Hospital bag checklist: what do I need to take? | Labour & birth, Deciding where to give birth articles & support | NCT (2024)

Snuggly PJs, babygrows and a whole buffet of snacks. Here’s what you should think about adding to your bag when you go into labour.

If you’re feeling totally clueless about what you need to pack in your bag for labour, try not to worry.

Your midwife can steer you in the right direction. The Which? Birth Choice guidecan 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.

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

When should I pack my hospital bag for birth?

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 (NHS, 2018).

What type of hospital bag do I need?

You can use whichever of your bags that’ll do the job. You definitely don’t have to spend money on a special bag to take into hospital. Why not save the cash for an extra cute babygrow or three instead.

Packing two bags might also work for you – one for during labour and one for afterwards. Or you could go for a small suitcase; it might sound crazy but the stuff you will need adds up. And, after all, you are packing for a possible overnight stay (for at least two people).

When your bag is packed, leave it by the front door so you don’t forget it. Then let your birth partneror whoever is driving you to the hospital know where it is and what’s in it. That way they can be ready to help as soon as you need them to.

What essentials shall I pack in my hospital bag for labour?

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

  • Maternity notes.
  • 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 machineand 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 (NHS, 2018).
  • 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.

What essentials shall I pack in my hospital bag for after the birth?

When you’re chilling out with your new arrival, you’ll need a whole host of other things.

Bring these in your bag:

  • large sanitary or maternity pads
  • large comfy knickers (or disposable ones)
  • towels
  • dressing gown
  • slippers or flip-flops
  • comfy, maternity-sized outfit to wear home
  • cash – you might need it for parking or to grab a magazine or emergency chocolate bar
  • iPad or tablet.

And if you’re planning to breastfeed, add:

  • nursing bras
  • breast pads
  • front-opening nighties or pyjama tops.

What should I pack in my hospital bag for my new baby?

Yep, it’s not just you you’re packing for. For the baby, add in:

  • bodysuits or vests
  • sleep suits (including one you want them to go home in)
  • a hat
  • scratch mittens
  • socks or booties
  • nappies
  • cotton wool balls or pads
  • blankets
  • muslin squares
  • a snowsuit if it’s cold.

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 seatyourself (NHS, 2018).

What should my birth partner pack in their hospital bag?

Your birth partner may be at hospital with you for a long time, and even overnight, so they will definitely need to have a bag packed too.

They should think about packing:

  • snacks
  • cash
  • a change of clothes
  • 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.

Important numbers

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'sphone number
  • your partner or birth partner's phone number
  • your hospital reference number (on your card or notes).

This page was lastreviewed inSeptember 2018.

Further information

Our support line offers practical and emotional support with feeding your baby and general enquiries for parents, members and volunteers: 0300 330 0700.

We also offerantenatal courseswhich are a great way to find out more about birth, labour and life with a new baby.

Make friends with other parents-to-be and new parents in your local area for support and friendship by seeing whatNCT activitiesare happening nearby.

NHS choices. (2018) Pack your bag for labour; what you’ll need for labour and birth. Available from: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/pregnancy-and-baby/pack-your-bag-for-birth/ [Accessed 1st September 2018].

Symon AG, Dugard P, Butchart M, Carr V, Paul J. (2011) Care and environment in midwife-led and obstetric-led units: a comparison of mothers' and birth partners' perceptions. Available from: https://www.midwiferyjournal.com/article/S0266-6138(10)00153-1/fulltext. Midwifery. 27(6):880-886. [Accessed 1st September 2018].

Hospital bag checklist: what do I need to take? | Labour & birth, Deciding where to give birth articles & support | NCT (2024)

FAQs

Hospital bag checklist: what do I need to take? | Labour & birth, Deciding where to give birth articles & support | NCT? ›

At around 36 weeks, pack your bag so you're ready to go at a moment's notice. Even if you are planning a home birth, it's a good idea to have a bag packed in case you need to go to hospital for a premature birth, or if you have pregnancy or birth complications.

What to consider when choosing where to give birth? ›

These major decisions can affect:
  1. The care you receive and the effects of that care.
  2. The quality of your relationship with your care provider(s).
  3. How much information you will get.
  4. The choices and options you will have, particularly during labor and birth.
  5. Your involvement with decisions about your care.

