Packing your Birthing Bag for Hospital: What to Bring

Despite the due date, babies will often arrive when they want; did you know that only 4.4% of babies arrive on their due date?

Therefore, you should pack your birthing bag in preparation for the birth in advance and remember all the essential items. Try to pack your bag three weeks before the due date so you are fully prepared.

Creating a checklist of the crucial items for you, your baby, and your partner is also a fantastic idea.

What to bring for yourself

Essential paperwork

Because of their size, documents can often be easy to forget; You should bring a copy of any pregnancy notes you have. It is also advisable to bring a copy of your birth plan.

Comfortable clothing

Comfort is vital for a long hospital trip.

Take loose-fitting, comfortable clothes and pyjamas. Your clothes must not restrict movement or overheat you. Bring three changes of clothes for the hospital trip.

You may also want to take nursing bras (if planning to breastfeed the baby), breast pads and comfortable underwear (5 or 6 pairs).

Additionally, remember to take a dressing gown and slippers.

Personal care products, toiletries and comfort items

You may wish to pack the following personal care products in your washbag:

• Your toothbrush and toothpaste
• Hair ties and a hairbrush
• Deodorant or antiperspirant
• Sanitary or maternity pads (super-absorbent type, 2 packets)
• Contact lenses (if needed)
• Shampoo, body wash and conditioner
• Lip balm
• Towels
• Any other toiletries you need.

You should also prioritise your comfort by bringing extra pillows and any mementoes that you want by your side during the birth.

Medicine

Remaining as healthy as you can before birth is a must, so bring any medicines you’re currently taking, including diabetes or epilepsy medication, for example.

You can also bring a TENS machine if you want to use one.

Items for entertainment

Light entertainment will help you relax and pass the time during your hospital visit.

If all you need is your mobile phone, bring your charger so you can use it for your entire visit.

Also, consider bringing:

• Books and magazines
• Headphones
• A tablet
• An e-reader
• A portable games console.

Snacks and drinks

Maintaining energy is crucial when you’re in labour or recovering from birth, so you need healthy foods that will give you a boost.

You may also bring a water bottle and consider isotonic drinks if you can have these.

What to bring for the baby

Once you have brought your new child into the world, have everything you need for their immediate care. You should bring:

• Bodysuits, sleepsuits and vests
• An outfit for them to go home in
• Multiple nappies
• Bibs or muslin squares
• A blanket
• Comfort items like socks, booties, mittens and hats
• A car seat.

What to bring for your partner

Don’t forget that your birth partner will be with you the whole time, so they also need some essentials.

Your partner may need a change of clothes, toiletries, food and drinks and entertainment like their phone.

Preparing for a home birth

Deciding on a home birth means you should discuss your birth plans with your midwife. For a home birth, you will need:

• Clean clothes and towels for the bed
• An outfit and nappies for the baby (remember to bring a hat)
• Super-absorbent maternity or sanitary pads (2 packets).

You should also decide where to give birth in your home; choose a spacious location that makes you feel comfortable.

Even if you're planning to have your baby at home, you should pack some things in case you need to go into hospital at any point.

Further advice

If you need more information on preparing for the birth of your new child, our support page has multiple helpful links. We are also happy to provide advice on caring for and feeding your baby after the birth.

If you need any further advice or information, please visit the NHS Choices or website or discuss this with your community midwifery team.