What you need for a hospital birth bag
This hospital birth bag list is different to all the others. It contains everything you might need and why you might need it - but the items are in order of popularity. So you can make an informed choice about what to take and avoid turning up like you’ve packed for a month-long holiday. As space on the wards is very limited, this can only be a good thing.
When deciding what’s right for your bag, remember that new mums generally stay for between 6 hours and two days after their baby has arrived and as long as 3-4 days if they’ve had a caesarean birth.
When should you pack your hospital bag?
Advice on this varies from 6 weeks to 2 weeks before your due date. The NHS website states your bag should be ready at least three weeks before your due date. So unless you have a multiple pregnancy or have any complications that might lead to a premature birth, it’s probably best to have it all done by the time you are 36 weeks pregnant.
What kind of bag do you need and how many bags?
Most people take two bags:
One bag for labour and directly after the birth. (So this will also contain a few nappies and items of baby clothing.) And one bag for everything on the postnatal ward. This second bag could stay in the car if you have one.
OR
One bag containing everything for you and one smaller bag with everything for the baby. If you’ve got a roomy baby changing bag, this would be ideal for the baby’s bag because of all the different compartments.
A popular choice of bag is a small suitcase on wheels. If Ryanair would allow you to take it on as hand luggage it’s probably suitable. Also popular is the type of holdall you’d use on a weekend away.
Your birthing partner will probably also want to bring a small rucksack with everything they need.
top TIPS:
If you are packing just one bag for yourself, put your post-birth items at the bottom and your labour items at the top.
Once you’ve packed your hospital bags, give your birth partner a little tour of where everything is. Or better still, lay it all out and get them to do the packing. That way they’ll (hopefully) know where everything is when you need it.
Do you still need to pack a hospital bag if you’re having a home birth?
If you’re planning to have a home birth pack two bags. One will be for your ‘labour toolkit’, including things like essential oils, headphones and TENS machine. Put it all in something easy to carry around the home, like a basket with a handle. The second bag will be your ‘just in case’ bag with any essentials for if you have to transfer to a hospital. If you do, you’ll have your two bags ready to go. Packing them is also a good way of making sure you have everything you need in one place, ready for when you go into labour at home.
Do you pack differently if you’re having a caesarean birth?
If you are having an elective caesarean birth the main difference is that you will be in hospital longer so you’ll need a longer stay bag packed. Someone can bring it in for you after the birth, if you prefer.
You could be waiting around for a while for the procedure so bring some things to pass the time and distract you.
Take clothes that don’t have waistbands that may irritate your wound and make sure your knickers are all high waisted. This includes nightwear. You’ll also want a nightdress not pyjamas as you will be catheterised for 12 to 18 hours after the operation.
After the birth, you may be hungry so definitely take snacks. Dried fruit like prunes can be helpful with the constipation that the painkillers might cause. Peppermint tea may also be useful to ease the pain of trapped wind.
What do the hospital provide that you don’t need to pack?
Not very much but it varies so check with your own hospital. They do usually have birthing balls if you wanted to use one during labour. Ask beforehand that supply generally meets demand. TENS machines are sometimes available and some hospitals have midwives trained in aromatherapy and will provide their own essential oils. Some hospitals provide towels but they may be quite small and thin.
HOw did you calculate the popularity of each item?
This was done by combining everything recommended in the top 12 online hospital bag lists with the advice from a panel of 48 of new mums. Some items are essential and are recommended by pretty much everyone. You can find them at the top of the list. All the extremely useful and nice-to-haves then follow with a % of how often they were recommended.
In addition, the internet was scoured and experts were quizzed for all the best top tips. This really is the only list you need to save you time and money.
Hospital bag list: For you
ESSENTIALS
These items will feature in pretty much every hospital bag.
Hospital notes
Also called your maternity notes. They are folders of your maternity paperwork although some NHS trusts now use an app. However they appear, they will be needed by the medical professionals caring for you.
Wash bag
It may not be a mini-break but it’s likely you will stay at least one night so bring whatever you normally use i.e. toothbrush, hairbrush, deodorant, face wash, moisturiser. You may not be in the mood for a 12-step skincare routine but you probably will want to brush your teeth at some point.