When should I start packing my hospital bag for labor? ›

At around 36 weeks, pack your bag so you're ready to go at a moment's notice. Even if you are planning a home birth, it's a good idea to have a bag packed in case you need to go to hospital for a premature birth, or if you have pregnancy or birth complications.

How do I organize my maternity hospital bag? ›

In your hospital bag, make sure to pack:
  1. your birth plan and hospital notes.
  2. loose, comfortable clothing to wear during labour.
  3. dressing gown and slippers or flip-flops (which are also good for wearing to the shower)
  4. nightwear – front-opening or loose-fitting if you're going to breastfeed.
  5. 3 changes of comfortable clothes.

When should I choose where to give birth? ›

If you have a medical condition, it's safest to give birth in hospital, where specialists are available. This is in case you need treatment during labour. If you give birth at home or in a unit run by midwives, you're less likely to need assistance such as forceps or ventouse (sometimes called instrumental delivery).

Should I choose natural birth or C section? ›

For most women, a vagin*l birth is safer and healthier. vagin*l birth cuts the risk for many complications. With a vagin*l birth, a woman has the following: A lower risk of needing a blood transfusion.

Do you wear a bra during labor? ›

Studies suggest giving birth is the equivalent to running a marathon in terms of energy output, (and can actually result in similar injuries, but let's not go there right now!) so it makes sense to wear a bra and/or clothing fit for exertion and perspiration.

How many outfits to bring to hospital for mom? ›

Too many clothes.

You'll likely be in your nightgown for most of your stay, so you won't need a lot of clothes. Pack a going-home outfit that is comfortable and easy to put on, like leggings and a loose shirt.

How many maternity pads do I need? ›

Most new mums will bleed for up to 6 weeks after giving birth so Maternity Pads with wings for extra protection are recommended throughout this period. Maternity Pads will require changing as needed, or every 4 hours, so it's likely you'll need around 250 maternity pads over this period.

Which week is best to pack hospital bag? ›

Have your hospital bag packed by 36 weeks pregnant, in case you go into labor early. You'll have to add some items at the last minute (like your brush, phone, and insurance card), but you can pack most of the essentials in advance.

What week do you get hospital bag ready? ›

But if you're a planner like me and want to be ready for your little one's arrival, I'd suggest having your hospital bag packed between 36 and 38 weeks. If you are considered a high-risk pregnancy, for example, if you're having multiples (congrats!), you probably want to have your bag packed around 35 weeks.

How long do you stay in hospital for after giving birth? ›

After normal vagin*l delivery

In the event of an uncomplicated birth you will usually be able to go home from 6 hours after you have given birth. Average length of stay in the unit is one day after a normal delivery and 1–2 days after an instrumental vagin*l delivery.

How many maternity pads do I need for a hospital bag? ›

2 packets of super-absorbent sanitary or maternity pads. 5 or 6 pairs of knickers – you may want to bring some disposable ones. your washbag with a toothbrush, hairbrush, flannel, soap, lip balm, deodorant, hair ties and other toiletries.

How many clothes do you need for a hospital bag for a baby? ›

For your baby:

Clothes: 3 x vests, 3 x babygros, cotton scratch mitts and a hat (most babies will wear a hat for the first 24 hours until they can maintain their temperature). An outfit to take your baby home in (appropriate to weather conditions). Blanket to cover your baby in a car seat.

What should I wear to the hospital after giving birth? ›

Since you'll spend most of your recovery time sitting down or lying in bed, you'll want comfy clothes like loose pants with an elastic or drawstring waist. If you're breastfeeding, you'll need tops with stretchy necklines or easy nursing access.

Does it matter where I give birth? ›

It is a personal choice, but you need good information to make the best choice. A hospital is the most common place, but there are other options. You should know the risks and benefits of each setting before you decide. The first thing to think about is your health and pregnancy status (such as low risk vs.

Where is the best place to have your baby? ›

Massachusetts topped the report's list of the best states to have a baby, receiving high marks for its quality of healthcare and family-friendliness. Following the Bay State were Vermont, Rhode Island, Minnesota and New Hampshire.

What is the most popular birthing option? ›

A vagin*l delivery is the safest and most common type of childbirth. vagin*l deliveries account for about 68% of all births in the United States. Most medical organizations and obstetricians recommend a vagin*l delivery unless there is a medical reason for a C-section.

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