Labour hospital bag checklist

Packing your bag for childbirth? When I first put one together I was super prepared for my little one – I had five of everything. It was only as I was sitting on it to zip it shut, I realised that I hadn’t packed anything for me. But it’s easy to feel overwhelmed when you’re preparing to bring life into the world. So what should be in your labour bag for giving birth? Here’s my ultimate hospital bag checklist (and yes, I cover EVERYTHING). 

First of all, I highly advise that you pack one bag for you and one bag for baby just to give you the best chance of finding something when you’re looking for it.

Baby bag:

• Three baby bodysuits – washed beforehand, to get rid of manufacturing chemicals
• Three baby sleepsuits (with scratch mitts and feet included)
• Soft baby hat
• Coming home outfit
• Baby blanket – some recommend washing it beforehand and sleeping with it so it can absorb your scent
• Muslim cloths, flannels or bibs
• Nappies
• Cotton wool/ baby wipes (The NHS advises baby wipes after babies are a month old.)
• Bottle formula, if you are using it.

Your bag:

• Maternity notes, including your birth plan
• A particular loose outfit in mind for labour – an oversized t-shirt or nightie is perfect. If you want to reuse it, make sure it’s a dark colour. (Sports bra or swim top for water birth)
• Loose clothing to wear for at least two days – think a dressing gown or the cosiest of jumpers. Dark colours are also better post-partum.
• Nightie
• Flip flops
• Toiletry bag containing: toothbrush and toothpaste, hairbrush and hairbands, shower gel and shampoo (unscented so your baby can get used to your smell and bond with you)
• Two of the comfiest maternity bras you can find
• Maternity pads (I highly recommend Abena Premium) and disposable maternity pants (buy a size larger than you think you need)
• Breast pads
• Your own drinks bottle
• Hand sanitiser 
• Phone charger
• Portable phone charger
• A spare bag for any washing

You also might want…

• Nicer clothes to go home in
• A tens machine if you’ve decided to use one for pain relief
• Entertainment
• Your medication, if you are on any
• A hand fan
• Glasses or contact lenses if you wear them
• An eye mask if that’s something you need to sleep
• Your hospital bag checklist to tick things off as you pack to go home

Your birthing partner’s bag:

• A change of clothes
• Money for parking meters and vending machines
• SO much food
• Toothbrush and toothpaste
• A big bottle
• Phone and charger

It’s also worth reminding that you need a car seat fitted. I would also recommend getting some special ice packs for your pants post-partum.