For an after-birth shower also bring small bottles of any toiletries you’d like to use. Fragrance free is best if you’re breastfeeding as newborns latch by smell. Plus, it will be gentler on your sensitive bits.
Comfy labour clothes
Some agonise over what to wear during labour and then on arrival are immediately given a hospital gown to change into. But this is not always the case. And you may prefer to wear something loose and comfy of your own. It should ideally be something that you are happy to throw away afterwards unless the label says it’s safe to be bleached. Birth isn’t the cleanest of experiences. You may want to walk around the corridors in the early stages so choose something you’d be comfortable doing this in. If you want to breastfeed and do skin on skin as soon as your baby arrives, something that buttons down will be useful.
For water births, if you don’t want to be naked, bring a t-shirt, crop top, bikini top or maternity tankini top. Plus some bikini bottoms if you want to wear them in early labour.
Nightwear
There’s a good chance you’ll stay at least one night with your baby, so take some nightwear and if you plan to breastfeed, something that buttons down. It’s worth bearing in mind that hospital wards are very hot. A popular choice is a button-down nightie, which is kinder to any sore bits after a vaginal birth and your scar after a C-section. Also, there’s a possibility you’ll have a catheter put in.
Even if you don’t stay the night, it might be nice to change into a clean comfy nightie after the birth. Nobody is expecting you to put on a suit or anything.
Bring a few nighties or nightshirts in case you bleed through them.
Maternity pads
You will be bleeding a lot after the birth, so maternity pads are essential. They are basically more absorbent sanitary towels. They need to be changed regularly to prevent infection so most recommend bringing at least two packets.
Underwear
This is not the time for an expensive lacy G-string. Take 5-6 pairs of big, dark coloured knickers in a size or two bigger than normal so there’s room for the maternity pads. Some prefer disposable knickers. Others prefer pants designed for urinary incontinence like Tena pants as it’s like having all-in-one pants and maternity pads. If you know you are having a caesarean birth, make sure the knickers are high-waisted so they don’t irritate your scar.
If you’ve been wearing a maternity bra, remember to pack a spare and if you plan to breastfeed make sure it doubles up as a nursing bra.
Loose comfy going home outfit
This could be the same as the one you arrived in if you want to save space. Just don’t pack a pre-pregnancy outfit and expect it to fit. Your belly will still be quite large. Plus you will have sore bits or a C-section scar, so something loose and comfy is ideal.
Phone and charger
A phone is essential for almost everyone non-Amish. A long charger is best in case the plug socket isn’t close to your bed. Better still, take a power bank charger to avoid displeasing staff by pulling out a vital plug so you can charge up to check Instagram. If you do run out of battery, it could be a good idea to have a list of phone numbers of people you’ll want to contact.
EXTREMELY USEFUL
Hairband/clip 88% recommended
To keep your hair out of your face during labour.
Snacks and drinks 85% recommended
Bring snacks and drinks, not just for keeping your energy up during early labour, but also for after the birth on the postnatal ward.
Popular items to take are cereal bars, dried fruit, energy tablets, sweets, chocolate, fruit, oatcakes, crackers or biscuits. Just whatever you normally like to snack on but ideally food that will give you energy.
For drinks, midwives often recommend that you bring bottles of a flat isotonic drink like Lucozade Sport.
TOP TIP: Freeze bottles of water and/or juice cartons and then grab them when you leave. That way you should have a nice cold drink later on. You could put a note on your bag to remind you to get them.
Only mums get given meals in hospital so remind your birthing partner to bring some food for themselves.
Slippers or flip flops 82% recommended
When walking around the hospital during or after labour, it’s handy to have something comfy you can easily slip your feet into. Backless slippers are best as they will be much easier to put on. Flip flops are also particularly useful if you are squeamish about using hospital showers.
Of the panel members that recommended these:
19% took both slippers and flip flops
51% took just slippers
30% took just flip flops
Dressing gown 73% recommended
Hospital wards are very warm but a light dressing gown is a good idea for covering up when walking to the bathroom etc. Alternatively, you could take a long, thin cardigan.
