A Realistic Hospital Bag Checklist For Mum | Huggies® UK (2024)

We asked NHS midwife Lorna Dow for the ultimate hospital bag checklist.

5 min read91%

A Realistic Hospital Bag Checklist For Mum | Huggies® UK (1)

A realistic hospital bag checklist: what do you need to pack?

We asked NHS midwife Lorna Dow for the ultimate hospital bag checklist.

5 min read91%

Our midwife, Lorna Dow, is a mum of three and a senior university Midwifery Lecturer. We asked her to answer your questions and offer advice on what makes a realistic hospital bag and how you can pack one yourself.

When should I pack my hospital bag?

Make sure your bag is ready by 36 weeks (sooner if you are having twins or have any medical issues) and keep your hospital notes in the bag at all times.

You will find some items essential, while others are just there to make you feel comfortable in the hospital. When creating a hospital bag, it’s all about finding a balance between what you really need and what will make you feel at home.

How can I prepare myself in advance?

Check the car has fuel and you know the route to the hospital. Have a taxi company number to hand. Have some drinks and snacks ready to put in the bag before you leave. And don’t forget an infant car seat for the trip home!

Do I need to pack a bag if I’m having a home birth?

It’s still worth packing up a bag in case you need to be transferred to hospital, plus it helps you find all you need for the birth quickly.

Hospital bag checklist for mum: the essentials

Pack a small bag with the following:

  • Yourbirth planand medical notes
  • A blanket, a pillow from home or a pregnancy support pillow; also useful for breastfeeding
  • A TENS machine, if you want to use this, with spare batteries
  • Your favourite toiletries in miniature (travel size tubes are great). Include toothbrush and paste, face cream, deodorant, lip balm, hair bands, a flannel, face wipes, shower gel or soap, antibacterial hand gel and wipes
  • A surgical mask for your partner
  • Massage lotion,alternative therapyproducts (such as aromatherapy oils)
  • A water spray or small fan
  • Your glasses or contact lenses with fluids
  • Mobile phone, charger (pack an extra one), change for the snack machine and hospital car park
  • A book, magazines, computer tablet with music playlist and films

A Realistic Hospital Bag Checklist For Mum | Huggies® UK (2)

Pack your things in a cabin size suitcase or bag, and your baby’s things in a smaller bag.

What should I pack to wear before, during and after labour?

You’ll need to pack the clothes you intend to give birth in (or wear them into the hospital), and some things to wear after the birth and for going home.

A nightdress or pyjamas

A nightdress, pyjama shirt or t-shirt to wear during birth, plus loose-fitting sweatpants, comfortable maternity pants and soft bra. A bikini top or bra for the birth pool if you don’t want to be naked.

Clothes that open at the front

A couple of front-opening tops, nightdresses or robes are good for after the baby arrives, as this will be good to start breastfeeding in. Also remember to bring maternity size trousers and underwear, as mentioned above.

A dressing gown

Dressing gown or bathrobe. These are good during labour when you may want to pace around the room, and ideal for getting comfy afterwards.

Warm socks

Socks (non-slip) and slippers are essential too, as your feet can often get cold.

Post-birth essentials

Nursing bra, maternity size sanitary pads, big knickers or disposable pants, breast pads. You’ll need all of these after you’ve given birth to your beautiful new arrival!

What should I pack for my baby in my hospital bag?

Choosing your baby’s first outfits is a special moment. Keep it simple and remember how tiny they will be.

  • Newborn size vests and baby-grow (3 of each)
  • Woollen cardigan
  • Shawl
  • Cotton hat (and baby mittens if it’s cold)
  • A few first size nappies and cotton wool or wipes suitable for newborns, such asHuggies® Extra Care Sensitive wipes.

Should I pack my own food and drinks?

You may be in labour for a while, so stock up with some snacks and drinks to keep your energy up. Pack enough for your birth partner too.

Keep hydrated

You’re going to need drinks to keep you hydrated. Think water, isotonic sports drinks, apple juice, smoothies, and instant soup. Frozen ice pops are good too.

Maintain your energy levels

Snacks such as energy and protein bars, rice cakes, crackers or sandwiches, fruit portions, and bananas are perfect. Small pudding pots like yoghurt or custard, ginger or digestive biscuits, a small pot of honey, and other little nibbles are also ideal. All of these can provide the quick hit of energy to keep you going.

What does my birth partner need to pack in the hospital bag?

Make sure they have their own stuff to keep them comfortable during labour.

Your partner should wear comfortable clothing (layers are good as it can get hot in the labour room) and pack a spare top, socks, a light blanket in case they have to stay the night too. It should be in their own bag so as not to get mixed with your things.

