Hospital Bag Checklist – What to Pack for Mum, Baby and Partner

A well-packed hospital bag is one of the simplest ways to feel ready for labour - aim to have it packed by around week 36, keep it to one bag per person, and organise it into three clear sections: one for mum, one for baby and one for your birth partner. This straightforward approach removes last-minute stress and gives you real peace of mind on the big day.

For mum, the essentials cover hospital notes, birth plan, a comfortable dressing gown and nightdress, toiletries, phone and long charger, snacks and nursing bras or breast pads. For baby, focus on 20–24 newborn nappies, wipes, several bodysuits or sleepsuits, a hat, scratch mittens, a blanket and a going-home outfit. For the birth partner, pack a change of clothes, toiletries, snacks and drinks, phone charger, spare change for the car park and swimwear if a birth pool is planned.

In this article, you'll find a full hospital bag packing list by category, a dedicated answer on whether to bring your own nappies, tips for a C-section bag and a printable checklist to help you tick everything off before your baby arrives.

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When Should I Pack My Hospital Bag?

Are you wondering, 'When should I pack my hospital bag'? Your baby might arrive earlier than expected, so it's worth having your hospital bag (or bags if you want one for before and after delivery) packed during the third trimester – at about week 36 − just in case. You might find it easier to pack with your birth partner so you can both double-check you haven't forgotten anything.

Then, once all the bags are packed, keep them handy, either in the car or near the door, so you'll be ready to go at a moment's notice.

Keep reading for a full list of what to pack in your bag for the hospital and download your hospital bag checklist below!

What Do You Actually Need in a Hospital Bag? A Practical Checklist by Category

You actually need far less than most first-time parents assume - one well-organised bag containing labour essentials for mum, newborn basics for baby and comfort items for your birth partner will cover a typical one- to two-night stay. Use the checklist below to pack by category so nothing is forgotten and nothing is duplicated.

For Mum: Labour & Delivery

• Hospital notes and birth plan (printed copies)

• Dressing gown, nightdress and warm socks

• Slippers and flip-flops for the shower

• TENS machine (if using) with spare batteries

• Lip balm, hand sanitiser and towels

• Water spray, sponge and a favourite pillow

• Long phone-charging cable or portable battery pack

• Eye mask, earplugs and light entertainment (book, tablet, music)

For Mum: After Delivery

• Heavy-duty maternity pads and breast pads (around 2 packets)

• 5–6 pairs of comfortable knickers, including some disposable

• 2–3 nursing bras and a front-opening nightdress

• 3 changes of loose, comfortable clothing plus a going-home outfit

• Full toiletries bag: toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo, deodorant, hairbrush

• Snacks and a refillable water bottle

For Baby

• At least 20–24 newborn nappies such as Pampers Premium Protection New Baby nappies (see: Can You Bring Your Own Nappies to Hospital, or Will They Provide Them? below)

• Pampers Premium Protection New Baby wipes or cotton wool

• 3–4 bodysuits and sleepsuits (front-opening)

• Hat, scratch mittens and socks or booties

• 2 muslin squares and a soft blanket

• Season-appropriate going-home outfit

• Correctly installed car seat (kept in the car)

For Your Birth Partner

• Change of clothes, toiletries and a small pillow

• Snacks, drinks and spare change for the car park and vending machines

• Swimwear if planning to support in a birth pool

• Phone, camera, chargers and spare batteries

• Spare glasses or contact lenses

• Entertainment such as a book or tablet

Many parents find they overpack clothes and underpack snacks, phone chargers and comfort items. If you're unsure, favour a longer charging cable, extra nappies and a familiar pillow over an additional change of outfit - you'll almost certainly spend most of your stay in a nightdress or dressing gown.

What to Pack in the Hospital Bag for Mum (Labour and Delivery)

For labour and delivery itself, focus on what will keep you comfortable, distracted and supported during contractions and the hours immediately after birth. Pack the following essentials into an easy-to-access section of your bag.

Being comfortable during labour is key. If you would like a personalised plan for pain management during labour, our short quiz can help you think through the options - always discuss anything clinical, such as pain relief or C-section recovery, with your midwife or GP.

