on tiny nails.

Tip: Labour can be unpredictable, so it's a good idea to pack a change of comfortable clothes in case you stay at the hospital longer than expected.

Extra tip: Choose lightweight, comfortable clothing and bring an extra layer, as hospital temperatures can vary.

Tip: Pack your usual toiletries, including a toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant and any other essentials you may need during your stay.

Extra tip: If you wear contact lenses, consider bringing your glasses as well, especially if labour is longer than expected or you plan to rest after the birth.

Tip: Labour and the first hours after birth often involve taking photos, sending updates and keeping in touch with family, so your phone battery may run out more quickly than expected.

Extra tip: A long charging cable can be especially useful, as power sockets aren't always close to the hospital bed.

Tip: If you're staying overnight with the mother, slippers and flip-flops will help you stay comfortable throughout your hospital stay.

Extra tip: Slippers are ideal for staying in the room, while flip-flops are useful if you need to use shared bathroom facilities or accompany the mother during labour.

Tip: Pack enough underwear for your hospital stay, especially if you plan to stay overnight with the mother.

Extra tip: Choose comfortable, breathable underwear and consider packing an extra pair in case your stay is longer than expected.

Tip: Labour can be long, and hospital cafés or vending machines may not always be available.

Extra tip: Choose easy-to-carry snacks such as cereal bars, nuts or crackers, and bring a refillable water bottle to stay hydrated.

Tip: Bring your identification, bank card and a small amount of cash, just in case you need to make purchases at the hospital.

Extra tip: Keep all your essentials together in one place so they're easy to find when needed.