Hospital bag checklist: what do I need to take?

If you’re feeling unsure about what you need to pack in your bag for labour, we have some suggestions for you below.

Your midwife can steer you in the right direction and the Which? Birth Choice guide can let you know what will already be available at the hospital you’ll be giving birth in.

You might also be able to book a tour of the hospital where you’ll be having your baby. That way you can ask more about what you need to bring from home and what’s available at the hospital.

Ask about what facilities are available for birth partners too – for example, will they be able to get food and drink without leaving you for a long period?

Here are your other questions answered on all things hospital kit-related.

You can start packing whenever you want to. But it’s a good idea to have your bag ready at least two weeks ahead of your due date.

Even if you’re planning to have your baby at home, you should pack some things in case you need to go into hospital at any point. And if you do have your baby at home, make sure you and your birth partner know where to find the essentials even if you don’t pack them in a bag.

You can use whatever bag or suitcase you want. You definitely don’t have to spend money on a special bag to take into hospital.

Here’s a starting point for what you’ll need in labour:

• Maternity notes – any paper notes you’ve got and access to any electronic ones.
• Birth plan, if you’ve made one.
• A comfy, loose outfit for labour that you can move around in and that won’t make you too hot. A cosy nighty or a big t-shirt is perfect.
• Chill-out kit including books, magazines, music or podcasts (more for the early stages).
• A fan or water spray to cool you down.
• A phone and charger – with good storage.
• Healthy snacks and drinks.
• Your own pillow, possibly a giant pregnancy one.
• A TENS machine and batteries if you want to use one and if your hospital doesn’t provide one.
• Any medication you’re taking.
• Your wash bag with your toothbrush, toothpaste, hairbrush, soap, hair ties and other toiletries.
• Aromatherapy oils, especially if you have been using them during pregnancy, e.g. for hypnobirthing.

You might also want to bring your birth ball, but check on your tour or with your midwife whether the hospital has its own.

After your baby is born, you’ll need a whole host of other things:

• large super-absorbent sanitary or maternity pads
• five or six pairs of large comfy knickers (or disposable ones)
• towels
• dressing gown
• slippers or flip-flops
• three sets of comfy, maternity-sized outfits to wear in the hospital and when you go home
• two or three supportive and comfortable bras, including nursing bras if you are planning to breastfeed
• cash – you might need it to grab a magazine or snack
• iPad or tablet.

And if you’re planning to breastfeed, add:

• nursing bras
• breast pads
• nighties or pyjama tops, front opening if you’re planning to breastfeed

For the baby, add in:

You’ll also need to make sure you have a car seat that’s correctly fitted. If you’re getting a taxi home, check you know how to fit the car seat yourself.

Your birth partner may be at hospital with you for a long time, and even overnight, so they may need to pack a few supplies too.

They could include:

• snacks
• cash
• a change of clothes (bear in mind that partners sometimes say that the temperature in the birthing room is uncomfortable for them)
• a wash bag
• a camping mattress if there is room for them to stay over
• a book or something to distract the mum-to-be if you’re relaxing in the early stages.

Wherever you’re planning to give birth, keep a list of important numbers in your purse or in your phone. You’ll need to include:

• the hospital, midwife or doula’s phone number
• your partner or birth partner’s phone number
• your hospital reference number (on your card or notes).

Plan in advance how you’ll get to the hospital or midwifery unit because you might need to go there at any time of the day or night.

If you’re planning to go by car, it might be a good idea to keep the tank topped up with petrol. If someone else has said they’ll take you, make an alternative arrangement, just in case they’re not available.