Your Ultimate Hospital Bag Checklist
EXCITING TIMES!
There is a frisson of excitement that goes with the very practical task of packing your hospital bag! It compels you to run through every possible scenario to think what you might need. Luckily for you we’ve been there and done that, so we know all the essentials and the just nice-to haves!
WHEN TO PACK YOUR HOSPITAL BAG
Ideally, you should have your bag ready to go (besides last-minute items like your phone) by 36 or 37 weeks of pregnancy just in case you go into labour early. Babies often have their own time schedule!
We’ve divided our lists up into the essentials (eg a car seat for bringing baby home) and the items that you don’t strictly need but can help you feel more comfortable.
WHAT TO PACK IN YOUR HOSPITAL BAG FOR YOURSELF
Must-haves
Mobile phone and phone charger
Snacks (glucose tablets, muesli bars, crackers, chocolate, dried/fresh fruit)
Drinks (electrolyte drinks, bottled water)
Contact lens supplies/glasses
Toothbrush and toothpaste (you could buy a spare one to pack early)
Front-opening pyjamas for breastfeeding
Dressing gown
Comfortable clothes including warm socks
Cheap black cotton underwear x 10 pairs
Breastfeeding bras x 3
Maternity sanitary pads*
Hairbrush/comb
Hairties/clips/headband
Shampoo and conditioner (travel size are great)
Body wash and sponge
Face cloths/wipes
Natural deodorant
Face moisturiser and body lotion
Disposable breast pads and nipple cream
Comfortable clothing to wear home – don’t forget shoes, slip-on are recommended in case your feet are swollen
Any medications you're currently taking
A copy of your birth plan – perhaps a few extra in case of a change of staff.
Any relevant information on the medical history of your pregnancy – specialist details etc
Little extras
Sleeping mask and earplugs
Soft facial tissues
Massage oil
Bikini (for the birthing pool)
Favourite coffee or tea bags from home
A mini bottle of 'bubbles' for toasting the occasion
Nipple cream if you're planning on breastfeeding
Nice-to-haves
Pillow from home (with a bright or coloured pillowcase so you don’t forget it!)
Your own soft towel
Lip balm
Wheat bag
Your own hand sanitiser
Rescue Remedy or similar
Pen and paper/small notebook
Soft toilet paper or disposable wipes
Book or magazines for any downtime
Flip-flops for in the shower
Slippers
Makeup
Cash for the snack machine or parking
* These may be provided depending on where you will give birth
WHAT TO PACK IN A HOSPITAL BAG FOR BABY
Carseat – this is an essential because you won’t be allowed to drive home without one (make sure you’ve already installed it before you go to hospital!)
Light blankets or muslin wraps x 2
Disposable baby wipes
Baby face cloths
Newborn-sized dummy
Size 0000 or 000 bodysuits x 2 each
Size 0000 or 000 pyjamas if colder weather
Socks x 2 pairs
Booties
Cotton hat
Going-home outfit
A natural baby oil (great for cleaning up baby’s bottom after meconium nappies)
Read about what you'll need for setting up your baby's nursery or other essential baby items for once you get home.
YOUR BIRTH PARTNER
Don’t forget your birth partner will also need some supplies to get through! Here's our helpful list of what your birth partner will need in their own bag.