My Hospital Bag Checklist
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Your Hospital Bag
Preparing for Your Hospital Stay – What to Pack
Getting ready for your baby’s arrival can feel exciting and overwhelming. This guide will help you prepare your hospital bag, so you feel organised, comfortable and ready when the time comes.
Pack your bag a few weeks before your due date
Bring only essentials – space is limited
Separate bags for labour and postnatal stay
Bring your medicines information leaflet
Getting Ready
As you approach your due date, having your hospital bag ready can help you feel more prepared and relaxed.
We recommend packing your bag a few weeks in advance, just in case your baby decides to arrive earlier than expected.
Please remember to bring your completed “My Medicines and Supplements” leaflet, listing everything you are currently taking.
Storage space in the hospital is limited, so packing light is helpful. You may prefer to leave larger bags in your car until after your baby is born.
Labour Ward Bag
This is the bag you’ll use during labour and birth. Focus on comfort and items that help you feel at ease.
Essentials:
- A comfortable, front-opening nightdress
- Dressing gown
- Slippers and flip flops (for the shower)
- Warm socks
- Toiletries and face cloth
- Shower cap and towel
- Spare underwear (2–3 pairs)
- A small baby bundle (nappies, vest, babygrow, wipes in a zip bag)
- Snacks for you and your support person
- TENS machine and batteries (if using)
- Parking payment method (coins or phone app)
If you are colostrum harvesting:
- Bring it in a labelled cooler bag/container
Optional items (if they help you feel comfortable):
- Music or a small speaker
- Massage oils or diffuser
- Lip balm
- Your birth preferences or affirmations
- Ear plugs or eye mask
- Handheld fan
- Breathing devices (if using)
We will provide items such as birthing balls and heat packs in the hospital.
Postnatal Ward Bag
For you
After your baby arrives, comfort and recovery are key.
- Nightwear (front-opening if breastfeeding)
- Supportive breastfeeding bra (no underwire)
- Breast pads and optional milk collection aids
- Maternity pads (at least 2 packs — more can be brought later)
- Comfortable, high-waisted underwear (approx. 10 pairs)
- 2 towels (older, darker towels are often more suitable)
- Phone charger, notebook and pen
- Feeding pillow (optional)
For your baby
- Disposable nappies
- Cotton wool or newborn wipes
- Around 5 vests
- Around 5 babygrows
- Cardigan
- 2 small towels
Going Home
On the day you are leaving hospital, please bring:
- An approved car seat (essential)
- A warm outfit for your baby (weather dependent)
- Hat and blanket