Hospital bag checklist: What to pack for mum, baby and partner

You’ll experience so many exciting milestones on your pregnancy journey, and packing your hospital bag is definitely one of them. Here we’re exploring what to include in your hospital bag checklist, not just for your new arrival, but for you and your partner too.

It can be helpful to keep the things you’ll need during labour separate from the things you’ll need following the birth. Something tells us you’ll be busy enough without digging around to find what you need! Your partner might also want to consider a hospital bag checklist of their own, to make sure they’re fully prepared as part of your support squad.

Read on to discover when to start packing, any extras you might need if you’re planning a C-section, and some top tips and hacks from parents just like you.

Aim to have your hospital bag packed around three weeks before your due date. If you’re having twins, you might want to do this earlier - from around 26 weeks¹.

Download your free hospital bag checklist below.

Whilst your new arrival might be the star of the show, you’re also a very important person (aka VIP) when it comes to your labour and birth.

To make sure you’re packed, prepared, and ready for anything, we’re breaking down what to include in your hospital bag checklist into labour and postpartum essentials, as well as toiletries to keep you feeling fresh. 

Below you’ll find inspiration for what to include in your hospital bag when it comes to those practical labour essentials:

• Your pregnancy paperwork and birth plan, if you've chosen to make one.
• A TENS machine for pain relief during earlier stages of labour, and spare batteries just in case. Be sure to speak with your midwife before you use a TENS machine, as they’ll be able to give you the correct advice about how to use it².
• Mobile phone and an extra charger so you can keep in touch with friends and family (and get snap-happy taking pictures of those first magical moments).
• Headphones and speakers. We’re not suggesting parties in the maternity ward, but listening to some soothing music or your favourite tunes can help you feel relaxed. Why not have a go at creating a playlist for labour?
• Water bottle - giving birth can be thirsty work! Choose a bottle with a sports cap or a straw. You don’t need to be messing around with screw lids when you're in labour.
• A hair tie or bobble. The last thing you need is your hair in your face once your contractions start.
• Lip balm. So many mums tell us that this was an absolute must-have during labour. For those using gas and air, this might leave your lips feeling a little dehydrated.
• A few snacks and drinks to keep you going! Cereal bars, bananas and toast are all great options.

Use our handy list of post-birth items that might come in handy once you’ve welcomed your little on to the world:  

• Nursing bras and breast pads.
• Maternity pads.
• Maternity knickers - the bigger, the better! Big pants jokes aside, high-waisted cotton knickers will be comfy and sit above your scar if you’ve had a C-section.
• A few pairs of front-opening PJs or nighties (ideal for breastfeeding), a comfy dressing gown and slippers. Flip-flops are also handy after the shower.

Add some of your favourite toiletries and a few home comforts to your hospital bag checklist. A great way to keep you feeling fresh and relaxed as you get to know your new baby: 

• Shampoo, conditioner, and body wash for that first refreshing post-birth shower.
• Deodorant.
• Body lotion and hand cream. Hospitals can get a tad warm; hand and body lotion can help to prevent your skin from drying out.
• Earplugs and an eye mask are great ways to get some well-deserved rest on the maternity ward.
• A pillow - there’s nothing quite like your own from home. 
• Comfy clothes for the journey home.

If you’ve opted for a C-section or been advised that this is the best option for you, there are a few additional things that will come in handy during your stay in the hospital:

• High-waisted knickers that will go over your scar.
• Loose, comfortable clothing that doesn’t cling or aggravate your scar. Front-opening tops and nighties are great; you don’t need to take them on and off when breastfeeding.
• Shoes that slip easily on and off, so you don’t have to bend down.
• Cleansing wipes and hand sanitiser can make feeling fresh a little easier.
• Your tablet, some books and magazines. There could be a fair amount of waiting around, so take the opportunity to binge your favourite box set whilst you can.

Now we’ve got you covered, it’s time to think about a hospital bag checklist for your baby. From what they’ll need while you’re still in hospital to that all-important first journey home, here’s what to include. 

Whether you’re in hospital for a short time or for a little longer than expected, a few of the things your baby will need include:  

Vests, baby grows, sleepsuits, hats and scratch mittens. Pack around 3 separate outfits.

Nappies and alcohol/fragrance-free baby wipes or cotton wool. Be sure to pack plenty, as you might have to change your baby up to 12 times a day!³

Muslin squares - your new best friend when feeding (and winding) your baby.

“Here’s my hack for packing your baby’s newborn outfits in your hospital bag: bundle them up into separate sets, including a baby grow, vest, scratch mittens and a hat and put each set in a sandwich bag. My husband found it much easier to find things as soon as our daughter was born, and it saved him from rummaging through my massive bag. Finding one of those tiny hats would have been impossible if they were loose!”

Farrah’s mum.

It’s time to head home with your baby. Here’s your newborn baby checklist for a safe and happy trip:

• A baby car seat that’s fitted correctly and suitable for newborns.
• A going-home outfit. If your little one arrives in winter, be sure to check the weather and bring something warm and cosy.
• A baby blanket - to keep your baby snug on the drive.

The ultimate hospital bag checklist for your birth partner (don’t forget the snacks…)

Whoever you choose to have by your side, whether it’s baby’s dad, your partner, a friend or a family member, make sure your birthing partner is prepared to support you at every step with our must-have hospitable bag checklist.

If you’re planning to be someone’s birthing partner, here are a few things to include in your very own hospital bag:

• Snacks – it’s not just mum who needs to keep her energy up.
• Water. Opt for a water bottle with a sports cap to avoid spills.
• A change of clothes and some essential toiletries, such as your toothbrush and toothpaste, just in case things take a little longer than expected.
• Magazines, books or your tablet. Labour can be unpredictable, and there may be periods when you’re waiting around and need to keep yourself entertained.
• A pillow to make sitting on the hospital chairs a little more comfortable.
• If you’re the designated driver, check out the parking situation near the hospital. If you need to download a parking app, do it beforehand so that you’re all set when the time comes. Oh, and top up your tank! The last thing you need is a last-minute pitstop for fuel.