What to Pack in Your Hospital Bag

Packing my hospital bag for my first baby felt ridiculously overwhelming.

I worried about everything. What if I forgot something? What if labour went on forever? What did the baby actually need?

So I packed an enormous suitcase.

And barely used half of it!

By my fourth baby, I'd learned to keep things much simpler. My rule was baby's things in the nappy bag and my things in a small carry-on suitcase.

Here is what I'd actually recommend packing after four births.

What should I pack for labour?

These would be the first things going into my bag:

• TENS machine, with spare batteries if needed

• My own pillow

• Slides or flip-flops

• Comfortable labour outfit or robe

• Hair ties and hairbrush

• Lip balm

• Water bottle, preferably with a straw

• Long phone charging cable

• Snacks and headphones

• Birth preferences and any maternity paperwork

My TENS machine was an absolute favourite. I used one in all four of my labours, and it gave me something to focus on during contractions.

If you're planning to use one, practise beforehand so you're comfortable with the controls.

And my own pillow? Always! Hospital pillows aren't necessarily the most comfortable, especially when you're trying to rest or feed your baby.

What should I pack for after birth?

This is where comfort really matters.

I'd recommend:

• Loose, soft clothing and comfortable pyjamas

• Disposable postpartum underwear or maternity pads

• A peri bottle

• Comfortable underwear and feeding bras

• Breast pads

• Toiletries and your usual skincare

• A going-home outfit

• Any regular medication, in its original packaging

I absolutely loved disposable postpartum underwear. They're basically adult nappies, and they're so practical when you're dealing with heavier bleeding after birth.

A peri bottle was another favourite, particularly after my first birth when I was incredibly sore and swollen.

And honestly, being able to wash my face, brush my teeth and have a shower made such a difference to how I felt.

What does my baby actually need?

Not an entire wardrobe!

I'd pack:

• A few bodysuits and sleepsuits/onesies

• Nappies and gentle wipes

• A couple of muslin cloths

• A suitable swaddle or blanket

• A baby nail file

• A going-home outfit, plus a spare

• A correctly installed, age-appropriate car seat for travelling home

Newborn nails can be surprisingly sharp, so I always liked having a gentle nail file handy.

And definitely pack that backup going-home outfit. Babies have a remarkable ability to ruin their clothes at the worst possible moment!

What about my partner or support person?

They'll probably want a few things too.

A change of clothes, toiletries, snacks, water, phone charger and any medication they need are a good start.

If they're staying overnight, pack whatever they'll need to get through the night comfortably.

Also, you have enough on your plate. You can ask them to do this themselves and hand them this list!

When should I have my bag ready?

I'd aim to have it mostly packed by around 36 to 37 weeks, or earlier if there's a reason your baby might arrive sooner.

Check what your hospital provides, because some supply nappies, maternity pads and other essentials, while others ask you to bring everything.

And if you're expecting a longer stay or planning a caesarean, you may want extra clothing and supplies.

My biggest advice? Don't overcomplicate it.

Baby's things in one bag. Your things in another. Keep the essentials easy to reach.

After four births, I can promise you that having your own pillow and a comfortable pair of slides will probably matter much more than half the things on those enormous online packing lists!

Want a little help getting everything ready?

If you're feeling overwhelmed by everything you need to organise before baby arrives, I've made it a little easier for you!

Inside our Prep for Baby class in The Mama Years Premium, you'll find four practical checklists covering your hospital bag, after birth, newborn essentials and breastfeeding essentials.

They're there to help you feel organised, prepared and a little less overwhelmed as you get ready to meet your baby.

Explore the Prep for Baby class in Premium.

Read next

• Pain Relief in Labour: What Are My Options?

• Your Baby's First 24 Hours: What to Expect

• Your First 24 Hours After Birth: What's Happening to Your Body?