Hospital bag checklist

The NHS suggests having your bag packed about three weeks before your due date, because babies are not famous for reading calendars. If you're planning a home birth, it's still worth packing one — a just-in-case bag that stays in the cupboard is a lot nicer than a 3am scramble.

You need less than the shops would have you believe. Hospitals provide the medical things; you're mostly packing for comfort, and a birth partner can always be dispatched for anything forgotten. Borrowed or second-hand is perfect for almost all of this.

One honest tip from parents who've been there: pack it as two bags (labour, and after), and put the going-home outfit for the baby somewhere your partner can actually find it.

The paperwork

Your maternity notes If your hospital uses a digital notes app, make sure you can log in and your partner knows where to find it.
Your birth plan, if you've made one A couple of printed copies save re-explaining things between shift changes. No birth plan is also a perfectly good birth plan.
Any hospital letters and your usual medicines Bring regular medication in its original packaging so staff can see what it is.
A short list of phone numbers Written down, for when your phone dies at the crucial moment.

For you, during labour

Something loose and comfortable to labour in An old nightie or oversized T-shirt you don't mind never seeing again.
Dressing gown and slippers
Warm socks Feet get surprisingly cold in labour. Nobody knows why. Pack socks.
Water bottle, ideally with a straw Straws mean you can drink in any position, which matters more than you'd think.
Snacks and drinks to keep your energy up
Lip balm and hair ties
TENS machine, if you're planning to use one Practise with it beforehand — mid-contraction is not the moment to read instructions.
Something to pass the time Music, podcasts, a book — early labour can be long and surprisingly boring.
Your own pillow In a coloured pillowcase, so it doesn't get adopted by the hospital.

For you, after the birth

Two packets of super-absorbent maternity pads The NHS specifically says two packets. Ordinary sanitary pads won't cut it in the first days.
Five or six pairs of big, comfortable knickers Cheap dark ones or disposables — this is not the moment for anything precious.
Two or three comfortable bras Nursing bras if you're planning to breastfeed, plus breast pads either way — milk arrives whatever your plans.
Front-opening nightwear Easier for feeding and for all the checks in the first day or two.
Wash bag: toothbrush, toothpaste, hairbrush, deodorant, flannel
A towel Hospital towels exist, technically.
Loose, comfortable going-home clothes You'll still be roughly six-months-pregnant sized, which is simply physics, not a verdict.
Glasses, if you wear contacts You may not fancy fiddling with lenses.

For your baby

Two or three vests and sleepsuits Newborn or first size. Second-hand ones are ideal — they're worn for about a fortnight.
A small pack of newborn nappies
Cotton wool or fragrance-free wipes
Two or three muslin squares The all-purpose tool of new parenthood.
A baby hat
A blanket or shawl
Going-home outfit Plus a snowsuit or pramsuit if it's cold out.
Car seat, fitted in the car before the big day If you're going home by car this is a legal requirement, and fitting it for the first time in the hospital car park is nobody's finest hour. Practise in advance.

For your birth partner

Snacks and drinks Enough to share. Labour wards are not known for their catering.
A change of clothes and basic toiletries
Phone and charger An extra-long charging cable — the socket is never near the chair.
Change or a payment card for parking and vending machines
Swimwear, if you might get in a birth pool together
A list of who to tell, and in what order Grandparents have long memories about this.

Nice to have, not need to have

Eye mask and earplugs Postnatal wards are many things; quiet is not one of them.
A small fan or water spray
Slip-on shoes for shuffling to the bathroom
A carrier bag for laundry
Headphones
Something small to celebrate with The first cup of tea and toast after birth is legendary, but a treat from home doesn't hurt.