Hospital Bag Checklist for C-Section

If you are having a planned caesarean, or simply want to be prepared for the possibility, the checklists above still apply. The following extras can make recovery from a C-section more comfortable - check with your midwife or doctor about anything clinical.

• Loose-fitting nightdress or dressing gown to avoid pressure on the incision

• High-waisted underwear that sits above the incision line

• Optional abdominal support belt (ask your midwife first)

• Compression stockings to support circulation after surgery

• Any prescribed medications or a list of what you currently take

• Light, easy-to-digest snacks and drinks for recovery

• Extra-long phone charger, as sockets can be far from the bed

Ask your healthcare provider if there is anything specific your maternity unit recommends for a post-caesarean stay.

What to Pack in the Hospital Bag for Mum (After Delivery)

To make your post-delivery hospital stay as comfortable as possible, pack these essentials in your hospital bag checklist for mum and head off with confidence.

• Nightdresses. You'll need something comfortable to sleep in during your hospital stay, and a soft, loose nightdress is a good option. Choose a front-opening style if you plan to breastfeed.

• Heavy-duty maternity pads. The hospital will provide some of these, but you may want to pack a few heavy-duty maternity pads, just in case. It's normal to bleed a lot after the birth, and maternity pads are softer and more absorbent than standard pads. Initially you may need to change pads every one to two hours, but within a few days, the flow will start to decrease.

• Underwear. Hospitals often provide stretchy underwear, but you may want to pack several pairs that are large enough to wear over heavy-duty maternity pads.

• Bras. Be prepared with a few nursing bras or other comfortable, well-fitting bras.

• Breast pads. If you plan to breastfeed, breast pads help manage early milk leakage and keep you comfortable.

• Toiletries. Don't forget tissues, a hairbrush, a comb, deodorant, a toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo, conditioner, a hairdryer, hair clips and hair ties. Pack a plastic bag to pop dirty clothes in.

• Cosmetics and skincare products. If makeup is part of your usual routine, then don't forget your cosmetics. Plus, make sure you pack some moisturiser, as your skin may feel drier than usual.

• Glasses and contact lenses (if you need them). It may seem obvious, but sometimes it's these little things that can escape your mind when packing your hospital bag. Don't forget contact lens solution and a lens case if you use contact lenses.

• Phone and charger. Unless you opt for a little digital detox during this special time, don't forget your phone and charger. You can stay in touch with loved ones, use it to take those first few pictures, and post your special news on social media.

• Clothes. Aside from your nightdress, you might choose to take some comfortable clothes to wear during your hospital stay. Pack an extra outfit to wear home. Choose something loose-fitting with a drawstring or elastic waist.

• Handouts and reference books. You might have received some handy notes from your prenatal classes or have some reference books about newborns. The doctors and nurses will be able to give you lots of personalised guidance, but you might find these resources more useful once you actually have your newborn in your arms.

• Snacks and drinks. Labour can sometimes be very long, so you could consider packing some snacks and drinks. However, speak to your medical team about whether or not you'll be allowed to eat or drink anything during labour. Also, consider packing some of your favourite snacks for after labour as you may feel like some comfort food during your hospital stay.

Can You Bring Your Own Nappies to Hospital, or Will They Provide Them?

Most NHS hospitals in the UK do not routinely provide nappies for newborns, so parents are expected to bring their own. Some maternity units may keep a small supply for emergencies, but this cannot be relied upon - pack enough nappies to cover your entire stay plus the journey home.

Newborns typically need 10–12 nappy changes per day, so for a hospital stay of one to two nights, pack at least 20–24 nappies. It is far better to have too many than too few, and many parents simply bring a full pack. Choose newborn (size 1) nappies designed for very small babies - Pampers Premium Protection New Baby nappies feature an umbilical cord cut-out to protect the healing cord stump during those first delicate days.

For wipes, NHS guidance suggests using cotton wool or gentle baby wipes for newborns. Pampers Premium Protection New Baby wipes are formulated with 99% purified water and are suitable from birth, making them a straightforward choice for the hospital bag.

