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Packing your hospital bag ahead of the birth of your new baby is nerve-wracking and exciting in equal measure. It's often when you're sat on the floor neatly folding those tiny babygrows that imminent parenthood really hits you, but being organised and packing your hospital bag well ahead of your due date can really give you peace of mind. Not only does it allow you time to double (and triple!) check it and add anything you've forgotten (no last-minute pack round these parts), but it also gives you an excuse to buy lots of lovely new things. Ideal. 

Wondering where on earth to start with packing your hospital bag? We don't blame you. It can be a minefield working out exactly what you need, what half of the stuff on that list your pal sent you even is (um, silver nipple shield?), and whether four pairs of pyjamas is really necessary. 

“Packing your hospital bag seems such a special event. It’s a bit of a rite of passage,” says Tina Perridge, RM, who runs the brilliant South London Independent Midwives with Nicky Harris. 

“Women put a lot of thought and care into it. Even if you are planning a home birth, it's worth putting a basic bag together in case you need to transfer in. Once it’s done, you can relax in the knowledge that you are good to go, it’s part of the mental preparation of getting ready for the birth. Tick! Once it’s all packed, get your partner to unpack and repack (under your supervision of course). This way s/he will know exactly where that precise pair of panties or nightie has been packed. This will save a lot of frustration. Also try to get everything in one bag as it will be much easier if you  have to  move from one place to another in the hospital."

As well as interviewing some brilliant midwives about their tips, we've been through the process ourselves and have compiled a concise and shoppable hospital bag checklist for you. We've pored over - and edited - every viral checklist that we've received and fine-tuned exactly what hospital bag essentials you need to pack for yourself, your baby and even your birthing partner. 

What week is best to pack my hospital bag?

There is no definitive time to pack your bag and it all depends on personal preference. People often fall in to one of two camps: you've either washed every item twice over and packed and repacked four times by week 30, or you're throwing in some loving hand-me-downs the night before your due date.

Either method is totally fine - but it's worth remembering that your baby’s arrival might come earlier than the expected big day, so experts recommend ensuring your hospital bag is packed by week 36. As midwife Pip Davies explains: “A full term baby is considered from 37 weeks but it is also common to still be pregnant beyond your estimated due date, this means your little could make an appearance anytime between 37 and 42 weeks and this is considered a very normal window for your baby to be born. Of course, there are some babies that decide to make a slightly earlier entrance into the world as well and so it is a good idea to have your bag packed from around 35-36 weeks so you aren’t worrying about those ‘just in case’ moments.”

What do I need to put in my hospital bag?

No idea what to pack? Do not worry - we've all been there. With so much information, TikTok advice and exhaustive lists circulating on your Whatsapp chats, it can be hard to deduce what the essentials are.

If in doubt, a good first port of call is your NHS midwife, who can steer you in the right direction. There's also a very handy Which? Birth Choice guide which lets you know what will already be available at the hospital you’ll be giving birth in to save you some valuable packing space. 

“Being organised is a great way of not allowing your mind to be overwhelmed by practical tasks when you want to be relaxing and preparing for a calm labour and birth,” says Pip. “Remember: you are packing for at least three people - mum, birth partner(s) and baby … or babies - and keeping each person's bits separate allows for easier access when you need them. My next bit of advice for easy searching is labelling! Make life super simple and pack your muslins together in a clear bag labelled muslins, your first outfit, going home outfit, post birth underwear etc. and have a separate bag for clothing that gets dirty and used in hospital so you don’t have baby poo stains mixing with your clean items.”

Now you've done your initial research, you can peruse (and shop!) our ultimate hospital bag checklist ahead of the birth of your new arrival.

Hospital bag checklist for mum

Maternity notes: An absolute essential so that your midwife can quickly access your medical history and birth plan. Keep these to hand in your handbag rather than buried at the bottom of your suitcase as they'll be asking for them a lot.

Pyjamas or nighties: You'll spend a lot of time horizontal in your bed so plumping for soft, comfortable clothes and loose-fitting pyjamas or nightdress is a must. If you're planning on breastfeeding, opt for a front-opening nightie or nursing top for easy access. Also, take more changes of clothes than you think you might need.

Bed socks: Your feet can get pretty chilly on the maternity ward so treat yourself to a fluffy pair of soft bed socks for the ultimate, comfy luxury. 

Dressing gown: Unless you have a private room, you'll be on a shared ward with other mums so it's handy to have a chic but practical dressing gown to cover up when you pop to the communal bathroom. It can also get quite cold on the ward, especially in winter, so layering up is essential. Dressing gowns are also super ideal to wear if you're breastfeeding.

Flip flops: Flip flops are the perfect footwear to slip on and off when using the communal bathrooms or walking around the hospital ward. We barely took ours off.

Slippers: Whilst flip flops reign supreme as the more practical choice of footwear to wear around the maternity ward, there's nothing quite as comforting as slipping your feet into a fluffy pair of slippers. If you're on a budget then the disposable hotel-style slippers from Amazon are perfect.

Tracksuit: You might be on the ward for a fair few days so if you feel like changing out of your PJs (if not, we aren't judging), then a tracksuit is a happy medium between sleepwear and actual clothes. A good tracksuit is easy to slip on, comfortable and helps you feel more ‘pulled together’ without all the effort; it's also the ideal ‘going home’ outfit.