Your birth partner should also consider bringing books, magazines, or a tablet to keep them occupied when not much is happening. A camera or camcorder if you’re recording the birth, a spare copy of thebirth plan or birth preferences, a notebook and a pen—these are all great things to have to hand too.

What do I need to pack in my hospital bag if I’m having a Caesarean?

You may have planned an elective Caesarean, or you may have an emergency one and need to stay in hospital for a few nights. That’s why it’s a good idea to have an extra bag packed at home and make sure your partner knows where it is.

In that extra bag, you should pack:

  • Extra nightwear or sleepwear separates with front-opening tops for breastfeeding
  • Extra toiletries
  • Pack of maternity pads
  • Pack of breast pads
  • Generously sized knickers or disposable pants
  • Extra baby items (clothes, nappies and wipes)
  • Baby toiletries (bath, shampoo, nappy cream, skin lotion)

The full hospital bag checklist

Even for a realistic hospital bag, that’s a lot to cover. There’s no need to memorise all of that though—we’ve broken it all down so you can tick it off as you pack!

Essentials:

☐ Your birth plan and medical notes
☐ A blanket, a pillow from home or a pregnancy support pillow; also useful for breastfeeding
☐ A TENS machine, if you want to use this, with spare batteries
☐ Your favourite toiletries in miniature
☐ A surgical mask for your partner
☐ Massage lotion, aromatherapy products
☐ A water spray or small fan
☐ Your glasses or contact lenses with fluids
☐ Mobile phone, charger (pack an extra one), change for the snack machine and hospital car park
☐ A book, magazines, computer tablet with music playlist and films

Clothes:

☐ Pyjamas
☐ Front opening clothes
☐ Dressing gown
☐ Socks
☐ Post birth items

For the baby:

☐ Newborn size vests and baby-grow (3 of each)
☐ Woollen cardigan
☐ Shawl
☐ Cotton hat (and baby mittens if it’s cold)
☐ A few first size nappies and cotton wool or wipes suitable for newborns, such asHuggies® Extra Care Sensitive wipes.

Food and drink:

☐ Hydrating food and drink
☐ Energy boosting snacks

For your birthing partner:

☐ Entertainment (books, magazines, tablet)
☐ Comfortable clothing
☐ Spare socks
☐ Blanket
☐ Camcorder
☐ Birth plan
☐ Notebook
☐ Writing utensil

Tons of answers to tons of questions

If you’re just starting your parenting journey, we know you’re going to have tons of questions about yourpregnancy and beyond.

Discover expert advice on caring for your new arrival and tips and tricks to make development and learning fun. We have answers to all your questions and more. So, let’s take the first steps on this journey together!

Get more tips and advice straight to your inbox

This content should not substitute medical advice from your personal healthcare provider. Please consult your healthcare provider for recommendations/diagnosis or treatment.

Contributors

Lorna DowMidwife

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A Realistic Hospital Bag Checklist For Mum | Huggies® UK (2024)

FAQs

A Realistic Hospital Bag Checklist For Mum | Huggies® UK? ›

Include toothbrush and paste, face cream, deodorant, lip balm, hair bands, a flannel, face wipes, shower gel or soap, antibacterial hand gel and wipes. A surgical mask for your partner. Massage lotion, alternative therapy products (such as aromatherapy oils) A water spray or small fan.

What must be in a Mum's hospital bag? ›

Be prepared with a few nursing bras or other comfortable, well-fitting bras. Toiletries. Don't forget tissues, a hairbrush, a comb, deodorant, a toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo, conditioner, a hairdryer, hair clips, and hair ties. Pack a plastic bag to pop dirty clothes in.

What should I pack for my hospital mum? ›

For you:
  • a change of clothes for after the birth – loose fitting and nursing friendly for comfort.
  • loose, comfortable clothes, underwear and socks for the hospital.
  • bath robe.
  • maternity pads.
  • period underwear if you feel comfortable can be super helpful in the days after birth.
  • nursing bras.
  • breast pads.
Jul 5, 2022

What should I wear in my mom's hospital bag? ›

Wear something comfortable to the hospital, such as maternity leggings and a loose top. For going home, have something roomy and easy to get into (your belly will still look pregnant) and a pair of flat, slip-on shoes. No, you don't need to pack diapers in your hospital bag.

What's in my hospital bag in the UK? ›

2 packets of super-absorbent sanitary or maternity pads. your wash bag – with toothpaste, toothbrush, hairbrush, flannel, soap, lip balm, deodorant, hair bands, hand sanitiser, body lotion and anything else you need. an eye mask may help you sleep on the brightly lit ward. towels.

