Knowing what to pack in your hospital bag can be daunting and stressful. You’ll want to aim to have your bags all packed at least two weeks before your due date. Here are some of the things that you might want think about taking with you for mum, baby and birth partner.
* A Tip from the MVP*
Mum should pack all the bags to ensure that everything that is needed is included. Once mum has packed everything, her birth partner should unpack and repack the bags. This way Mum knows that everything she needs is in the bag, and birth partner knows exactly where to find it!
For Mum
- Dressing gown
- Nightdress (With easy access if planning to breastfeed)
- Socks and Slippers
- Water spray/ sponge/ fan
- Birth plan
- Medical notes
- Hand sanitiser
- Face mask (if you prefer to use own)
- Lip balm
- Ear plugs / eye mask
- Pillow
- Book/ Magazines/ Sudoku/ Crosswords/ Tablet
- Maternity pads / Heavy duty Sanitary wear (2 x packs)
- Big knickers (5-6 pairs)
- Toiletries (towel, toothbrush, toothpaste, tissues, deodorant, hairbrush, face wipes/wash, flannel, shampoo, conditioner, soap, hairdryer)
- Hair bobbles/ hair clips
- Plastic bag for dirty clothes
- Cosmetics / make up
- Glasses / contact lenses + solution
- Phone and charger
- Comfortable going home clothes
- Snacks & drinks (cereal bars, fruit, pack of raisins, energy drinks)
- Bendy straws
- Massage oil
- TENS machine (if you plan to use one)
- Calming music/ playlist
- Bra or vest top (if planning to use a birthing pool and want to cover up)
- Any medications you are taking
- Nipple cream (if planning to breastfeed)
- Nursing bars (x 2)
- Breast pads
- A pen
- A jug (to pour warm water onto the perineum during the first wee, after a vaginal birth)
For Baby
- Babygrows (Approx. 4-5)
- Vests (Several)
- Newborn hat
- Blanket / shawl
- Socks/booties
- Newborn nappies (Approx. 20-30)
- Nappy bags
- Sensitive Baby wipes
- Cotton wool balls
- Muslin squares (3-4)
- Going home outfit (Depending on the season, think about mittens, snow suit or jacket for the journey home)
- Car seat
- Formula milk & sterile bottles (if planning to formula feed)
For Birth Partner
- Snacks and drinks (Cereal bars, energy drinks, water, fruit, crisps, chocolate, sandwich)
- Phone & charger
- Camera and batteries
- A change of clothes
- Shorts/T-shirt (Hospitals can get extremely hot)
- Face mask (if prefer to use own)
- Small pillow (Coloured, not white- this makes sure that your pillow stays with you and is not mistaken for a hospital pillow)
- Spare glasses or contact lenses + solution
- Hand sanitiser
- Book/ Magazine/ Sudoku/ Crosswords/ Tablet
- Any medications you are taking
- Change for car park / vending machine
- A pen
Need a copy to print off? Download our What to pack in your hospital bag checklist here