Get your hospital bag ready in advance, so you can grab it and go once active labour begins
The NHS recommends packing your hospital bag at least three weeks before your due date, in case baby comes early. This bag contains the essentials you need for giving birth, plus items for your new bundle of joy. You can add snacks and drinks closer to the big day.
Whether you’re a first-time mum or have given birth before, every birth is different, so it’s hard to know exactly what to take. Before you know it, you’ve packed enough kit to last a fortnight! So, what are the must-haves, and what can you leave behind?
We asked the real experts – some new mums – for their recommendations.
‘Take food and drink!’
Labour can be long and hard-going so you need to keep your strength up. Energy-boosting snacks include:
Rice cakes are a good plain carb if you’re feeling a little nauseous.
You'll be using up energy and sweating during labour so you’ll need to replace fluids. Pack a reusable water bottle: the ones with an integrated straw are easy to sip from in between contractions. Your birth partner should be able to get regular refills from the water dispenser on the labour ward.
Many maternity wards recommend isotonic sports drinks. They contain glucose and electrolytes which give you a burst of energy when you’re flagging.
‘Put your comfort first’
Delivery suites and postnatal wards can be tropical in temperature. Keep yourself cool by packing a mini fan and a spray bottle of water. During labour, ask your birth partner to spray your face and arms with cool water. You'll instantly feel less hot and bothered. After you've given birth, pop your mini fan onto your bedside table to keep you cool.
Comfy disposable pants or big black ones are a must, as are sturdy sanitary towels or maternity pads. Dark-coloured towels (there will be blood…) for your post-birth shower are also a good idea. To help you sleep, bring a favourite pillow and some earplugs – the postnatal ward is a noisy place at night.
If you’re planning on breastfeeding, opt for a nightie that buttons down the front. It makes breastfeeding so much easier.
Your tummy will still look six months pregnant after you've given birth, as it takes time to fully recover from pregnancy. Soft, loose-fitting maternity gear is the best choice for your going-home outfit.
‘Leave these things behind’
While it’s tempting to pack lots of cute outfits for your newborn, you won’t need them: if you and your baby are doing well, you’ll go home six to 24 hours after giving birth. All your little one requires are nappies and wipes, and some simple baby essentials: vests, sleepsuits, socks, and a hat.
Don’t bother packing half your wardrobe, either. Chances are, you won’t get dressed properly during your hospital stay. If you end up staying in longer, get someone to bring in extras as and when you need them.
Pyjamas may seem practical, but nighties make it easier for the midwife or doctor to examine you if you have stitches. And if you’ve had a caesarean, the waistband on pyjamas may rub against your sore tummy.
Ditch the hair dryer and straighteners. After having a baby, you won't give much thought to how your hair looks. Plus, other mums on the ward won’t be pleased if the noise of your hairdryer wakes up their babies.
If you’re being induced, you may want to bring some magazines to flick through while you’re waiting. If not, leave them at home. After the birth, you’ll spend most of your time snoozing or gazing in wonder at this tiny human you’ve created.
Hospital bag checklist
Packing for mum
Birth plan and maternity notes
Birth ball or TENS machine if required
Nightie or long T-shirt to give birth in
Hairband or hair clips
Snacks and drinks for labour
Nursing bras and breast pads
Maternity or sanitary pads
Sponge, flannel or water spray
Disposable pants or comfy big ones
Dark-coloured towels
Washbag and toiletries (toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant etc)
Nightwear, dressing gown and slippers
Comfy pillow
Bras and socks
Loose, comfortable clothing for going home in
Mobile phone and charger
Any medication you take
Packing for baby
Newborn nappies, newborn wipes and nappy bags
3 or 4 sleepsuits
3 or 4 vests
Socks, mittens and a hat
Muslin squares
Baby blanket
Winter clothing (depending on season)
Car seat (make sure it’s securely fitted)
Packing for birth partner
Change of clothes
Phone, charger and list of family members to contact
