Congratulations, you’re on the countdown to labour day which can only mean one thing… it’s time to start asking yourself that question ‘What do I need in my hospital bag?’. Packing your hospital bag can be a bit of a minefield with everyone having an opinion over what you absolutely, definitely, without a shadow of a doubt need. Before you know it, you’ve packed enough things to keep you and the baby self-sufficient for a six month trip. Luckily, we’ve collated a hospital bag packing list, highlighting the things you do need, letting you know some optional extras and getting rid of any of the ridiculous items. So, without further ado, here is our hospital bag packing list… 

Hospital Bag Packing List

It’s helpful to break your thinking away from bag singular and start thinking about bags in the plural. You’ll need items for the baby, for you and for your birth partner. This list is broken into those sections for you, whether you choose to put them into separate bags or one big one is entirely up to you!

For Baby

In terms of baby clothes, we’ve always gone for newborn size or up to 1 month in outerwear. As such we’ve only ever taken one size in but if you like to err on the safe side, just duplicate the vests and sleep-suits.

• 2 x vests – if you want to take a variety of sizes, take two of each
• 2 x sleep-suits – as above re: sizes!
• Hat
• Pair of socks
• Cardigan
• Newborn nappies – enough to last 24 hours so 10-12
• Wipes – we use Water Wipes as they’re 99% water, if you’d rather use cotton wool, substitute!
• Blanket
• Muslin square
• Formula & bottles – if required, you can get advice from your hospital about amounts to bring
• Red book – or the equivalent baby health record book if you’re given one in advance
• Car seat – not for the bag OBVIOUSLY but just as important for the trip home from the hospital!

For Mum

• Maternity notes
• Toothbrush & toothpaste
• Deodorant
• Face wipes & moisturiser – it’s amazing how much your skin needs hydration after labour!
• Spare pants – I take a much larger, granny pant style with me so they’re nice and loose
• Maternity pads – enough to last 24 hours so 8-10
• Labour clothes – a large nightgown/t-shirt or a bikini top if you’re hoping for a water birth
• Comfortable clothes for after – keep them loose and feeding friendly
• Plastic bag – for your dirty clothes/underwear
• Phone & charger – take an extra long cable in case you’re stuck in for a few days and miles from the plug!

Optional extras

• Empty water bottle* – far easier during labour than tiny hospital cups
• Glasses/contact lenses*
• Shampoo & conditioner* – great for a quick refresh after birth
• Make-up*
• Cardigan/jumper* – hospitals can get chilly so don’t forget an extra layer
• Flannel* – good to cool you down during labour
• Handheld fan* – as above
• Water spritzer

For The Birth Partner

• Camera & charger
• Phone & charger
• Fresh t-shirt
• Change of underwear
• Deodorant
• Glasses/contact lenses
• Change for the carpark
• IPad/Laptop – download some tv shows for entertainment for you both if labour is likely to be long! 

Snacks & Drinks

The most important bit. I’d love to write you a list but each person’s preferences are different. Try to select some easy to consume snacks that will give you plenty of energy with minimal effort. Sweets such as jelly babies and drinks such as sports drinks as well as mints to help freshen you up afterwards. They’ll also prove invaluable for after labour when you want to get your energy levels back up or a middle of the night feeding session – I’m packing a packet of chocolate biscuits for this very occasion!

What else would you pack? Any essentials you think we’ve missed or out there items that have worked for you? Let me know in the comments below…