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Writer's pictureJulia Kitching

What to pack in your hospital bag or birth bag...

Updated: Nov 4

When it comes to packing your hospital bag or home birth bag, there are various items to think about. It is recommended to have your bag packed at least 2 weeks before your due date and once your bag is packed, ask your birth partner to unpack it and pack it again, so that they know where everything is when you are in labour.


Some people like to use hospital bag organisers. This helps them to very quickly and easily find anything that they might need. LabelsByPenny offers some lovely hospital bag labels and maternity organiser bags. Visit Penny's Etsy website to see the full range.



If you are planning a hospital birth, below are a few things to think about for your hospital bag.

For Mum

  • Dressing gown

  • Nightdress (With easy access if planning to breastfeed)

  • Slippers

  • Socks

  • Water spray/ sponge/ fan

  • Birth plan

  • Medical notes

  • Hand sanitiser

  • Lip balm

  • Ear plugs / eye mask

  • Pillow (Coloured, not white)

  • Book/ Magazines/ Sudoku/ Crosswords/ Tablet

  • Maternity pads / Heavy duty Sanitary wear (2 x packs)

  • Big knickers (5-6 pairs)

  • Toiletries (towel, toothbrush, toothpaste, tissues, deodorant, hairbrush, face wipes/wash, flannel, shampoo, conditioner, soap, hairdryer)

  • Hair bobbles/ hair clips

  • Plastic bag for dirty clothes

  • Cosmetics / make up

  • Glasses / contact lenses + solution

  • Phone & charger

  • Comfortable going home clothes

  • Snacks & drinks (cereal bars, fruit, pack of raisins, energy drinks)

  • Bendy straws

  • Massage oil

  • TENS machine (if you plan to use one)

  • Calming music/ playlist

  • Bra or vest top (if planning to use birthing pool and want to cover up)

  • Any medications you are taking

  • Nipple cream (if planning to breastfeed)

  • Nursing bars (x 2)

  • Breast pads

  • A pen

  • A jug (to pour warm water onto the perineum during the first wee, after a vaginal birth)

For Baby

  • Babygrows (Approx. 4-5)

  • Vests (Several)

  • Newborn hat

  • Blanket / shawl

  • Socks/booties

  • Newborn nappies (Approx. 20-30)

  • Sensitive Baby wipes

  • Cotton wool balls

  • Muslin squares (3-4)

  • Going home outfit (Depending on the season, think about mittens, snow suit or jacket for the journey home)

  • Car seat

  • Formula milk & sterile bottles (if planning to formula feed)

For Birth Partner

  • Snacks and drinks (Cereal bars, energy drinks, water, fruit, crisps, chocolate, sandwich)

  • Phone & charger

  • Camera and batteries

  • A change of clothes

  • Shorts/T-shirt (Hospital can get extremely hot)

  • Small pillow (Coloured, not white)

  • Spare glasses or contact lenses + solution

  • Hand sanitiser

  • Book/ Magazine/ Sudoku/ Crosswords/ Tablet

  • Any medications you are taking

  • Change for car park / vending machine

  • A pen


If you are planning a homebirth, here are a few things to think about.

  • Clean old towels (2-3)

  • Blanket or towel to wrap baby in

  • Blanket or towel for Mum

  • A private area in your home to nest and deliver your baby

  • Absorbent pads (puppy training pads)

  • Waterproof coverings (e.g. tarpaulin)

  • A bucket

  • A torch

  • Big knickers

  • Maternity pads/ heavy duty sanitary wear

  • Birth plan & notes

  • Phone numbers of midwife and/or doula

  • Snacks & drinks

  • Fan/ sponge/ face cloth/ water spray

  • Socks

  • Nightdress (If planning to breastfeed, with easy access)

  • Ice pack

  • Water bottle

  • Black bin liners (to put dirty linen and rubbish in)

  • A jug (for the first wee after giving birth)

  • Candles

  • Relaxing music

  • Hot water bottle *

  • You might want to hire or buy a birthing pool * - contact me for a 10% discount from Birth Pool in a Box

  • TENS machine (can be bought or hired) *

  • Massage oil *

  • Hair bobble/clip

  • Bean bag/pillow/old duvet

  • Thermometer/ sieve/ pump/ hose/ mirror for a water birth

You can still receive various forms of pain relief at a home birth. Your midwife will bring Entonox (gas and air) on arrival and your midwife can also order you dihydrocodeine tablets in advance, for you to collect from your GP. There are also many forms of pain relief that you can provide yourself, if you are planning a home birth and these have been highlighted by an asterisk (*).


If you would like any birth preparation support, birth doula support, postnatal support or looking to do a group or private hypnobirthing course, please take a look at my website and get in touch.


What to pack in your hospital bag
Hospital Bag

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