Hospital Bag Checklist: What To Pack in Your Hospital Bag According to Midwives & Mums
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Time to read 11 min
Real talk? “Your body will feel different after birth. You’ll want soft, easy, comfy things,” says Midwife Lucinda Rae.
Whether you’re planning a vaginal birth, a C-section, or you’re keeping an open mind, this is your no-fluff, mum-tested hospital bag checklist — with the things you’ll actually use (and what you can leave at home).
From snacks to nursing bras, breastfeeding-friendly nighties to cosy socks, we’ve packed the essentials, the nice-to-haves, and a few extra comforts for you, your baby, and your partner — whatever birth looks like for you.
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When to pack your hospital bag How to pack your hospital bag How much to pack your hospital bag Labour Checklist Postpartum Checklist Newborn Essentials What Your Birth Partner Needs C-section Packing Tips Handy Items for Induction Twin birth Packing Tips Water birth Essentials Your VBAC Checklist What to pack for a home birth
Trending: Hospital Bag heroes
When to pack your hospital bag
There is no perfect time as pregnancy and preferences vary. For example, you might find comfort in being organised early on.
Or, you might find that you don’t have the mental energy or capacity to throw things in a bag until the final stretch.
That said, only 1 in 20 babies arrive on their due date so the NHS notes it’s good to be packed by full term (37 weeks) and plan for your pregnancy. These questions might help guide your decision:
1. Am I high risk and is early labour likely?
2. Do I need to order any specific products ahead of time?
3. Can my birth partner easily pop out for extras?
How to pack your hospital bag
Pack one large bag with packing cubes to separate yours and baby’s things, or go for two smaller bags: one for labour, one for post-birth–you won’t need your wash kit during contractions, but you’ll be glad for face wash after delivery.
Tip: It can be handy to split your hospital bag packing into four needs:
- Items for labour
- Items for after the birth
- Items for baby
- Items for birth partner
How much to pack in your hospital bag
It's essential to ensure your hospital bag is fully stocked for both you and your new arrival(s). But don't panic and over do it. Maternity wards aren't known to be overly spacious and your birth partner can always whizz home when baby arrives to collect any post-birth essentials you now need (or snacks you're suddenly craving).
Your Hospital Bag Checklists — From Labour to Leaving the Ward
First things first: the non-negotiables. Pop these in your bag early, so they don’t get left behind:
Two copies of your birth preferences (one for your partner, one for your midwife)
Hospital notes
Any regular medications
Now, let’s get into the good stuff — what you, your birthing partner, and your baby might actually want (plus a few handy extras for all types of birth).
Hospital Bag Checklist for Labour
Loose, comfy clothes for labour—plus a bikini top or bra if you're planning to wear one in a birthing pool
A spare pillow and pillow case (optional, but can be comforting)
A TENS machine if you plan to use one
A dressing gown’s handy if you end up stripping off in labour but need to shuffle to the communal loos
A battery powered fan and water spray to help you keep cool
Lip balm
Hairbands
Body lotion or massage oil – a back rub from your partner can be a real comfort during labour
Phone and charger – an extra-long cable or battery pack can be a lifesaver
Water bottle with a straw – easier to sip if you're on all fours or leaning over the pool.
Snacks & sweets that aren’t an effort to eat
Thirst quenching drinks
An eye mask for moving between brightly lit areas
Movies, playlists or podcasts – download in advance to help pass time in early labour
A wave comb
Aromatherapy roll on, if you plan to use during labour
Any hypnobirthing tools – like downloaded positive affirmations or breathing tracks
Q: What would you pack in your labour bag?
"A few little treats to eat in the hours after birth. I don’t think you need much. Our bodies are amazing in their ability to heal and recover. The most important thing is rest and nutrition. The rest your body can handle."
Lucinda Rae, independent midwife
'Ensuring comfort during labour can lead to a calmer, more relaxed birthing experience, so don't overlook those small comforts when packing your bag,' advises Pip Davies, a seasoned NHS Midwifery Sister and the author of 'Midwife Pip’s Guide to a Positive Birth.' She emphasises, 'Lip balm is a surpise essential, as lips often become very chapped during labour, particularly if you're using gas and air for pain relief.'
