HOSPITAL BAG CHECKLIST PRINTABLE PDF UK (2024)

FAQs

What paperwork do you need for hospital bag? ›

Hospital paperwork, ID, and insurance card.

Hospitals require your ID, any medical cards, and insurance documents up front, so make sure you have a copy of these readily available. Birth plan (if you have one).

The hospital will provide a blanket but it's nice to have your own as a spare, plus you'll need it when you leave hospital to keep baby covered and warm. Muslins. Take at least 4, as these can get soiled with spit-up milk pretty quickly. You'll soon realise, you can never have enough muslins handy!

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.

Here's what not to bring to the hospital when you're ready to deliver: Too much clothing for you or the baby. Choose one outfit each and leave the rest at home. Valuables.

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.

We recommend packing two-three 1.0TOG Cocoon Swaddles in your hospital bag in size newborn or 0-3 months.

Do this around 4-6 weeks before the baby is due. This is close enough to the date so that the clothes aren't sitting for months on end collecting dust. But it isn't too close to your due date when you should be focusing on rest and preparing for birth.

Pack A Couple Of Bags: “Consider packing two or even three holdalls rather than one big suitcase. The reason being that suitcases are tricky to get into once you're in bed recovering, especially if you've had a c-section.

Packing two bags might also work for you – one for during labour and one for afterwards. Or you could go for a small suitcase; it might sound crazy but the stuff you will need adds up. And, after all, you are packing for a possible overnight stay (for at least two people).

A large suitcase or duffel bag for you and a small one for your partner will help keep all of your items organized. Many moms also recommend bringing an empty duffel bag along to the hospital as well for all of the diapers, supplies and samples that the hospital may give you to make transporting everything home easier.

Can I wear a bra during labor? ›

Skip the underwire or anything with metal in it.

Bring a nursing bra with you to labor and delivery, especially to help with nursing after birth.

Since there is urine leakage and bleeding, women are made to wear mesh underwear with large hospital pads after delivery. Not many women prefer these panties and thick pads, so packing this essential is necessary. New mothers need to wear full coverage pads and ladies diapers to manage their incontinence.

Because of this, it's important to have plenty of large pads on-hand for the first few weeks postpartum, as well as some smaller pads or panty liners as the bleeding subsides. Some women prefer to use adult diapers rather than pads after delivery. Grab a few different items and see what works best for you.

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.

Wherever you are planning to birth you are going to need to gather some kit for you, your birth partner and baby/ies for birth day. It is wise to have your kit packed and ready at least 2-3 weeks before your estimated due date.