What to pack in your hospital bag for baby and you

When it comes to packing your hospital bag, you’re juggling a few unknowns. Labour can go in all sorts of directions and you’re also packing clothes for someone you haven’t met yet. It’s a bit like getting ready for the most complicated surprise holiday of your life. 

To help you feel organised, here’s our updated hospital bag guide with practical tips from Mumsnet users and expert advice from Best Start in Life. You’ll also find links to trusted guidance on healthy pregnancy choices, like taking folic acid, eating well and knowing when to book key appointments.

When should I pack my hospital bag? 

Most people aim to pack their hospital bag around four to six weeks before their due date.

Using the birth bag checklists below will help you get your essentials together and ensure nothing is forgotten when the time comes. Once your bag is ready, keep it somewhere obvious so you can add last-minute items as you leave. 

Getting your bag sorted often goes alongside other late pregnancy jobs, like setting up the pram and cot, staying active if you can and eating regular, balanced meals. If you’re not sure where to start with any of that, the Best Start in Life pregnancy hub has simple, NHS-approved advice.

How to organise your hospital bags

It helps to break down your packing list into three categories:

• A labour bag: filled with items for labour and birth

• Your own bag (aka your postnatal bag): items for after the birth and for you

• Your baby's bag: items for your baby, like clothing, muslins and nappies

You can use separate bags or packing cubes in one small suitcase. Most delivery suites don’t have masses of space, so getting everything you need in one suitcase helps to keep things where you need them. 

If you have a car, you might want to leave your postnatal bag in there until you need it. And since we're planning for all eventualities, your birth partner should also pack a bag. 

The good news is your baby needs far less than you do

Quick look: essentials for you and your baby

Here’s a quick look at the main essentials. For more things to pack, keep reading below. 

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What to pack for labour and birth

For labour and delivery, consider the things that make you feel more settled or help you focus. Having a few familiar things around you can make the hours feel less intense. 

That said, you really don’t need to spend a fortune. A few basics are enough, and if you realise you’re missing something, your midwife or health visitor can point you towards local support.

Labour bag essentials include: 

• Your birth plan

• Your maternity notes

• A nightie or T-shirt to give birth in

• Bottle of water with a 'sports' lid

• Snacks (you could be there a while)

• Hair clips/band to keep your hair out of your face

• Dressing gown

• Spare socks

• Slippers

• Underwear

• Toiletries

• Phone and charger (with a long cable, if you have one)

Optional items that may also be helpful:

• Music or hypnobirthing tracks

• Headphones

• Birthing ball

• A small spray bottle or flannel for cooling

• Massage lotion

• Handheld fan

• Lip balm (gas and air can dry your lips)

• TENS machine

• A magazine, book or tablet for early labour

• Your own pillow if your hospital is happy for you to bring it

If you’re not sure what your chosen hospital provides, you can ask your midwife at your next appointment.

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What to pack for after your baby is born

These are the things most people reach for once the dust has settled and the adrenaline has dropped. A few might be doubled-up from your labour and delivery bag (like a nightie and big knickers), but having extras to hand won’t do any harm. 

• A front-opening nightie or pyjamas if you plan to breastfeed

• Big, comfy pants (five or six pairs) 

• Two packs of maternity pads and breast pads

• Two nursing bras 

• Towel and flip flops for the shower

• Any medicines you’re taking

• Eye mask and earplugs

• Going home clothes 

• Notepad and pen (or if your phone has a notes app, use that)

• Spare bag for washing

• Spare glasses or contact lenses

Planning to breastfeed? Get tips and support to help you feel confident from Best Start in Life - including how to breastfeed, how to express, challenges you might face and the answers to those niggling “can I breastfeed if…” questions. 

You may wish to pack a breast pump in case you need to express milk

What to pack in your hospital bag for baby

Believe it or not, your baby probably needs fewer things in their hospital bag than you do. Here are the newborn essentials you’ll need to take with you.

• Nappies

• Cotton wool or baby wipes

• Muslins

• Three vests

• Three babygrows

• Blanket

• Hat

• Scratch mitts

• Booties or socks

• Baby’s going home outfit

• Car seat

Preparing for your newborn's arrival? Learn about caring for your baby in the first few days with the Best Start in Life’s baby basics guide.

What should your birth partner pack?

Birth partners end up doing a surprising amount of waiting, fetching and general morale-boosting.

• Toothbrush, toothpaste and deodorant

• Medicines and contact lenses

• Change for car park

• A change of clothes

• Swimwear if you’re planning a water birth

• Snacks and drinks

• Phone, charger and something to pass the time 

What size hospital bag should I take? 

Anything small and easy to rummage in is ideal: a cabin suitcase, holdall or rucksack. If able to, keep your postnatal bag and baby car seat in the car until you need them.

The good news is that you’re going to the hospital, not on a desert expedition. So, if you realise you’ve forgotten something, a partner, friend or relative can bring it in.

Knowing your C-section date is helpful, but it's still good to plan ahead

What to pack for a planned C-section

If you’re having a planned caesarean, you’ll know your date, but it’s still worth preparing early in case you go into labour beforehand.

Your birth plan will obviously look a little different, but you can still ask for things like your choice of music to be playing during the caesarean, for them to dim the lights as soon as possible and to be helped in having skin-to-skin contact straight after your baby is born.

The packing lists for your baby and after birth remain pretty much the same, but exchange the 'for labour and birth list' above with the following items you'll want during birth and while recovering from a caesarean:

• Maternity notes

• Loose clothes for going home

• High-waisted knickers

• Bottled water with a sports lid

• Flip flops or easy-on slippers

• Extra pillows to help you get comfortable

• A feeding pillow if you’re breastfeeding

Don't forget that you will still experience some bleeding after birth so you'll still need maternity pads.

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Do I still need a hospital bag if I'm having a home birth?

Yes. Firstly because there's always a chance with a home birth that you might end up transferring to hospital and the last thing you want is to be rooting around in your knicker drawer in that scenario.

Secondly, it’s just a good idea to have everything in one place where the midwives can find it easily.

Hospital bag allowances: how much is too much?

Most people end up taking more than they actually use. Try to keep it simple. If you need more clothes or an extra blanket, someone can nip out and grab it. If you don’t have anyone who can bring things in for you, focus on the basics in this checklist and ask your midwife what your hospital usually provides.

Some hospitals provide basics such as pads or nappies, others don’t. Your midwife can tell you what’s usual for your area.

Where can I get more advice and support during pregnancy?

Pregnancy can feel overwhelming, especially if you’re doing it on your own, you’re new to the NHS or you don’t have much family help. If you’re wondering what to buy for your baby, how to prepare for labour and birth, or what foods to avoid in pregnancy, you can find clear answers on the Best Start in Life pregnancy hub. 

Other useful places to start include:

• Your antenatal team (GP or midwife)

• Your 10-week booking appointment

• Mumsnet pregnancy forum for honest, no-nonsense advice from other parents

You can also sign up to the free Best Start in Life weekly pregnancy emails, backed by the NHS, for week-by-week advice, appointment reminders and support available in your area.

About Best Start in Life

The Best Start in Life parent hub brings together information and support for every stage of your child's early years and beyond. From pregnancy to childcare, get advice and support for your child’s development at BestStartinLife.gov.uk.

It's also where you can: find out about government childcare support schemes, use the childcare support eligibility checker, get details on breakfast clubs and wraparound childcare and learn the key skills your child needs to start Reception.