It's never too early to prepare for labour and birth by packing a hospital bag, ideally by 36 weeks pregnant. Essentials include a birth plan, nightdress, dressing gown, slippers, and snacks. Consider bringing personal items like a pillow, massage oil, and entertainment. For after birth, pack nursing bras, maternity pads, and toiletries. Don't forget items for your baby, such as sleepsuits, nappies, and a car seat for the journey home.
Medically reviewed by Sophie Martin, Lead midwife
Written by
Joanne Lewsley | 5 Sep 2024
Photo credit:
ArtMarie / E+ via Getty Images
- Checklist: what you should pack in your hospital bag for labour
- What should my birth partner pack?
- What shall I pack for after the birth?
- What should I pack for my baby?
- More ways to prepare for your baby's birth
It's a good idea to gather together all the hospital bag essentials you'll need during labour and birth and for after your baby is born. Even if you're not planning to have your baby in a hospital or birth centre, you may need to go in unexpectedly, so try to have a bag packed by the time you're about 36 weeks pregnant.
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Hospitals vary in their policies about what you are allowed to bring with you when you have your baby. You may want to take a few items from home, such as your own pillows, to make the environment more personal. But be aware that hospitals can be short on space.
If you want, pack two bags: one for labour and the hours immediately after your baby is born, and another for a stay on the postnatal ward.
If you're driving to hospital, you could leave the second bag in the car. If you have a straightforward birth, you may leave hospital on the same day and not need the second bag at all.
Checklist: what you should pack in your hospital bag for labour
- Your birth plan and maternity notes.
- An old nightdress or T-shirt to wear in labour. It will probably get a bit messy, so don't buy anything specially to wear in hospital.
- A dressing gown will be useful if you end up pacing hospital corridors in early labour. You'll probably also want one on the postnatal ward. Hospitals can be very warm, so a lightweight one may be better. A dark colour or a busy pattern will help to hide any stains.
- Backless slippers that are easy to get on and off. Flip-flops and sliders work well, too.
- Massage oil or lotion if you would like to be massaged during your labour. Some oils are not safe for you to use in pregnancy, so it’s best to check with your midwife which ones you can use. You might also like to invest in a massage roller or similar aid, so your birth partner can massage you for longer.
- A hot water bottle. These are easy to fill wherever you choose to give birth and perfect for easing back pain or tummy cramps.
- Snacks and drinks for during and after the birth. Most people are able to eat and drink during labour, and it can help to keep your energy levels up. The hospital will have food and drink available, but you may prefer to pack a few things that you know you like. Choose carb-packed snacks that give slow-release energy to keep you going. Fruit, unsalted nuts, crisps, cereal bars and popcorn are all good options. You may also want some mints or boiled sweets to freshen your mouth. Also pack a few isotonic sports drinks, which are great for giving you a boost when you need it most.
- Things to help you relax or pass the time, such as an ereader, books and magazines. You may also want to download some fun and distracting apps on your phone or lots of your favourite podcasts to keep you occupied during early labour. And don’t forget your earbuds or headphones.
- Lip balm. Your lips can dry out quickly on a warm labour ward, particularly if you're using gas and air.
- Hairbands or a clip. If you have long hair, you may want it tied up during labour.
- Face cloths or flannels for dipping in cold water and cooling your forehead or a mini fan for keeping you cool during labour.
- Pillows. The hospital might not have enough to make you really comfortable. A C-shaped pillow can give you extra support when breastfeeding your baby.
- TENS pain relief machine, if you are planning to use one. You can hire a TENS machine, shop around online for the best deal. Some hospitals and birth centres do have them though, so check with yours first.
- Music. Create a playlist of upbeat and/or soothing tracks to distract, calm and inspire you during labour. Amazon Music offers unlimited access to over 90 million songs so you're sure to find all your favourite tunes. A portable Bluetooth speaker can make all the difference to sound quality.
What should my birth partner pack?
- Water spray or a hand-held fan to cool you down while you're in labour.
- Comfortable shoes. They may be pacing the corridors!
- A change of clothes. Your birth partner might not get the chance to have a shower for quite a while!
- Bendy straws to help you to have a drink during labour.