Do you wear a bra during labor? ›

Studies suggest giving birth is the equivalent to running a marathon in terms of energy output, (and can actually result in similar injuries, but let's not go there right now!) so it makes sense to wear a bra and/or clothing fit for exertion and perspiration.

What are the must haves in my hospital bag? ›

Hospital Bag Checklist for Mom
  • Photo ID, insurance info, hospital forms and birth plan (if you have one)
  • Eyeglasses (if you wear them)
  • Cell phone and charger. ...
  • Two or three pairs of warm, non-skid socks. ...
  • A warm robe or sweater. ...
  • Lip balm. ...
  • Headband or ponytail holder. ...
  • Sugar-free hard candy or lozenges.
Jan 19, 2024

How many baby outfits does a hospital bag have? ›

For your baby:

Clothes: 3 x vests, 3 x babygros, cotton scratch mitts and a hat (most babies will wear a hat for the first 24 hours until they can maintain their temperature). An outfit to take your baby home in (appropriate to weather conditions). Blanket to cover your baby in a car seat.

How many maternity pads should I take to the hospital? ›

2 packets of super-absorbent sanitary or maternity pads. 5 or 6 pairs of knickers – you may want to bring some disposable ones. your washbag with a toothbrush, hairbrush, flannel, soap, lip balm, deodorant, hair ties and other toiletries. towels.

How many diapers to bring to the hospital? ›

Diapers (1 package or minimum 20, only 6 are provided by the hospital) Car seat for discharge with instruction booklet. Soothers/pacifiers (optional) Baby wipes (optional)

What should you not pack in your hospital bag? ›

A Maternity Nurse's Guide to What NOT to Pack in Your Hospital...
  • Diapers and wipes. The hospital will provide for all diapering needs a baby may have.
  • Multiple outfits. The hospital will provide swaddling blankets and onesies. ...
  • Wipe warmers. ...
  • Video gaming systems. ...
  • White pillow cases and linens. ...
  • Valuables.
Oct 3, 2022

What week should you pack hospital bag? ›

But if you're a planner like me and want to be ready for your little one's arrival, I'd suggest having your hospital bag packed between 36 and 38 weeks. If you are considered a high-risk pregnancy, for example, if you're having multiples (congrats!), you probably want to have your bag packed around 35 weeks.

What clothes to bring to the hospital for labor? ›

Clothes for You

The hospital has the essentials — a gown and disposable underwear — but you may want to change into your own clothes. And you'll definitely want to bring something clean to wear home. Choose clothes that are comfortable and loose fitting.

What does mum need for a hospital bag? ›

Hospital bag checklist for mum: the essentials

Your birth plan and medical notes. A blanket, a pillow from home or a pregnancy support pillow; also useful for breastfeeding. A TENS machine, if you want to use this, with spare batteries. Your favourite toiletries in miniature (travel size tubes are great).

What to wear to give birth in the UK? ›

Something cool and loose to wear during labour such as a cotton nighty or a large t-shirt, including something to wear in the birthing pool (the hospital can provide a gown if you would prefer this) Dressing gown, slippers and nightwear. Support bra to wear while breastfeeding.

Do I need to take bottles in my hospital bag in the UK? ›

Your bag for after the birth. You'll need: a couple of front-opening nighties or loose shirts so you can breastfeed (if you choose to) and snuggle your baby skin-to-skin. sterile bottles, teats and formula if you're bottle-feeding.

What is needed in a hospital bag for pregnancy? ›

What to include in your bag… for you
  • Your ID. This seems obvious, but you'll need some identification at check-in. ...
  • Medications list. ...
  • Medications. ...
  • Credit card or small amount of cash. ...
  • Birth plan. ...
  • Personal hospital gown or pajamas. ...
  • Non-skid socks or slippers. ...
  • Birth playlist.

What do you put in a hospital bag for your mom and dad? ›

Toiletries: Include a toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, wipes case, hand sanitizer, and your own soap. Healthy snacks: Pack some nuts, fruits, and some granola bars. Cash and important documents: Have some extra cash on hand and bring your insurance card, birth plan, and other pregnancy medical files.

What does a maternity package include? ›

In broader terms, a 'package' consists of stay, delivery, medical tests, and extra sessions for prenatal and postnatal care. Prenatal care and childbirth require complete attention, whether it is your first or second delivery.

How many clothes do you need for a hospital bag for a baby? ›

For your baby:

Clothes: 3 x vests, 3 x babygros, cotton scratch mitts and a hat (most babies will wear a hat for the first 24 hours until they can maintain their temperature). An outfit to take your baby home in (appropriate to weather conditions). Blanket to cover your baby in a car seat.

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