Your Hospital Bag Checklist
Getting ready to meet your baby
Packing your hospital bag is one of those moments when everything can suddenly start to feel very real!
There’s no perfect hospital bag, and every birth and hospital stay is different. But having the essentials ready can give you one less thing to think about when the time comes.
As a general guide, aim to have your bag packed by around 36 weeks — a little earlier if you’ve been advised that your baby may arrive sooner.
Here’s our Bump, Baby & Beyond checklist to help you get started.
For You
The essentials
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☐ Maternity notes / birth plan if you have one
☐ Any medication you regularly take
☐ Phone
☐ Extra-long phone charging cable
☐ Purse / bank card
☐ Glasses or contact lenses if needed
☐ Hairbands / clips
☐ Lip balm
☐ Water bottle
☐ Comfortable clothes for going home
For labour
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☐ Loose, comfortable clothing or an oversized T-shirt
☐ Dressing gown
☐ Slippers or flip-flops
☐ Warm socks
☐ Pillow if you'd prefer your own
☐ Snacks and drinks
☐ Something to help you relax — music, headphones, book or podcast
☐ Massage oil if you'd like to use it
☐ TENS machine if you're planning to use one
☐ Cooling spray or handheld fan
☐ Bikini top / suitable clothing if you're planning a water birth
☐ Hairbrush
☐ Toothbrush and toothpaste
After Birth
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☐ 2–3 comfortable nightdresses or pyjamas with easy access for feeding
☐ Comfortable underwear — several pairs! Disposable ones are easier for the first few days.
☐ Maternity pads
☐ Nursing bras if you plan to breastfeed
☐ Breast pads
☐ Nipple cream if you would like to use it
☐ Toiletries
☐ Towel
☐ Shower shoes / flip-flops
☐ Comfortable loose clothing
☐ A bag for dirty washing
☐ Any personal comforts that will make you feel more at home
BBB tip: Dark-coloured, comfortable underwear that you don't mind getting messy can be particularly useful after birth.
For Baby
Clothing
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☐ 5–6 sleepsuits
☐ 5–6 bodysuits / vests
☐ Cardigan or extra layer depending on the weather
☐ Hat for going home if appropriate for the weather
☐ Socks or booties if needed
☐ Going-home outfit
Changing
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☐ Newborn nappies
☐ Cotton wool
☐ Changing mat
☐ Muslin cloths
☐ Nappy bags / bags for dirty clothing
Feeding
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If you plan to breastfeed
- You don't need lots of equipment with you — you and your baby are the important part!
If you're planning to formula feed
- Check with your maternity unit beforehand about what they provide and what they ask parents to bring.
Going Home
☐ Baby's clothes
☐ A blanket appropriate for the weather
☐ Rear-facing infant car seat if travelling home by car
☐ Comfortable clothes and shoes for you
Remember: bulky coats, snowsuits and thick blankets shouldn't be placed underneath a baby's car-seat harness. You can add a blanket over your securely fastened baby if needed.
For Your Birth Partner
They need a bag too!
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☐ Phone and charger
☐ Change of clothes
☐ Toiletries
☐ Snacks — plenty of them!
☐ Water bottle
☐ Money / bank card
☐ Any medication they need
☐ Something comfortable to wear
☐ Entertainment for potentially long waits
☐ Important contact numbers
The Things You Probably DON'T Need
It's very easy to overpack.
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☐ Lots of newborn outfits
☐ A huge selection of baby toiletries
☐ Toys for your newborn
☐ An entire pack of nappies
☐ Lots of expensive baby gadgets
☐ Everything you've seen recommended on social media!
Your newborn's greatest source of comfort and interest will be you.
A Few Useful Extras
These aren't essential, but some parents are very glad they packed them:
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☐ Extra-long charging cable
☐ Small portable fan
☐ Eye mask
☐ Ear plugs
☐ Your own pillow
☐ Favourite snacks
☐ Straws
☐ A large water bottle
☐ Small nightlight
☐ Empty bag for dirty laundry
☐ Folder for paperwork
☐ A few extra clothes in the car in case your stay is longer than expected
Before You Zip Up Your Bag...
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☐ Check your maternity unit's own hospital-bag guidance
☐ Know where your maternity notes are
☐ Make sure your birth partner knows where the bag is!
☐ Practise fitting your baby's car seat
☐ Save your maternity unit's telephone number
☐ Have a plan for pets/other children if applicable
☐ Check your route to the hospital or birth centre
☐ Put any last-minute items on a note attached to your bag
And finally...
You can pack the perfect hospital bag and still not feel completely prepared for what comes next.
That's okay.
Becoming a parent isn't about having everything figured out before your baby arrives.
It's about getting to know your baby, finding your own way and having people around you when you need them.
And that's exactly why we created Bump, Baby & Beyond.
Find your village.
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