Nursing bra: Nursing bras are one of the most vital bits of kit to own when you're a new mama – and the very best maternity bras can be worn throughout pregnancy, too. They are made from super soft material and give easy access for baby when feeding. Whether or not you choose to breastfeed, a nursing bra is a more comfortable option when you're in hospital and your breasts can feel tender after birth. It’s likely your bra size will rise as your milk comes in so consider getting fitted in your second, third and "fourth" trimesters, too.

Breast pads: Breast pads, also known as nursing pads, are small absorbent discs that slip inside your bra and soak up leaked breast milk and prevent the dreaded leakage. It’s worth stocking up on some breast pads well before your due date because your breasts can actually start producing milk as early as the second trimester of pregnancy (who knew?). According to a Lactation Consultant from Medela: “Most mums experience some level of leaking breast milk, which may start in very small quantities during the last trimester of pregnancy. It is usually heaviest in the early weeks after birth; as your milk comes-in, when breastfeeding and your milk supply is establishing. After this early stage many women often experience less breastmilk leakage. Occasionally during breastfeeding, mums note that the non-nursing breast starts to drip milk with a milk ejection, which is perfectly normal. Wearing a bra pad collects the milk until you are ready to switch.”

Nipple cream and shields: If you choose to breastfeed, those early days can leave your nipples quite sore as your baby gets to grips with the best feeding position. That's why slathering on a nipple cream can be a saving grace when you start your breastfeeding journey. Silver nipple caps were also an absolute essential for our Website Director in between feeds. Silver is a natural antimicrobial, antifungal, and antibacterial metal that also contains anti-inflammatory agents so heals and prevents cuts, wounds, cracks, soreness, and infections.

Maternity sanitary towels: Now for the less glamorous stuff: maternity pads. While the hospital may provide some, packing a big pack of heavy-duty maternity pads is an absolute necessity. People don't warn you just how much you may bleed after birth (don't worry, it's completely normal), and often your regular sanitary towels don't cut it. We love the pants-style pads as they're hardworking and more comfortable. 

Big knickers: Bigger really is better after birth. Not only are big, high-rise knickers more comfortable after birth, they also help contain leakages and maternity pads. Bridget Jones would be proud.

Toiletries: They say that first shower after giving birth is the best of your life and they're not lying. After days on the ward or hours in labour, you'll absolutely want to freshen up, so make that shower worth it by turning it into a mini spa experience. Lots of brands have lovely kits with all the essentials in travel size to save on space, but essentials obviously include your toothbrush and toothpaste, hairbrush, deodorant, moisturiser, shower gel, cotton wool balls and makeup remover (for a quick, water-free cleanse). You might also like to pack some hair ties and body lotion.

Your own towels: Hospitals do provide towels, but they can be on the small (and scratchy!) side so it's always worth packing your own towels as a reminder of home. On a similar note, consider taking your own pillow if you’re particularly fussy or will be in hospital for longer recovering from a C-section.

Ear plugs and eye mask: If you're on a shared ward, it can get quite loud and the lights come on quite early so it's worth packing some noise-cancelling ear plugs and a lovely eye mask to maximise your shut-eye.

Battery operated fan: To keep cool during labour, especially in the summer when it can get hot on the wards.

Hot water bottle: Hot water bottles are an actual God send during labour. When heat is applied to the skin, our heat receptors get switched on and block the effect of the chemical messengers causing the pain, which means cramps are reduced. 

Phone and charger, magazines, books, Ipad: For some light entertainment if you're in hospital for a few days.

Snacks and energy drinks: To keep you hydrated through labour (avoid anything fizzy and sip on a drink like Powerade to keep your electrolyte levels up… they do say birth is akin to running a marathon…)

Lip balm: Another thing they don't tell you: labour can cause really dry lips so bring your favourite.

Water bottle with straw: Staying hydrated is essential but drinking from a regular bottle can be too much of an effort during labour, which is why those Love Island water bottles with straws are an absolute must.

Gifts for midwives: They just guided you through the most amazing (and tough) experience of your life and helped bring your bundle of joy into the world so it's always nice to give something back.

Hospital bag checklist for baby

Car seat and base: Be prepared and get your car seat installed well ahead of your due date so you're not under pressure trying to work it out during that mad dash to the hospital in the midst of labour. It's also worth watching some tutorials on how to actually put your baby in the seat so you're not caught short when leaving the hospital.

Newborn nappies (size 1), water wipes, nappy cream (we love Bepanthen Nappy Care Ointment), cotton wool and disposable changing mats or a changing clutch.

Short-sleeved vests and sleepsuits (in newborn size), socks, cotton hat, mittens and booties: You might want to dress your newborn in a plethora of chic outfits but in reality, they will live in sleepsuits for the first few weeks at least. When it comes to layering, the rule of thumb is that your baby should always be in one more layer than you.

Cellular blanket and swaddles: Babies love to feel cosy and swaddled because it reminds them of being in the womb, so stock up on blankets and swaddles to keep them warm and snug.

Hospital bag checklist for birth partner

• Clean clothes
• Ear plugs and eye mask
• Ipad and charger
• Pillow 
• Snacks

Entering your motherhood era? Shop baby changing bags, baby shower gifts, maternity jeans, maternity nightwear, maternity overalls, maternity dresses, maternity trousers and breastfeeding tops. We've also found maternity wedding dresses and maternity wedding guest dresses to help you navigate wedding season. 

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