- Swimwear, if they want to join you in a birth pool. Check with the hospital first though, as not all hospitals allow birth partners in the pool.
- Smart phone and charger. They can use the BabyCentre app to time your contractions. If you're planning to take photos of your newborn on your phone, make sure that you have enough storage available.
- Snacks and drinks. You don't want a dehydrated, hungry birth partner looking after you. If they bring some snacks and drinks with them, they can stay with you, rather than leaving the room to search for food!
- Spare change for the car park or vending machines, or your bank card or phone for contactless payment.
What shall I pack for after the birth?
- A going-home outfit. You'll need loose comfortable clothes to wear while you're in hospital and for the journey home. It will take a while for your tummy to go down, so you'll probably still need your maternity clothes when you get home.
- Handouts about how to get breastfeeding started from your antenatal classes or appointments, if you plan to breastfeed. If you have a contact card for a breastfeeding counsellor or specialist, take that with you too. You could also bookmark our breastfeeding for beginners article, plus these benefits of breastfeeding to help keep you motivated.
- Nursing bras. Bring two or three nursing bras.
- Breast pads. You'll need breast pads even if you don't plan to breastfeed, as your breasts will still produce milk after the birth.
- Maternity pads. Bring a couple of packs.
- Nightshirt or T-shirt. Front-opening shirts are useful in the early days of breastfeeding.
- Toiletries. Decant these into smaller bottles, or buy travel versions, to save on space in the postnatal ward. You may prefer to choose unscented versions, so your baby can get used to your natural scent. Include all your regular toiletries, such as shampoo, conditioner, soap or body wash, flannel, toothbrush and toothpaste, deodorant, cleanser and moisturiser. Face mists are great for a quick pick-me-up, while face wipes mean you can freshen up in your hospital bed. Also pack your hairbrush and any other accessories you think you might want to get ready for those early pics of you and your baby. The hospital or birth centre will probably have towels. They can be quite threadbare, so you may prefer to bring your own, but it's not something you need to worry about if you're short on space.
- Old or cheap knickers, or disposable knickers. Don't bring your best ones as they will get messy. Big cotton knickers can be useful if you end up having a c-section, as they won't rub your wound.
- Arnica cream. Although there's no conclusive evidence that it works, some women report that arnica cream helps to reduce bruising and helps the healing process. Check with your midwife before using it, and don't apply the cream to broken skin. It's best to avoid arnica tablets, especially if you're breastfeeding, as we can't be sure they're safe to take, and there's no proof they work.
- Eye mask and earplugs, to help you sleep on a brightly lit, noisy ward.
- Cotton wool. Your newborn's skin will be very delicate, so many experts recommend using cotton wool and water for nappy changes at first, rather than baby wipes. If you do choose to use wipes though, opt for ones that are free from alcohol and fragrance.
- Peppermint chewing gum or peppermint tea. These can help to relieve trapped wind, especially if you’ve had a caesarean.
- Pain relief. Some hospitals require you to bring your own pain relief for after the birth, so you may want to check with your midwife whether to bring paracetamol and ibuprofen.
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What should I pack for my baby?
- Two or three sleepsuits and vests.
- Baby blanket
- Disposable nappies or reusable nappies. Your newborn will go through as many as 12 in a day.
- Muslin squares for mopping up any milk your baby brings up (possetting). Many parents say these are among the most useful bits of baby gear!
- One pair of socks or soft booties.
- Hat.
- One outfit for the trip home (all-in-one stretchy outfits are easiest).
- Baby car seat. Some hospitals won't let you leave by car without one. In the weeks leading up to the birth, it's a good idea for you or your birth partner to practice fitting the seat in your car, so you'll be able to do it with minimum fuss on the day. It's probably best to leave it in the car until you're ready to leave hospital, as car seats can take up a lot of room.
- Jacket or snowsuit for winter babies (remove before placing your baby in a car seat).
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More ways to prepare for your baby's birth
- Check out these 15 ways to get ready for your baby's arrival.
- Get the inside scoop by reading what other parents wish they'd known before the big day.
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Joanne Lewsley
Joanne Lewsley is a freelance copywriter and editor, and specialises in creating evidence-based parenting, health and lifestyle web content.
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