Hospital Bag Checklist: What to Pack for Baby and You

Quick answer

Pack your hospital bag at 35 to 36 weeks and split it into three bags: one for labour, one for your postnatal stay, and one for your baby. Start with the non-negotiables your hospital does not provide, then add comfort items you would genuinely miss. If you are short on time, prioritise a going-home outfit for you and baby, toiletries, snacks, and a long phone charger.

When to pack your hospital bag

Aim to have your bag packed and sitting by the door by the end of week 36. Babies arrive early often enough that waiting until your due date adds unnecessary stress, and packing in the third trimester is easier than doing it between contractions.

Keep a small 'last minute' list taped to the bag for items you use daily: toothbrush, phone charger, going-home clothes. That way you are not unpacking your bag to find your own toothbrush the week before your due date.

What to pack in your hospital bag for labour

Hospitals vary in what they supply, so confirm before you pack. Most provide maternity pads, disposable underwear and newborn nappies during your stay, but many do not provide toiletries, towels, or going-home outfits.

Bring layers you can remove easily, a dark-coloured nightdress or oversized t-shirt, and flip-flops for the shower. A refillable water bottle with a straw is easier to drink from when lying down. Pack snacks with slow-release energy, plus a few high-sugar options for a quick boost.

Maternity hospital bag essentials for your stay

For your postnatal stay, pack two or three changes of comfortable clothing, high-waisted underwear that sits above a caesarean scar, and nursing bras if you plan to breastfeed. Maternity pads are usually supplied, but bring your own preferred brand if you have a strong preference.

Toiletries matter more than most people expect. Pack a small wash bag with a gentle cleanser, lip balm, hair ties, and a toothbrush. A detangling brush is worth the space because hair can tangle during a long labour and after a shower, and a palm-sized vented brush takes up almost no room in a hospital bag.

Newborn hospital bag list: what baby actually needs

Newborns need far less than the shops suggest. Pack two or three sleepsuits in newborn size, a hat, scratch mitts, and a going-home outfit. Bring one pack of newborn nappies and a small pack of fragrance-free wipes, even if the hospital supplies some, so you are not caught short.

Baby toiletries should be minimal: plain water and cotton wool for the first days, plus a gentle fragrance-free wash if your hospital allows it. Skip lotions, powders and anything perfumed until your baby's skin has settled.

What to leave out of your hospital bag

Leave out anything you would only use at home: full-size shampoo, a hairdryer, multiple outfits per day, and a stack of books. Hospital rooms are small and you will be tired, so bulky items become clutter you have to carry home.

Also leave out anything you have not cleared with your maternity unit, including essential oils, candles and electrical items beyond a phone charger.

Decision rules for packing your hospital bag

• If your hospital provides it, do not pack it: Call your maternity unit and ask what is supplied. Most provide maternity pads, disposable underwear and newborn nappies during your stay. Only pack your own version if you have a strong preference or a known sensitivity.
• Pack for 48 hours, not a week: Most hospital stays after an uncomplicated birth are short. Two or three changes of clothes and a small wash bag cover the typical stay. Add one extra outfit only if you are booked for a caesarean or have a longer expected stay.
• Choose one-bag-per-person, not one giant bag: Split into a labour bag, a postnatal bag for you, and a baby bag. This keeps the items you need first at the top and makes it easier for someone else to find things. Label each bag so a partner or relative can hand you the right one without unpacking everything.
• Test your toiletries before you pack them: New skincare or tanning products can irritate skin, and you will not want a reaction during recovery. Stick to products you already know. If you want a glow for photos, use a wash-off instant tan you have patch-tested in advance.

Products worth packing

• Magic Hair Brush No Knots Detangler Brush: Vented palm detangler hair brush with soft touch bristles, suitable for wet or dry hair and all hair types. It fits in a small wash bag, works on wet post-shower hair, and doubles as a scalp massage when you are tired.
• Anua Niacinamide 10% + TXA 4% Serum – 30ml: Lightweight, fast-absorbing serum with 10% Niacinamide and 4% Tranexamic Acid (TXA) designed to improve uneven skin tone and reduce visible discolouration. If you want one skincare step in your hospital bag, a small serum is easier to use than a full routine and targets the dullness many people notice after birth.

Who this checklist suits

Best for

• First-time parents in the third trimester who want a clear, minimal packing list
• Anyone packing a hospital bag for a short, uncomplicated hospital stay

Not for

• Parents preparing for a long hospital stay or a specialist unit, who should follow their hospital's own list
• Anyone who has already packed and only needs a last-minute reminder