Lip balm 72% recommended
Lips can get very dry in the hot hospital wards during labour, especially if you are using gas and air. If you’re taking nipple cream (see below) this can double up as lip balm to save on space.
Spare sets of clothes 68% recommended
If you don’t fancy being in a nightie after the birth and would prefer to get dressed, take some spare sets of clothes in case you need to change. For example, because of post-birth bleeding.
Towel 66% recommended
Towels are taken for water births and showers. Some hospitals provide towels but they might be quite small and thin. If you decide to take your own and find that your regular big fluffy towel is taking up too much room, consider getting a space-saving microfibre one. They also dry a lot more quickly.
Things to pass the time 58% recommended
This can be useful to keep your mind occupied if you have a slow labour, are being induced or are waiting around after the birth to get discharged. Pack an iPad with films downloaded, puzzle books, books, your Kindle, magazines, playing cards, knitting, origami - whatever you like to do to pass the time.
Breast pads 56% recommended
These are used to protect your clothing from leaking breast milk. They may not be needed until your milk comes in a few days after birth but many take a few just in case.
Birth plan 56% recommended
A birth plan can also be very useful to clarify to yourself and communicate to the midwives what you do and don’t want from your birth.
Plastic bag for dirty clothes 51% recommended
Nipple cream 50% recommended
Used to soothe nipple sore from breastfeeding. It can also double up as lip balm.
Handheld fan, water spray, sponge, flannel 49% recommended
Labour can be a hot and sweaty business and the wards are often very warm. A battery-operated handheld fan or water spray will cool you down. Alternatively, place a cold, wet sponge or flannel on your forehead.
Frozen flannels can be very refreshing in labour. To prepare in advance, dip them in water, add a couple of drops of your favourite essential oil, squeeze out the excess water, roll them up and then freeze in individual plastic bags. You could leave a note for yourself on your hospital bag to grab them from the freezer when you leave.
A warm flannel is also useful. It can be pressed on the perineum during the crowing part of labour to help reduce the stinging.
Cash/change 47% recommended
For parking and vending machines.
Bendy straws or bottle with sports lids 44% recommended
It’s a lot easier to sip on water, juice or weak squash if you can do it through a straw or a bottle with a sports lid. Especially as you may be lying down at some points.
TENS machine 42% recommended
Everything you need to know about TENS machines and the 6 best to buy
nice-to-haves
Earplugs 37% recommended
These are very useful if you are being induced and spending some time on the induction ward. You might also want to block out the sounds of other birthing mums during early labour. Some also use them in the postnatal ward as they can be very noisy with crying babies, staff coming in and out and people on the phone. If you’re worried about not waking up when your baby cries, you could take it in turns with your birthing partner to wear them.
Tissues or wet wipes 37% recommended
Tissues are always useful to have and wet wipes are very handy for quick face cleans and also for the first post-birth poo or wee. See also ‘your own toilet paper’ on the list below.
Your own pillow 36% recommended
Hospital pillows are notoriously thin and so your own pillow will be more comfortable and make you feel more at home.
Some settle for bringing just their own pillowcase. 6% of the panel said they packed this.
Headphones 36% recommended
If you want to listen to your own music or watch a downloaded film on the postnatal or induction ward and don’t want to be hated by everyone else - take headphones.
They can also be useful during labour if you want to focus on a Hypnobirthing download.
Socks 36% recommended
Feet can get cold in labour so some warm, comfy socks will be welcome.
Eye mask 31% recommended
The postnatal ward lights will be dimmed at night but if you need complete darkness to get any sleep, bring an eye mask. It could also be used during labour to shut out any bright lights or distractions.
Makeup 27% recommended
Aromatherapy oils 24% recommended
Contraction timer app 24% recommended
Some like to time their contractions as it helps them track the progression of the labour and feel more in control. A contraction timer app will simplify this.
Birth ball 22% recommended
Most hospitals have birthing balls but if you know you want use one during labour, check first that they have an ample supply and that they have ones suitable for your height if you are particularly tall or short.
