Packing your hospital bag is such an exciting and nerve-racking time.
Folding the tiny clothes makes it all very real that soon you'll be bringing your little baby home.
It can be difficult knowing exactly what to pack, not only for your little one, but also for your labour and postpartum needs.
So here's our ultimate hospital bag checklist to help you out.
For baby
- 5 baby vests (newborn/0-3 months), preferably cotton
- 5 sleepsuits (newborn/0-3 months)
- Cardigan
- Soft baby hat, newborn size
- Pair of baby socks (newborn)
- Pair of scratch mitts
- 3 baby blankets, cellular blankets are best
- 6 bibs
- Baby towel
- Coming home outfit (warm clothes if cool)
- Changing essentials
- Cotton wool balls or pads
- Newborn-size nappies
- Nappy sacks
- Muslin squares
Top tip: Separate the babies outfits into little reusable zip bags like these for easy access.
For mom
- Medical notes and birth plan (if you have one)
- 5 button-down nighties
- Breast pads
- Breastfeeding pillow
- Nipple cream
- Maternity bras
- Toothpaste and toothbrush
- Maternity pads
- Disposable maternity briefs
- 10x high-waisted maternity knickers
- Tens machine and spare batteries (if using one)
- Mini deodorant
- Shampoo
- Face creams
- Shower gel
- Lip balm
- Something to read
- Hairbrush
- Face flannel
- Towel
- Thongs for the shower
- Hair clips or scrunchies
- Slippers
- Face spray
- Phone charger with extra-long lead
- Ear plugs
- Loose-fitting going home outfit
For your partner
- Snacks and water: Labour can be thirsty work, even for supportive partners
- Phone, camera and/or video camera, and chargers and batteries
- Change of clothes: You never know how long you'll be in labour, and hospitals can be warm and sweaty
- Small pillow
- Something to read or watch.
When to pack your hospital bag
Your baby might arrive earlier than expected, so it’s worth having your baby hospital bag packed during the third trimester – at about week 36 − just in case.
Your hospital bag should be about the size of a large gym bag. If you’re expecting twins or multiples, you might need to take more than one bag.
Top tip: Pack your labour ward essentials in a separate bag so that you can find everything a little more easily.