The Hospital Bag Packing Checklist for Labour and Birth

My advice would be to consult and collate from variety of sources and write your own list – 

• Search for “hospital bag for birth” via google to establish a general idea

• Check Instagram highlights of your favourite influencers as many have organised their “must haves” 

• Think about your usual 24 hour routine and go through each item or product you use. Like your favourite water bottle, keys, socks or retainer.

Have separate bags for you, your birth partner and the baby. Before labour you should spend time going through each bag with your birth partner. Ideally they would repack the bag when you’re in the organisation stage as once you are in hospital they will most likely be the one finding each item as needed.

Have a list of all the phone numbers you might need on a separate piece of paper –

• your doula’s phone number

• contact details for your hospital, or the doctor, nurse or midwife you have been in contact with 

• your partner (or birth partner’s) phone number

• your NHS reference number

• NCT parent support helpline – 0300 330 0700

Many women go through labour and birth relatively quickly but may stay in hospital for a few days. Others have days of inducement but then are out of hospital the same day that baby arrives.

I have thoroughly gathered the items on the following list to cover every eventuality. The idea is to go through each item and determine if you think you might need it – you do not need to pack everything that has been listed.

For you

• Earplugs

• Eye mask

• Face spritz

• Snacks

• Moisturiser

• Pillow

• Frozen power drink

• Phone charger (cord 2m plus)

• Headphones

• Bath Towel

• Flip flops

• Underpants

• Disposable underwear

• Maternity pads

• Book/ipad/kindle

• Lip balm

• Hairbrush and ties

• Makeup

• Water bottle with straw

• Throat lozenges

• Portable desk fan

• Body lotion

• Toothbrush and toothpaste

• Body cream/Bio Oil

• Going home outfit

• Slip on shoes (ie. Birkenstocks)

• Soft socks (look great with the above)

• Spritz for Bitz

• Chocolate

• Button up nightie

• Mini shampoo, conditioner and body wash

• Deodorant

• Dry shampoo

• Zip up hoodie

• Dressing Gown

• Cash/coins (for parking, hospital shop etc)

• Babygro’s

• Birth plan and hospital notes

• Two piece string bikini (for water birth)

• Massage oil

• Relaxation playlist and Bluetooth speaker

• Nursing bra

• Breast pads (these are not essential)

• Medications

For your Birth Partner

• Snacks

• Earplugs

• Pain relief

• Camera

• Change of clothes

• Umbrella

• Camping mattress

For your Baby

• Ready made formula

• Newborn nappies and wipes

• Muslins

• Hat

• Car Seat

• Dummies (I love Soothies when they are teeny)

• Blankets

• Mittens

• Socks

• Cotton pads

Try to think of packing as a relaxing ritual. There isn’t any real reason to stress or feel anxious. We live in a modern, consumeristic world and can easily purchase what we need, as we need it. So anything you have forgotten can easily be picked up by a friend or relative and brought to you.

Put some meditative spa music on, light a candle and think of what you will be taking to the hospital but also the wonderful baby you will be bringing home. 

Millie P x