Hospital bag checklist

What to pack for labour, for the baby and for the birth partner, based on the NHS list — a printable checklist you can tick off together.

What to pack for labour and after, for the baby, and for the birth partner — based on the NHS list, and ready to print.

The NHS suggests having the bag packed at least three weeks before the due date. Hospitals and birth centres differ in what they provide, so it's worth asking yours — and if you're planning a home birth, much of this is still useful to have in one place.

Sources

For labour and after

  • Birth plan and maternity notes
  • Loose, comfortable clothes to labour in
  • Dressing gown, and slippers or flip-flops
  • Nightwear — front-opening if you plan to breastfeed
  • 3 changes of comfortable clothes, and socks
  • 5 or 6 pairs of knickers (disposable ones can be useful)
  • 2 or 3 comfortable bras, including nursing bras if you plan to breastfeed
  • Breast pads
  • 2 packs of super-absorbent maternity pads
  • Wash bag: toothbrush, toothpaste, hairbrush, soap, lip balm, deodorant, hair bands
  • Towels, and your own pillow
  • Snacks, drinks, and a water bottle with a straw
  • Any medicines you take
  • Glasses or spare contact lenses
  • Phone, and a long charging cable or battery pack
  • Something to pass the time: music, podcasts, a book

For the baby

  • Bodysuits, vests and sleepsuits
  • An outfit to go home in
  • Hat, scratch mittens, and socks or booties
  • Nappies
  • Cotton wool or wipes
  • Muslin squares
  • A blanket or shawl (and a snowsuit if it's cold)
  • A car seat, fitted before the day, if you're going home by car

For the birth partner

  • A change of clothes
  • Toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant
  • Phone and charger
  • Snacks and drinks
  • Any medicines you take
  • Glasses or spare contact lenses
  • Change for parking and vending machines
  • Swimwear, if you might join a birth pool