If you're unsure, ask your midwife or maternity unit beforehand - they'll be able to confirm exactly what's provided at your specific hospital.

What to Pack in the Hospital Bag for Your Birth Partner

Being a birth partner often means you'll be by your loved one's side in hospital. To help things go smoothly, put together a practical hospital bag with the items you'll actually need. Here's a curated list of essentials for dads, partners, friends, family members, or anyone who will be your birth partner:

• Snacks and water. Labour can be thirsty work even for supportive partners. Consider packing some snacks and water, as well as change for the hospital vending machines.

• Phone, camera, and/or video camera, plus chargers and spare batteries. Don't forget to pack a phone to stay in contact with loved ones, and for some entertainment during downtimes. The camera will come in handy to take some happy snaps. (Make sure the camera's memory card has plenty of free space on it.)

• Clothes. Labour is an unpredictable process, so a change of clothes is always a good idea, as you never know how long the stay will be.

• Toiletries. After a long labour, you might need to freshen up in the shower. Most hospitals are fine with this, but you can confirm this beforehand.

• Spare glasses or spare contact lenses. It might be a long day, so having spares of these essentials could come in handy.

• Small pillow. You might appreciate getting a bit of rest during downtimes, as well.

• Entertainment. Something to do: Books, a tablet, and a personal music player are all good options.

• Swimwear. If the birth partner plans to support in a birth pool, swimwear is essential - the NHS includes this on its hospital bag checklist.

• Spare change. Keep coins handy for hospital car parking and vending machines during long stays.

What to Pack in the Hospital Bag for Your Baby

For your baby, focus on the basics needed for warmth, feeding and clean nappies during your stay - plus a going-home outfit chosen with the season and car seat safety in mind. The list below covers everything you'll realistically need for a one- to two-night hospital stay.

Printable Hospital Bag Checklist

Download our free, printable hospital bag checklist below to keep track of what you've packed.

Download Hospital Bag Checklist

What Not to Pack in Your Hospital Bag

Although it's a great idea to be prepared, you don't need to overpack your hospital bag. And there are some things that many hospitals don't allow, so it's a good idea to double-check beforehand.

Here are a few things you probably won't need to pack in your hospital bag checklist:

• Too many clothes. You'll likely be in your nightdress 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.

• Valuables. Leave valuables, such as jewellery, at home where they will be safer. The last thing you want to worry about is losing something important while you're focused on giving birth and taking care of your new baby.

• Electronic devices. Your phone and camera might come in handy, but you won't need larger devices such as portable TVs or music players. If you want to watch or listen to something, remember to have headphones handy so you don't disturb other guests.

• Too much food. A few of your favourite snacks and some water is good to have on hand, but don't bring too much food with you. You might not get a chance to eat it, and if your stay is longer than expected, the hospital will likely provide you with food, or your partner can bring some extra snacks if needed.

Sibling Hospital Bag Checklist

If your older child/children will be staying with family or a carer while you're in hospital, pack a small bag to help them feel comfortable and cared for:

• A few changes of clothes and pyjamas

• Favourite comfort item (stuffed animal, blanket, etc.)

• Toiletries and any medications

• Snacks and a water bottle

• Small toys, books or colouring supplies

• A note or photo from you for reassurance

• Schedule or routine information for their carer.

This little bag helps keep things familiar and fun for the siblings-to-be while you focus on welcoming the new baby.

The Bottom Line

With this hospital bag checklist, Mum, Dad and baby can be well prepared for time in hospital. Read up on the signs of labour, which includes things like your waters breaking or seeing the mucus plug discharge.

If you're approaching your due date, it's helpful to know how to time your contractions as well as how to spot other signs of labour. Contact your midwife or doctor if you think you're going into labour. They'll be able to let you know when it's time to grab your hospital bag and be on your way.

While you're here and in the mood for preparing for the birth of your baby, download the Pampers Club app. You can use the app to earn rewards for all the nappies you'll be buying once your little one's here.