What to Pack in Your Hospital Bags


Nov 29, 2018 | David Portnoy | Pregnancy

If you’re here, it means its nearly time for you to pack your hospital bags.

Its time to gather together all the essentials you’ll need during labour and birth and for after your baby is born. Some people start packing as soon as they find out, others may like to leave it until when they start maternity leave. Just remember you may need to go in unexpectedly, so try to have a bag packed by the time you are about 36 weeks pregnant (earlier for twins)

Hospitals vary in their policies about what you are allowed to bring with you when you have your baby. You may want to take a few items from home, such as your own pillows, to make yourself comfortable or some music for during labour. But be aware that hospitals can be short on space.

If you want, pack two bags: one for labour and the hours immediately after your baby is born, and another for a stay in the post natal ward. It always helps to be prepared.

If you’re driving to hospital, you could leave the second bag in the car. If you have a straightforward birth, you may leave hospital on the same day and not need the second bag at all.

So what to pack? If we’ve missed anything please let us know in the comments!

Labour bag

  • Birth plan
  • Dressing gown, slippers and socks
  • Old nightie to wear during labour
  • New pj’s you’d be happy to be seen in by visitors
  • Birth ball
  • Snacks and drinks
  • Lip balm, hair ties
  • Books, music, magazines to pass the time
  • Pillows
  • Swimwear for partner (in case of water birth)
  • Mobile phone charger
  • Digital Camera

For after the birth

  • Going home outfit
  • Nursing bras (hint: break them in beforehand and test them out with your going home outfit!)
  • Breast pads
  • Maternity pads (multiple packs)
  • Toiletries
  • Old cheap comfy knickers
  • Eye mask and earplugs

For the baby

  • Multiple sleepsuits and vests
  • A couple of baby blankets
  • NAPPIES – so many nappies
  • Socks, booties and mittens
  • Hat
  • Trip home outfit