Preparing for the arrival of your little one can feel like an exciting but rather daunting task. If you are wondering ‘What do I need to pack in my hospital bag?’ we have you covered. Here is a list of what you will need to pack at least 3 weeks ahead of the big day. No one wants to be packing a bag whilst in labour so we recommend getting yourself prepared sooner rather than later.

Labour Bag Checklist – For Mum 

• Your Birth Plan
• Snacks for you and your birthing partner 
• 2-3 changes of comfortable clothes
• Oversized t-shirt or nighty
• Button down top or feeding tops if you are choosing to breastfeed
• Slippers and socks 
• Dressing gown
• Tankini or bikini top, if you have opted for a water birth
• Lip balm
• Maternity pads
• 4-6 pairs of knickers, these can be disposable
• 2-3 maternity bras
• Breast pads
• Washbag with your toothbrush, facewash, bodywash, flannel or sponge, hairbrush and hair clips or hair ties
• Towels 
• Baby wipes
• Tens machine if you have chosen this for your pain relief
• Mobile phone and charger
• Portable speaker, if you would like to listen to music during your labour
• Book, magazines or tablet to help you relax
• Headphones for your phone or tablet
• Medication if required

Labour Bag Checklist – For Baby

• 4-5 vests plus baby grows in both tiny baby and new baby sizes
• Outfit to go home in 
• Blanket
• 2-3 hats 
• Muslins
• Scratch mitts
• Pack of 0 sized nappies
• Cotton wool 
• Carseat for the journey home

Our suggestions for your labour bag are by no means exhaustive. Everyone is different. Don’t panic too much if you have forgotten something – there are lots of 24 hour supermarkets dotted around the country which birthing partners, friends or family can dash to if needs be.

We love…

We love this Personalised Hospital Bag from Pieridae Gifts on Etsy.