Snuggly PJs, babygrows and a whole buffet of snacks. Here’s what you should think about adding to your bag when you go into labour.
If you’re feeling totally clueless about what you need to pack in your bag for labour, try not to worry.
Your midwife can steer you in the right direction. The Which? Birth Choice guidecan let you know what will already be available at the hospital you’ll be giving birth in.
You might also be able to book a tour of the hospital where you’ll be having your baby. That way you can ask more about what you need to bring from home and what’s available at the hospital.
Here are your other questions answered on all things hospital kit related.
When should I pack my hospital bag for birth?
You can start packing whenever you want to. But it’s a good idea to have your bag ready at least two weeks ahead of your due date (NHS, 2018).
What type of hospital bag do I need?
You can use whichever of your bags that’ll do the job. You definitely don’t have to spend money on a special bag to take into hospital. Why not save the cash for an extra cute babygrow or three instead.
Packing two bags might also work for you – one for during labour and one for afterwards. Or you could go for a small suitcase; it might sound crazy but the stuff you will need adds up. And, after all, you are packing for a possible overnight stay (for at least two people).
When your bag is packed, leave it by the front door so you don’t forget it. Then let your birth partneror whoever is driving you to the hospital know where it is and what’s in it. That way they can be ready to help as soon as you need them to.
What essentials shall I pack in my hospital bag for labour?
Here’s a starting point for what you’ll need in labour:
- Maternity notes.
- Birth plan, if you’ve made one.
- A comfy, loose outfit for labour that you can move around in and that won’t make you too hot. A cosy nighty or a big t-shirt is perfect.
- Chill-out kit including books, magazines, music or podcasts (more for the early stages).
- A fan or water spray to cool you down.
- A phone and charger – with good storage.
- Healthy snacks and drinks.
- Your own pillow, possibly a giant pregnancy one.
- A TENS machineand batteries if you want to use one and if your hospital doesn’t provide one.
- Any medication you’re taking.
- Your wash bag with your toothbrush, toothpaste, hairbrush, soap, hair ties and other toiletries (NHS, 2018).
- Aromatherapy oils, especially if you have been using them during pregnancy, e.g. for hypnobirthing.
You might also want to bring your birth ball but check on your tour or with your midwife whether the hospital has its own.
What essentials shall I pack in my hospital bag for after the birth?
When you’re chilling out with your new arrival, you’ll need a whole host of other things.
Bring these in your bag:
- large sanitary or maternity pads
- large comfy knickers (or disposable ones)
- towels
- dressing gown
- slippers or flip-flops
- comfy, maternity-sized outfit to wear home
- cash – you might need it for parking or to grab a magazine or emergency chocolate bar
- iPad or tablet.
And if you’re planning to breastfeed, add:
- nursing bras
- breast pads
- front-opening nighties or pyjama tops.
What should I pack in my hospital bag for my new baby?
Yep, it’s not just you you’re packing for. For the baby, add in:
- bodysuits or vests
- sleep suits (including one you want them to go home in)
- a hat
- scratch mittens
- socks or booties
- nappies
- cotton wool balls or pads
- blankets
- muslin squares
- a snowsuit if it’s cold.
You’ll also need to make sure you have a car seat that’s correctly fitted. If you’re getting a taxi home, check you know how to fit the car seatyourself (NHS, 2018).
What should my birth partner pack in their hospital bag?
Your birth partner may be at hospital with you for a long time, and even overnight, so they will definitely need to have a bag packed too.
They should think about packing:
- snacks
- cash
- a change of clothes
- a wash bag
- a camping mattress if there is room for them to stay over
- a book or something to distract the mum to be if you’re relaxing in the early stages.
Important numbers
Wherever you're planning to give birth, keep a list of important numbers in your purse or in your phone. You’ll need to include:
- the hospital, midwife or doula'sphone number
- your partner or birth partner's phone number
- your hospital reference number (on your card or notes).
This page was lastreviewed inSeptember 2018.
Further information
Our support line offers practical and emotional support with feeding your baby and general enquiries for parents, members and volunteers: 0300 330 0700.
We also offerantenatal courseswhich are a great way to find out more about birth, labour and life with a new baby.
Make friends with other parents-to-be and new parents in your local area for support and friendship by seeing whatNCT activitiesare happening nearby.
NHS choices. (2018) Pack your bag for labour; what you’ll need for labour and birth. Available from: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/pregnancy-and-baby/pack-your-bag-for-birth/ [Accessed 1st September 2018].
Symon AG, Dugard P, Butchart M, Carr V, Paul J. (2011) Care and environment in midwife-led and obstetric-led units: a comparison of mothers' and birth partners' perceptions. Available from: https://www.midwiferyjournal.com/article/S0266-6138(10)00153-1/fulltext. Midwifery. 27(6):880-886. [Accessed 1st September 2018].
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Now, let's discuss the concepts mentioned in this article.
Packing a Hospital Bag for Labour:
When it comes to packing a hospital bag for labor, it's important to be prepared. Here are some key points to consider:
- When to pack: It's recommended to have your hospital bag ready at least two weeks ahead of your due date.
- Type of bag: You can use any bag that suits your needs; there's no need to buy a special bag for this purpose.
- Essentials for labor: Some essential items to pack for labor include your maternity notes, birth plan (if you have one), a comfortable and loose outfit, a chill-out kit with books or magazines, a fan or water spray to keep cool, a phone and charger, healthy snacks and drinks, your own pillow, any medication you're taking, and your wash bag with toiletries.
- Additional items: Depending on your preferences, you may also want to consider packing aromatherapy oils, a birth ball (if the hospital doesn't provide one), and a TENS machine with batteries.
Packing a Hospital Bag for After the Birth:
After giving birth, you'll need to have some additional items in your hospital bag. Here's what you should consider:
- Essentials for post-birth: Some essentials to pack for after the birth include large sanitary or maternity pads, comfortable and maternity-sized outfits, towels, dressing gowns, slippers or flip-flops, cash, an iPad or tablet, nursing bras, breast pads, and front-opening nighties or pyjama tops if you plan to breastfeed.
Packing for the Baby:
Don't forget to pack essentials for your new baby. Here's what you should include:
- Baby essentials: Pack bodysuits or vests, sleep suits (including one for going home), hats, scratch mittens, socks or booties, nappies, cotton wool balls or pads, blankets, muslin squares, and a snowsuit if it's cold.
- Car seat: Make sure you have a car seat that is correctly fitted for your baby's journey home.
Packing for the Birth Partner:
Your birth partner should also have a bag packed. Here are some items they may want to consider:
- Partner's essentials: Snacks, cash, a change of clothes, a wash bag, a camping mattress (if there's room to stay overnight), and something to distract the mother-to-be during the early stages of labor.
Important Numbers:
It's important to have a list of important numbers with you. These may include the hospital, midwife or doula's phone number, your partner or birth partner's phone number, and your hospital reference number.
Remember, these are just general guidelines, and it's always a good idea to consult with your midwife or healthcare provider for specific recommendations based on your individual needs and circ*mstances.
Let me know if there's anything else I can help with!
