What to Pack in Your Hospital Bag: A Practical Checklist for Mums
Preparing your hospital bag is one of those small but meaningful milestones that makes everything feel real. As your due date draws near, knowing you’ve packed the essentials can bring peace of mind and a sense of readiness for birth.
This practical guide walks you through what to pack in your hospital bag; for labour, recovery, and your baby, with a focus on simplicity, comfort, and gentle postpartum care.
Whether this is your first time or you’re preparing again, this hospital bag checklist for mums will help you feel calm, organised, and confident for the journey ahead.
Summary
A well-prepared hospital bag helps new mums feel calm and confident as birth approaches. Aim for a simple mix of labour comforts, postpartum recovery essentials, and newborn basics. Pack breathable clothing, snacks, maternity pads, a peri bottle, and soothing care items such as a perineal spray, nipple balm, and gentle toiletries. Having everything ready by 36 weeks keeps you organised and supported for both labour and recovery.
Printable Hospital Bag Checklist. Tip: Print this list or save it so you can tick items off as you go.
When Should You Pack Your Hospital Bag?
Every pregnancy unfolds differently, but most midwives recommend having your hospital bag packed and ready by week 36 of pregnancy. This ensures that if labour begins earlier than expected, everything you need is ready to go.
You might find it helpful to prepare two bags or separate sections, one for labour and birth, and another for postnatal care and your baby. This keeps things tidy and easy to find when the time comes.
Essentials for Mum During Labour
Your hospital bag for labour should focus on comfort and practicality. Think about what will help you feel most at ease during what can be a physically and emotionally intense time.
1. Key Items to Pack
- Your hospital notes and birth plan: keep them in an easy-to-reach folder.
- Comfortable, loose clothing: something soft that you don’t mind getting messy, such as a long t-shirt or nightdress.
- Lip balm: hospital air can be dry, and you’ll appreciate this small comfort.
- Socks and slippers: hospital floors can be cold, and warm feet can help you feel grounded.
- Phone charger with a long cable: plug sockets are often far from the bed.
- Snacks and drinks: light, energy-boosting snacks like oat bars, fruit, or coconut water.
- Water bottle: something easy to sip from, even when lying down, keeps you hydrated during long hours.
- Soft blanket or scarf: warmth can be deeply soothing after birth.
- Headphones and calming playlist: for moments of quiet focus or rest.
For Birth and Immediately After
2. Practical Labour Aids
- TENS Machine: this was really helpful in the early stages of labour (the hospital doesn't provide them so you will need to hire or buy this in advance).
- Hair ties or headband: to keep hair out of your face during labour.
- Cooling mist or facial spray: a small luxury that can help you feel fresh.
- Eye mask and earplugs: if you need to rest in a shared ward.
- Birth Ball/Peanut Ball: A great tool for sitting, rocking, and leaning, which helps open the pelvis.
3. Emotional Comforts
Bringing something familiar, your own pillow, a soft blanket, or a calming essential oil roller, can bring grounding energy into the hospital environment. These small touches can help you feel more at home during labour and recovery.Postpartum Essentials for Mum
After birth, your focus will naturally shift toward recovery and adjusting to new motherhood. Packing the right postpartum essentials helps make this time a little gentler.
4. Clothing and Comfort
- Loose, breathable nightwear: consider a button-down top for easy breastfeeding.
- Soft robe and slippers: hospitals can feel chilly; warmth supports rest.
- High-waisted, stretchy underwear: cotton or disposable options for comfort and hygiene.
- Maternity pads or brief-style maternity pads: for support and protection during postpartum bleeding.
5. Gentle Recovery Toiletries
- Perineal Spray or perineal balm: to soothe the perineal area after birth
- Peri bottle: to rinse and cleanse after using the toilet especially useful after vaginal delivery.
- Nipple Balm: for soothing delicate skin if you’re breastfeeding.
- Fragrance-free body wash and moisturiser: the simpler, the better for postpartum skin.
- Hairbrush, face wipes, deodorant, toothbrush: the essentials that help you feel like yourself again.
These small rituals; washing your face, applying a balm, or using a light mist, can bring calm and comfort in those early, blurry hours of new motherhood.
What to Pack for Baby
Babies don’t need much at first, but having a few key items on hand helps you settle in quickly.
6. Baby Clothing & Care
- 5 - 6 sleep-suits or vests: choose soft, cotton layers for comfort
- Going-home outfit: something warm but breathable.
- Muslin cloths: perfect for spills and gentle wiping.
- Newborn hat and socks: babies lose heat quickly through their heads and feet.
- Blanket: a soft, lightweight blanket for warmth and familiarity.
- Nappies: pack a full newborn-size pack.
- Baby wipes or cotton wool: for gentle cleaning.
- Baby car seat: ensure it’s correctly fitted before your hospital stay.
7. Optional Baby Additions
- Swaddle blanket: to recreate that womb-like comfort.
- Baby mittens: to prevent scratching.
What to Pack for Your Birth Partner
If your partner or support person will be with you, remind them to pack their own small bag too.
8. Partner Essentials
- Comfortable change of clothes and a warm jumper.
- Snacks, water bottle, and a coffee mug
- Phone charger and small toiletry kit.
- Cash or card for parking and vending machines.
- Notebook or notes app to record baby’s birth details or reminders.
Encourage them to rest, stay hydrated, and look after themselves too — supporting you through labour is a big emotional and physical task.
When to Wash and Repack
After your hospital stay, give yourself time to unpack slowly. Wash your items, restock your essentials (like maternity pads or nipple balm), and keep a smaller postpartum care basket near your bedside.
It can be comforting to know your perineal Spray or nipple balm is nearby for quick relief, especially in those first few weeks at home.
Final Thoughts: Preparing with Calm and Confidence
Packing your hospital bag isn’t just about the items you bring — it’s about preparing your space of calm and comfort as you approach birth.
Every mother’s bag will look a little different, shaped by her needs, traditions, and preferences. Keep things simple, trust your instincts, and choose products that feel gentle, grounding, and safe for your body.
From brief-style maternity pads to soothing sprays and balms, your essentials should support you with softness and practicality, helping you feel held and cared for during one of life’s most meaningful transitions.
Expecting a baby? Check out these other pregnancy and postpartum recovery tips:
Stretch Mark Care During Pregnancy
5 Things To Do Before Baby Arrives
How to Write a Flexible Birth plan?
A Holistic Approach to Postpartum Recovery
Postnatal Recovery: Postpartum Care Kit Checklist
Essential Postpartum Care Packages for New Mums
Mother-to-Be Toiletries: Gentle Essentials for Pregnancy & New Motherhood
New Mama Essentials For Recovery After Birth
DIY Padsicles: How To Make Your Own Cold Pack for Pain Relief After Birth
