Why this checklist
Packing for hospital is one decision on a list that feels never-ending. We put together what actually earns a place in the bag — nothing you'll never use, nothing you already own twice over — so this is one thing you can tick off properly, the first time.
Written with mums who've been there. Organised by what it's for, not just what it is.
What's inside
- For you — from labour to the first days home, including what actually helps if you're recovering from a c-section
- For your baby — the essentials for the first 24 hours, nothing overbought
- For your birth partner — the short list they'll actually be glad they packed
- The extras — the small things that make a hospital stay easier, that nobody mentions until you're there
Download it once, and check things off as you go.
FAQs
When should I start packing my hospital bag?
Most people pack around 36 weeks, but there's no wrong time. If it helps you feel prepared sooner, pack sooner.
What should I actually pack?
Our checklist covers you, your baby and your birth partner — organised so you're not guessing what's essential and what isn't.
Do I need anything different for a c-section?
A few things help more than others — softer, looser pieces, and comfort through recovery. These are flagged on the checklist and in our C-Section Recovery collection.
Can I use the checklist if I already have most things?
Yes — it's built to tick off what you have, not sell you what you don't need.