Every expectant parent, at some point, starts wondering what they should pack for childbirth. Packing a hospital bag for labour can be a challenge, so it’s worth preparing well in advance. Other parents are often happy to share their experiences, but the best solution is a detailed hospital bag check list to help avoid unnecessary stress. It’s also a good idea to check the recommendations of your chosen hospital, as each facility may have its own requirements for what’s needed in the delivery room. What do you need in your hospital bag for labour? Here are some hints to those questions.
01 When and how to pack your hospital bag for childbirth?
Packing a hospital bag for labour is an essential part of preparing to welcome your baby into the world. It’s best to do this well in advance to avoid stress in the final days before delivery. What to pack in your hospital bag for labour? It can be helpful to divide your hospital bag into three sections:
- Essentials for before labour (e.g., documents, medical test results, toiletries)
- Items for the delivery room;
- Supplies for a multi-day hospital stay for both mom and baby
Choosing the right bag also matters—a medium-sized rolling suitcase or a comfortable travel bag may be appropriate. To stay organised, you might like to use transparent pouches, packing cubes or organisers and label them accordingly. To help you stay prepared, you could download and print out our hospital bag checklists here.
Well-planned packing for both mom and baby will prevent last-minute searching for essentials in crucial moments. There’s no need to overpack—your loved ones can always bring any missing items if necessary.
Check out: Pregnancy, Incontinence, and New Mums.
02 Maternity hospital bag
A well-prepared newborn hospital bag ensures mom’s comfort and helps parents stay calm during their first moments together. The hospital bag essentials for mom should include documents, comfortable clothing, hygiene products, and accessories to facilitate labour and hospital stay.
Hospital bag checklist for labour
- Something comfortable to wear – you might prefer to use a hospital gown, but you can also choose to wear a t-shirt, nightie or whatever you are comfortable in;
- Warm socks – it’s common for women feel cold in their feet during contractions;
- Slippers and shower flip-flops – preferably non-slip;
- Lip balm – deep breathing and effort can cause dry lips;
- Still water in a reusable bottle with a straw – easy to drink even while lying down;
- Small snacks – bananas, chocolate, fruit purees, nuts;
- Hair tie or headband – to keep hair out of the way during labour;
- Massage oil – can help with muscle relaxation;
- Heat or cold pack – to relieve pain but check if your hospital allows these;
- Don’t forget your phone and chargers!
Hospital bag essentials (after childbirth)
After childbirth, the body undergoes many changes, so it’s good to have comfortable clothing and hygiene products on hand:
- Loose comfortable clothing – front buttons may help for easy access for feeding;
- Bathrobe – light and breathable, ideal for walking around the ward;
- Postpartum pants (2–3 packs) – large comfortable underwear, you may prefer disposable ones;
- Maternity pads – disposable, supporting the abdomen, and highly absorbent, necessary for the lochia (vaginal bleeding) after delivery;
- Nursing bras (2 pcs.) – preferably without underwires, soft and stretchy;
- Breast pads – some people use these in their bras when milk production starts;
- Towels (2 pcs.) – One for the body, another for intimate hygiene
- Flip flops – to wear in the shower if you prefer.
During your hospital stay, basic personal care is important, so it’s a good idea to pack the following items in your hospital bag for labour:
- Shower gel and shampoo – preferably gentle and fragrance-free;
- Intimate hygiene soap – mild and suitable for postpartum care;
- Deodorant – preferably fragrance-free and non-irritating to the skin;
- Toothbrush and toothpaste;
- Hairbrush and hair ties;
- Body lotion and moisturiser – the skin may become drier after childbirth;
- Nipple cream – helpful during the first days of breastfeeding.
See also: How to choose the postpartum underwear?
03 Newborn hospital bag checklist - what to pack?
It’s good to start packing your newborn hospital bag with clothing essentials, such as: 3–4 sleepsuits; 3–4 bodysuits; 2–3 light jackets or cardigans; 2 hats; socks and scratch mittens; a warmer jacket or winter overall for going home in colder weather.
Diapering Essentials:
- Newborn disposable diapers – small size!
- Cotton wool and/or baby wipes;
- Cotton muslin cloths for burping;
- Nappy cream;
- Nappy bags;
Baby care products should include a gentle baby wash, baby oil, saline solution, sterile gauze pads, soft baby hairbrush. Baby comfort items such as a warm blanket, a swaddle or baby wrap.
Don’t forget, whenever you go to the hospital for antenatal care of if you are going to deliver your baby, always take your pregnancy notes with you.
And finally, whoever picks you up will need to bring a car seat if someone is driving the baby home!
