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Few tasks bring as much anticipation (and a little anxiety) as packing your hospital bag. What do you actually need? Have you forgotten anything? And what about going home?
To help you pack calmly, we've put together a complete, organised checklist for mum, for baby and for the journey home.
When should you prepare your hospital bag?
Ideally, have your bag ready by around 36 weeks of pregnancy, since your baby may decide to arrive earlier than expected. Keep it somewhere easy to reach and tell whoever will be with you where it is. A good tip is to split it in two: one for labour and the first moments, and another with the rest, but a single, well-organised bag works just as well.
What to pack for mum
Think comfort and the days on the ward:
Documents: ID card, health-service card, your pregnancy health record and your birth plan (if you have one).
Comfortable clothing: nightdresses or pyjamas (front-opening if you'll be breastfeeding), a dressing gown and slippers.
Underwear: comfortable (or disposable) knickers and nursing bras.
Maternity sanitary pads (heavy flow).
Toiletries: toothbrush and toothpaste, shampoo, shower gel, hairbrush, wipes and whatever else you use day to day.
Breast pads and nipple cream.
A hair tie or clip, and something to pass the time (a book, earphones, a long charging cable).
What to pack for baby
Bring the essentials for the first days, in sufficient quantity:
Bodysuits and babygrows (a few in newborn size).
Newborn nappies and wipes or cotton wool.
Light blankets.
A hat, socks and scratch mittens.
Bibs and muslin cloths (for winding).
Baby-specific toiletries.
The going-home outfit and blanket, suited to the season.
What not to forget for going home
The trip home calls for two items that are often forgotten:
The car seat (group 0+), correctly installed in the car it's mandatory and essential for carrying your baby safely.
A comfortable going-home outfit for the baby and comfortable clothes for mum (bear in mind your body hasn't yet returned to normal so choose loose-fitting clothing).
How do you avoid forgetting anything?
A few simple strategies that help:
Make the list in advance and add items as you gather them.
Use a transparent wash bag for toiletries, so you can find everything quickly.
Leave the bag in an agreed place and tell your partner or companion where it is.
Prepare a small bag for your companion too (a change of clothes, snacks, a charger).
And remember: the hospital provides many items, and anything missing can almost always be brought later. The most important thing is to feel calm.
And when you get home?
The first weeks at home are a time of adjustment and of tiredness. Having a support network makes all the difference, so you can recover and enjoy your baby. That's exactly what the Baby Sisters maternity nurse and newborn support service is for, designed to support the family as the baby arrives.
And if you're still getting everything ready for the arrival, see our complete baby essentials checklist, the natural companion to this bag.
Frequently asked questions
When should I prepare my hospital bag?
Around 36 weeks of pregnancy, since your baby may arrive earlier than expected. Keep it somewhere easy to reach.
What is truly essential to pack?
Your documents, comfortable clothing and toiletries for mum, bodysuits, nappies and clothing for baby, and for going home, the car seat, correctly installed.
Do I need to bring nappies and products, or does the hospital provide them?
It varies by hospital. Many provide some items, but it's safer to bring nappies, toiletries and baby clothes. Check with your hospital beforehand.
What's a must-have for going home?
The car seat (group 0+) installed in the car, a season-appropriate going-home outfit for baby, and comfortable clothes for mum.