Antiseptic wipes 20% recommended
Hospitals are thoroughly cleaned but you might feel happier with your own antiseptic wipes and/or hand sanitiser.
Music player/speakers 20% recommended
While in labour it’s fine to listen to some music of your choice. Many hospitals will prefer your device to be battery operated.
Massage oil 17% recommended
Mints 17% recommended
You might vomit during labour so mints could be useful to freshen up. Although there’s a good chance you won’t care. They can also be helpful if you have a caesarean and feel nauseous afterwards.
Wheat bag or hot water bottle 15% recommended
Plastic water jug or peri bottle 15% recommended
For pouring over your sore bits and diluting the urine when you do your first post-birth wee.
Breastfeeding info or other reference material 14% recommended
If you are worried about breastfeeding or other aspects of looking after your baby, there will be help available at the hospital but some like to bring some information with them.
Other possible reference material could be related to labour and childbirth, including good positions to labour in, and birth affirmation cards.
Gift for midwife 10% recommended
Your midwife will likely feel like your new best friend by the time your baby has arrived. Many like to show their appreciation with a gift so you could bring one with you to save a return journey.
Good quality toilet roll 8% recommended
The first post-birth toilet trips might be a slightly tender affair and hospitals are not known for having luxury quilted/cashmere/Puppies on a Roll toilet paper.
Arnica cream/tablets 8% recommended
Arnica is a homeopathic remedy intended to reduce swelling and bruising. You can get a cooling gel like Nelson’s Arnicare gel although don’t use this on tears or a C-section scar. Some prefer arnica tablets. They are available in most chemists so speak to your pharmacist about the appropriate dose to take.
Breastfeeding pillow 6% recommended
Hairdryer 5% recommended
Soothing/cooling products for your sore bits 5% recommended
Frozen harvested colostrum 2% recommended
Colostrum is the first milk that the breast produces. It’s very concentrated and thick and it’s possible to ‘harvest’ it from around 36-37 weeks pregnant. This is sometimes done when the parent is nervous about their ability to breastfeed or if the baby has an increased risk of low blood sugar after the birth. There are colostrum collecting kits that you can buy and the colostrum must then be frozen. Once defrosted it has to be used within two hours. Some hospitals will allow you to bring it in a labelled cool bag with an ice pack and they will then transfer it to a freezer until after the birth.
other stuff
Don’t forget your glasses or everything you need for contact lenses if you wear them. Plus any medication that you are taking.
Pen and paper could be useful to keep track of feeds, medications or for journaling as it may all be a blur afterwards.
A thermal mug to keep tea hot and harder to spill in early labour and the postnatal ward.
Electric candle/fairy lights could help create a calmer and more relaxing environment to give birth in.
Stress balls are small, squeezy balls that you clench during contractions rather than break your birthing partner’s hand. They can be useful as a pain distraction technique.
Gripping a comb can also be a good distraction from a contraction. Plus the teeth will press into the acupuncture points in your hands, which may release pain-reducing endorphins. Hold the comb so it presses across your palm and into the base of your fingers.
If you’re planning to consume your placenta, take a freezer bag with ice packs or a placenta collection kit.
For the baby
Baby clothing
Babies arrive naked but won’t stay that way for long. Depending on the time of year, you’ll need to bring babygrows, vests (also called bodysuits), hats, cardigans and a pramsuit.
51% also recommended baby socks or booties and 46% suggested scratch mitts. Scratch mitts prevent the baby scratching their face. Some babygrows have integrated mitts.
Many also like to bring a special going home outfit for their baby.
Which size baby clothes should you bring?
It’s most likely that your baby will wear newborn size clothes but take some extra ones in tiny baby size and 0-3 months just in case they are particularly big or small.
Top tip:
Some like to put entire baby outfits in sealable sandwich bags to minimise the amount of rummaging around. This will also make things very straightforward for the birth partner, who is often in charge of getting the baby dressed after the birth. Put in the bag a nappy, vest/bodysuit, babygrow and hat. You could also include a cardigan, although hospital wards are usually very hot.