Postpartum Hospital Bag Checklist
Once your baby’s here, it’s all about your postnatal hospital bag—this one’s packed with everything you’ll need for those first hours and days, keeping you as comfortable as possible while you navigate newborn cuddles and recovery.
Soft bras, including nursing bras if you plan to breastfeed
Comfy, button through sleepwear
Socks to keep your feet toasty
Sliders for the shower and walking about the ward
Your wash bag with toothbrush, hairbrush, shampoo, conditioner, body wash, soap, and flannel
Fibre-rich snacks for midnight munchies—think porridge pots, oatcakes or peanut butter sachets.
Your favourite tea bags or instant drinks—peppermint’s loved by many after a C-section.
5 or 6 pairs of dark, comfy, cotton knickers
Breast pads to mop up leaky boobs
2 packs of super-absorbent maternity pads for post-birth bleeding
Eye mask to block out light on a brightly lit ward
A towel
Spare glasses or contact lenses
A notebook – handy for jotting down questions or those first newborn moments
Nipple balm for any breastfeeding discomfort
Earplugs as postnatal wards can be noisy
A peri bottle for post-birth toilet trips
A plastic bag for dirty washing
Q: What to pack in your hospital bag if you're planning to breastfeed?
'If you’re planning to breastfeed, the best thing you can do is learn a little bit about it in advance – how babies behave and what the first days typically look like.
I don't recommend mums buy an electric pump in advance, but I do recommend a Haakaa pump to lots of new mums.
They are really low tech and great, if, for any reason, you need to get some extra milk into the baby in the early days. I always have one in my midwife bag.'
– Lucinda Rae, Independent Midwife, Bramble Birth
Hospital Bag Checklist for Your Baby
Plenty of nappies and wipes
Bodysuits, vests and sleepsuits in newborn and tiny baby sizes—just in case
Going home outfit
A hat, socks or booties
A shawl or blanket
Muslin squares
A car seat for the trip home
Some ready-made formula bottles, if you're bottle feeding
Hospital Bag Checklist for Your Birth Partner
Extra snacks and drinks – the hospital won't provide meals for your birth partner
A change of clothes
Toothbrush and toothpaste to freshen up
Phone charger
Entertainment for long waits or in early labour
Cash for paying for parking
Trending: Baby Bags
Your C-section Hospital Bag List
Around 1 in 4 pregnant women in the UK has a caesarean birth. If you're planning a c-section, then think ahead about your post-surgery comfort. We suggest packing:
Loose clothing, such as c-section trousers, that won’t sit on your scar dressing
Several pairs of high-waisted cotton knickers. Low rise underwear may rub your wound
Peppermint tea bags - this herbal tea can help to soothe the pain of trapped wind, which you may have after surgery
Slip-on shoes or slippers, as mobility can be limited at first
Toiletries for a longer stay, including dry shampoo and face wipes, as bending over the sink to wash your face can be tricky
Comfortable support pillow for holding or feeding baby above your wound site
A post-op snack – something gentle like oat bars or crackers, recommends Midwife Pip
Q: What item would you pack in a hospital bag for C-section recovery?
'A night gown! You’ll have a catheter for the first 6-24 hours. We can absolutely thread the bag down your pyjama trouser leg, but most women find it easier to manage with a night gown.'
– Midwife Vic, founder of C-Section UK
"Medical-grade silicone gel sheets may help improve the appearance of your c-section scar. Once the scar has healed, I recommend daily scar massage with a natural oil or balm to also support healing and scar tissue."
- Dr Anna Cantlay, GP & Chief Medical Officer at For The Creators
Q: What did you pack in your planned C-Section bag?
'Instant porridge pots for those midnight breastfeeding snacks on the ward, and peanut butter sachets to team with oatcakes — because there’s only so many cereal bars one mum can face.'
– Amy Lane, Content Director For The Creators
What to Pack for a Planned Induction
"If you're going in for an induction, you might be in hospital for a while, so I recommend packing an eyemask and earplugs, as you’re going to be on a noisy ward and it can be hard to get any rest there," says Midwife Lucinda Rae.
