Hospital bag checklist
What to pack in your hospital bag
A calm, practical UK hospital bag checklist for labour, your stay, your baby and your birth partner.
Your hospital bag list
One practical list for labour, your stay, your baby and your birth partner. Check your maternity unit’s advice too, as what is provided can vary.
- Hospital notes and maternity paperwork
- Birth plan, if you have one
- Any regular medicines you take
- Loose, comfortable clothes for labour
- Loose or front-opening nightwear
- Comfortable clothes for going home
- Five or six pairs of comfortable underwear
- Two or three comfortable bras
- Two packs of super-absorbent maternity pads
- Wash bag and everyday toiletries
- Towel
- Slippers or flip-flops
- Warm socks
- Refillable water bottle
- Snacks and drinks
- Phone and extra-long charging cable or power bank
- Glasses or contact-lens supplies, if needed
- TENS machine and spare batteries, if using one
- Baby bodysuits, vests and sleepsuits
- Weather-appropriate outfit for baby to go home in
- Baby hat and socks or booties
- Newborn nappies
- Cotton wool or suitable fragrance-free wipes
- Muslin squares
- Baby blanket or shawl
- Rear-facing infant car seat if travelling home by car
- Change of clothes and toiletries for your birth partner
- Spare bag for laundry