You might want to have a complete bagged outfit in a couple of different sizes. Don’t forget to label the bags with the size.
How many of each clothing item should you bring?
It’s most commonly recommended to pack:
3-5 babygrows and bodysuits/vests
1 hat
1 pair of socks or booties
1 pair of scratch mitts
1-2 cardigans
1 pramsuit (in cold weather)
Baby blanket
The hospital will probably provide a baby blanket for directly after your baby is born but after that it will be nice to have your own. It can be used to wrap around the baby while having skin on skin contact, place over your baby if you’re staying overnight and also over them in the car seat if it’s cold when going home. A baby should never wear a pramsuit or coat in a car seat as the puffiness will affect the fit of the harness and make it unsafe. One or two blankets will be enough. Most take one.
Baby changing
You will need to pack everything you plan to use for baby changing. This will definitely be nappies and wipes or cotton wool but may also include nappy cream, nappy sacks (54% recommended) and a towel or fold up/travel changing mat (40% recommended).
Some also take Vaseline to put on the baby’s bottom before their first nappy. This is because the baby’s first poo (called meconium) is quite thick and sticky so the Vaseline makes it easier to remove from the baby’s bottom.
Cotton wool or baby wipes?
In the past, new parents were always told to use just plain water and cotton wool when changing their baby for the first month as wipes may irritate their super delicate skin. But there is a new generation of baby wipes, like Water Wipes that contain 99.9% water and a drop of fruit extract and many find these much more convenient.
Some hospitals will provide you with cotton wool. Check beforehand if that’s the case. They should also give you a little bowl for the warm water.
What size nappies should you pack?
For most newborn babies, size 1 will be the right size as they fit babies from 4-11 lbs. But you can also get size 0 for premature babies and there’s a possibility your baby will go straight to size 2 nappies. The weight guide for size 3 varies slightly by brand but for Pampers and Kit + Kin they are suitable for those 9-18 lbs.
How many nappies should you pack?
A newborn can get through 12 nappies a day. Advice on how many to bring varies between 8 and 30 but it will just depend how long you stay there. You can always leave some in the car or get your birth partner to pop home for some more.
Can you take reusable nappies in your hospital bag?
If you plan to use reusable nappies, you could start from when you get home and pack enough disposables for the hospital. Or if you want to use cloth nappies from day one, take 5-10 washable nappies with you along with a waterproof bag to store the dirty ones. They can then be washed when you get home, which is fine as long as you don’t stay longer than a couple of days. Your birthing partner could always take them home to wash and bring new ones if you stay longer. You could also take some disposable nappy liners to make things easier.
Car seat
Essential unless the baby is being taken home in the pram. Don’t bring it into the hospital until you are about to be discharged.
Muslin cloths
76% recommended
These have a multitude of uses but are most commonly used over the shoulder as a burp cloth. The larger ones also make a good lightweight blanket or swaddle.
Bottles and formula
Essential if you have no plans to breastfeed. In a review of seven hospital trusts, all said that if you choose to bring formula milk it must be the pre-mixed liquid formula you can buy as there is nowhere to make up powdered formula. Three also requested that it comes in the starter packs you can buy which has the liquid formula in single use bottles. This is probably the best thing to do as you may not have anywhere to wash and sterilise bottles. Although two of the trusts said they provide disposable bottles and teats.
Some take formula just in case there is a problem with breastfeeding but if this situation arises the hospital will be able to help.
Your baby will feed every 2-3 hours so you will need around 12 bottles for a 24 hour stay.
Bibs
14% recommended
To protect your baby’s clothes from dribble and milk.
Your birthing partner’s bag
Your birthing partner can also bring a small bag with everything they need. This may include (in order of popularity):
Snacks and drinks
Phone charger or power bank charger.
Change of clothes
Something to pass the time in the early stages
Wash bag for an overnight stay
Blanket or sleeping bag
Small travel pillow
Swimwear for a water birth
List of people to contact with the news
I hope you’ve found this useful. If you have, please do share with any others that may need it.
Come back!
Let us know what you’d recommend in a hospital birth bag and together we’ll build the definitive list.