"Inductions can take hours or even days, so comfort and distraction are key," agrees Midwife Pip, sharing her hospital bag essentials if you're booked for an induction:
Eye mask and ear plugs so you can get some rest on the ward
Extra snacks
Books, tablet, headphones, playlists or downloaded shows to keep you entertained
A birth ball, if your hospital doesn’t provide one
Essential oils or comfort items if you use aromatherapy
Maternity pads and extra underwear
A variety of comfy clothes – things you can layer or adjust for temperature
Mum tip: 'Pack A light dressing gown. I lived in during my three-night stay on the (boiling hot) postnatal ward'
What to pack for a twin birth
'There's a higher chance of c-section or having a longer stay in hospital if you're delivering twins,' advises midwife Pip, recommending you "overpack slightly".
Doubles of essentials: bras, knickers, pads, PJs
A nursing pillow for tandem feeding, if you're planning to breastfeed
Lots of snacks and drinks
A notepad/app to track feeds/nappies for both babies
Q: What did you pack in your hospital bag?
'A special body wash for that first post-birth shower. There’s nothing like that moment—feeling your postnatal body for the first time, recognising the journey you’ve been on. Something indulgent helps you pause and appreciate the miracle your body just performed.'
– Pip Davies, NHS Midwifery Sister Pip Davies, NHS Midwifery Sister
What to pack for a water birth
Wondering what to pack in your hospital bag if you're hoping to give birth in a pool? Midwife Pip Davies shares the extras she recommends packing for a water birth:
Dark, comfortable bikini top or sports bra, if you want coverage in the water
An easy-to-put-on outfit post-birth. Wet hair and tired limbs = simplicity!
Hydration options – water bottle with a straw, electrolyte drinks
Extra hairbands or clips to keep hair out of the water, or wet hair out of the way
Mum tip: 'A playlist of happy music I loved - and headphones so I could block everything else out'
What to pack for a VBAC
If you're packing a hospital bag for a VBAC (vaginal birth after c-section), midwife Pip Davies recommend you "pack for flexibility. If you're planning a VBAC you should prep for either outcome."
Two outfit options: one for vaginal birth recovery (comfy leggings, long top) and one for c-section recovery (loose dress, high-waisted pants)
Extra copies of your birth plan – VBAC plans are often detailed
Reusable heat pack or TENS machine for back pain
Maternity pads and soft wipes
What to pack for a home birth
Even if you’re planning to give birth at home, it’s worth packing a bag by 37 weeks.
'You definitely always want a hospital bag packed from 37 weeks, even if you’re planning a home birth,' says midwife Lucinda Rae. 'You can pack quite light, but having that ready takes the load off. You don’t want to be directing your birth partner to different drawers if you need to transfer into hospital!'
Pack the essentials you’d want for labour, postnatal recovery, and your newborn — just in case.
'If you don’t end up needing to go anywhere, your midwives and your partner can take from it postnatally. It’s really helpful to have everything in one place,' says Lucinda Rae.
Mum tip: 'I transferred into hospital after a home birth because I had a retained placenta. I was so glad I'd packed a bag we could grab on the way out'
Ellie Walker-Arnott
Ellie is a writer and mum of two. Her work has been published in Time Out, Netmums, CN Traveller, Daily Mail, Metro and more.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should be packed in a hospital bag?
A hospital bag is for essential items you may need during a hospital stay. You will want to pack items for labour, your early postpartum recovery and the early hours and days with your baby. You may also want to pack some items for your birth partner.
When should I pack my hospital bag?
The NHS recommends having a hospital bag packed by 37 weeks, though individual circumstances may mean you want to feel organised earlier than that.
How long should I pack for?
The length of your hospital stay will differ depending on what kind of birth you have and how well you and your baby are doing afterwards. It's sensible to pack enough for a two night stay for you and your baby. Family, friends or your birth partner can always bring more items to you if you end up needing a longer stay.
What snacks should I pack for labour?
A water bottle with a straw - so you can drink from all angles - plus, snack bars, sweets and porridge pots for midnight munchies.
