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.
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.
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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.
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.
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.
These include: Comfortable clothing to wear during labour and after delivery, such as a loose-fitting nightdress, a robe, or comfortable loungewear. Don't forget to pack clothes to wear home. Essential toiletries, such as toothpaste, a toothbrush, shampoo, conditioner, deodorant, and a hairbrush or comb.
Food is always a good gift idea for a new mom. It can be a gift certificate for their favorite restaurant, a homemade meal or a basket of treats like fresh fruit and sweets. As a new mom you are healing from birth, suffering from a lack of sleep and you still need to eat and feed the rest of your family.
You'll likely be in your nightgown for most of your stay, so you won't need a lot of clothes. Pack a going-home outfit that is comfortable and easy to put on, like leggings and a loose shirt.
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.
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.
Swaddle blankets: Many hospitals provideswaddle blankets, but you may want to bring your own if you have a preference. 6. Pacifiers (if desired): If you plan to use pacifiers, bring a few along with you.
After the birth of your baby you'll be staying in hospital for 4 nights after a vagin*l birth and 5 nights for a Caesarean Section, so it's best to have enough things to last you and your baby for this time and sometimes a little extra. For baby: at least two zip onesies/sleepsuits and singlets per day.
2 or 3 comfortable bras, including nursing bras if you're planning on breastfeeding. breast pads. 2 packets of super-absorbent sanitary or maternity pads. your wash bag – with toothpaste, toothbrush, hairbrush, flannel, soap, lip balm, deodorant, hair bands, hand sanitiser, body lotion and anything else you need.
A push present is given to a mother to celebrate her giving birth. It may be given the day of birth, before or after. Also called baby baubles and push gifts, these presents are an acknowledgment of the hard work that comes along with months of bearing a child.
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.
Studies suggest giving birth is the equivalent to running a marathon in terms of energy output, (and can actually result in similar injuries, but let's not go there right now!) so it makes sense to wear a bra and/or clothing fit for exertion and perspiration.
In the hospital, blankets and onesies are typically provided. If you'd like to bring baby his/her own clothes to wear during your stay or a special outfit, please do so, but it isn't required. Don't forget a seasonally-appropriate outfit for baby to wear home!
"In most cases, it's okay to wear your regular clothes postpartum. You don't have to stay in the hospital gown," says Dr. Alrahmani. Choose a loose, comfortable set of PJs that are either sleeveless or have short, loose sleeves so that your blood pressure can be checked easily.
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.
Luckily, there's a lot you can leave at home, too. Breast pump. The hospital provides breast pumps, so there's no need to bring yours, assuming you know how to use it.
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