Hospital Bag Checklist for Mum, Baby and Partner

Are you all set for the big day? With so much to prepare before your baby arrives, it’s understandable if your hospital bag is a last-minute task. We’re here to make it a little easier with a hospital bag checklist so you remember all the essentials. We even suggest essential hospital bag items to pack for your new baby and your birthing partner, as well as some items you can leave at home. So, read on and get that hospital bag ready to go!

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

As with most things in life, preparing for labour and delivery involves a certain amount of admin. You’ll need to keep some records and documents to hand along with things for your own comfort:

• Hospital file. Have your medical records handy, so that your doctors can easily see your medical history.

• Birth plan (if you have one). You might have discussed your birth plan with your medical team, but having a few copies printed and available for doctors and nurses means that everyone can refer to it, in case last-minute questions arise.

• Dressing gown. A soft dressing gown is useful for pacing around during labour, or afterwards, if you spend some time in the hospital.

• Socks. Many mums pop on some warm socks if their feet get cold during labour.

• Slippers or flip-flops. You’ll want slippers that are comfortable and easy to slip in and out of to wear as you walk around the hospital ward. Pack some flip-flops for use in the shower.

• Lip balm. Your lips can get chapped during labour. Having some lip balm on hand will help hydrate your lips.

• Body lotion or massage oil. Some mums-to-be find a little massage during labour relaxing. If this could be you, pop some lotion or oil in your hospital bag.

• Water spray and sponge. During labour, you may feel you’re getting a little hot. It could help to spray some water on your face and neck or to sponge some cool water on your forehead.

• Comfortable pillow(s). Your hospital will provide you with pillows, but they might not be the right kind for you. If you have a favourite pillow, then it can’t hurt to take it along as well.

• Relaxing entertainment. Pack some things to help you pass the time like a book, magazines, a tablet with movies or series downloaded on it, or a music player.

• Eye mask and earplugs. To help you get rest in a busy and bright maternity ward, pack an eye mask or earplugs in your hospital bag for the downtimes of labour, or your well-deserved rest after delivery.

Your comfort during labour and delivery is key, and many of the above items in your hospital bag may help you relax a bit. But, let’s be honest, you may need more than cosy socks and soothing music to relax! Take the quiz below to discover your personalised plan for pain management during labour.

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

You may still be in the hospital at this point in time, but that won’t stop you from wanting a few home comforts. Here are some of the must-haves we recommend:

• Nightdresses. You’ll need something comfortable to sleep in during your hospital stay. Pack at least one soft, loose nightdress. Choose a front-opening one if you plan to breastfeed.

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

• Underwear. Pack several pairs of comfortable underwear that you won’t mind getting messy, and that are large enough for those maternity pads.

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

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

• Cosmetics and skin care products. If makeup is part of your usual routine, then don’t forget your cosmetics. Plus, make sure you pack some moisturisers 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 attention when packing your hospital bag. Don’t forget contact lens solution if you use contacts.

• Phone and charger. Unless you opt for a little digital detox during this special time, don’t forget your phone and charger. That way you can stay in touch with loved ones, you can 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 stay in hospital. Pack an extra outfit to wear home. Choose something loose-fitting, ideally with a drawstring or an elastic waist.

• Handouts and reference books. You might have received some handy notes from your prenatal classes or have some reference books about newborns. While the doctors and nurses will be able to give you lots of personalised guidance, 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 will 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.

What to Pack in the Hospital Bag for Your Birth Partner

If you’re a birth partner, whether you’re the dad, friend, partner, or family member, you may want to pack a few things in a hospital bag when supporting mum during labour and delivery:

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

• Phone, camera and/or video camera, and chargers and 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. You may want to freshen after a long labour, so be sure to pack in some deodorant, wipes and toothpaste.

• 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 music player are all good options.

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What to Pack in the Hospital Bag for Your Baby

Before you know it, you’ll be holding your little one in your arms. The following list of newborn essentials will come in useful when they arrive:

• Babygrows. Hospital policies can vary on what newborns can be dressed in so consult with your doctor in advance about what to pack. You may need to add to what the hospital provides in terms of accessories and layers. Remember, with babygrows, it's a good idea to choose those that fasten up at the front.

• Socks and booties. Newborns can get cold easily. Even during skin-to-skin contact, your newborn can wear a hat and socks.

• Blanket. While the hospital will likely provide blankets, a blanket of your own is always good to have on hand to use during skin-to-skin contact. It can also be used to keep your baby warm in the car seat on the way home.

• Nappies. Bring some nappies, especially for newborns, like Pampers Premium Protection New Baby So, how many newborn nappies do you need? Your newborn might go through 10-12 nappies each day.

• Wipes. Newborns' skin is particularly sensitive, so choose baby wipe suitable for newborns such as Pampers Harmonie New Baby Wipes.

• Muslin squares. These can be draped on your shoulder or placed underneath the baby to prevent dribbles from getting on your clothes. You could also pack some bibs for this purpose too.

• Going-home outfit. Consider the weather conditions: a bodysuit, booties and hat could be fine during the warmer months, but in winter pack mittens and a jacket or snowsuit as well. But remember, thick coats, jackets or snow suits should always be removed before putting your baby in the car seat for optimum safety.

• Car seat. This obviously isn't for the hospital bag, but the right car seat should be installed in your car around the same time you pack your baby bag so it's ready for the hospital.

Watch the video below for a quick recap of what to pack for your baby’s arrival!

Printable Hospital Bag Checklist

Download Hospital Bag Checklist

What Not to Pack in Your Hospital Bag

Now you know what to pack in your hospital bag for you, your baby, and your birthing partner, you may also want to know what you can leave at home. Although it’s good to be prepared, you don’t need to overpack your hospital bag. There are also a few things that some hospitals don’t allow, so it’s a good idea to double-check with your hospital beforehand.

Here are some things you probably won’t need to pack in your hospital bag:

• Too many clothes. You'll likely be in your nightdress for most of your stay, so you won’t need many clothes. Pack a going-home outfit that is comfortable and easy to put on, like leggings and a loose top.

• Valuables. Leave valuables, such as jewellery, at home where they’ll be safe. 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 are 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.

The Bottom Line

With this handy hospital bag checklist for you, your baby and your birthing partner, you’ll have your maternity bag well stocked. Read up on the signs of labour, which includes your waters breaking, losing your mucus plug and contractions. Knowing what to expect when labour starts and how to time your contractions is helpful so you know when it’s time to grab your bag and make your way to the hospital!

While you’re here and thinking about your upcoming birth, download the Pampers Club app. You can use the app to earn rewards for all the nappies and wipes you’ll be buying once your little one’s here.

Are you waiting until you see your little one’s face to decide on a name? In the meantime, get some inspiration with our Baby Name Generator, where you can filter through thousands of titles to find your baby’s perfect name!

_{How we wrote this article The information in this article is based on the expert advice found in trusted medical and government sources, such as the National Health Service (NHS). The content on this page should not replace professional medical advice. Always consult medical professionals for full diagnosis and treatment.}