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Hospital Bag Checklist: What to pack in a Hospital Bag

A realistic list of essentials for you, your baby and your birthing partner

Snacks. Check! Baby sleepsuits. Check! Maternity bras. Check! You’ve pencilled the obvious essentials down ready for the big day, but have you forgotten the less obvious necessities? After all, you’re packing for two here… We’re here to support your journey from the very beginning, starting with a round-up of JoJo’s best maternity bag items. Our hospital bag checklist will tell you what to pack in your hospital bag so you, your baby and your birthing partner have everything you need for a comfy hospital stay. Even if you’re planning a home birth, it’s good to have a bag ready to go just in case you’re taken to the hospital.

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When to pack your hospital bag

You never quite know when your little one is ready to arrive. You might have your due date, but don’t rely on this when it comes to preparing. Did you know that only 5% of babies arrive on their due date… this is why it’s better to have your maternity hospital bag packed by 36 weeks in case they arrive earlier than planned.

Packing Tips

1 - Leave your hospital bag by the door in case you need to rush out of the house.

2 - Get your birth partner to pack your bag so they know exactly where everything is when you need it most.

3 - Use packing cubes to separate your and baby’s essentials in one small suitcase so they’re easier to find later on. Or keep them separate by packing two small bags – whatever works for you.

4 - Put baby’s first outfit in a clear bag and label it, so it’s really easy to find.

5 - Bring a plastic bag to put your dirty clothes in, so you’re not mixing in worn clothes with both your and baby’s fresh clothing.

6 - Fit the car seat ahead of going into labour, so on the day they come home nothing is on hold.

7 - Don’t buy a special maternity bag if it’s not in your budget. Just use a small suitcase or a bag the size for a weekend away.

Hospital bag essentials for mum

From labour essentials to post-birth, we’ve got the must-haves and the optionals to help make your stay in hospital feel as swift and comfy as possible. Explore our handy bits and bobs in our list below, or if you prefer download our printable list here.

| Pyjamas & nighties - Wear loose-fitting nightwear that’s soft and easy to go to the toilet in. Nothing that will make you too hot.

| Dressing gown, slippers and socks - These will be hospital heroes when it comes to walking the ward or nipping to the shower.

| Handheld fan - From all the mums at JoJo, a handheld fan is essential! Hospital rooms can get very hot, so a handheld fan is just the trick to cool you down before, during and after labour.

| Water bottle with a straw (for easy drinking) - When even sitting upright is too difficult, you’ll be thankful for a good-sized water bottle with a straw.

| Snacks - If you go into labour at nighttime, chances are you won’t eat again until the next morning. Having your favourite snacks and comfort foods will help give you much-needed energy before and after labour. Make sure to speak with your medical team about foods and drinks first.

| Entertainment - You’ll likely be in the hospital for a few days, so pass the time with some entertainment including books and magazines, music players, podcasts and tablets with films downloaded to them.

| Maternity pads & disposable pants - Don’t underestimate the power of disposable pants and maternity pads. Bring more than you think you need (or leave them in the car just in case).

| Wash bag with all toiletries - Include lip balm, toothpaste, toothbrush, deodorant, moisturiser, flannel, hairbrush, hair bands, shampoo, conditioner, body wash, and sponge.

| Portable charger or extra-long cable - Not the most obvious, but having an extra-long charging cable for reaching far away plug sockets or ditching the cable altogether for a portable charger will be a game changer for resting and recuperating.

| 3 nursing tops and bras - Pack a couple of non-wired nursing bras that you can also sleep in if you’re feeding.

| Leggings - Maternity leggings are stretchy and comfortable which is exactly what you’ll want and need for the foreseeable.

| Painkillers and any medications you take - To help soothe aches and pains.

| Spare contact lenses - Bring enough contact lenses for a couple of days and pack your glasses for nighttime.

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Nursing Bras

Maternity Leggings

Maternity Nightdress

Maternity Knickers

Optional

| Your own pillow - Bringing home comforts to the hospital with you like that special pillow you can’t sleep without can make all the difference when sleeping away from home.

| Birth plan (if you are using one) - You might find having a few printed copies come in hand for your midwife, nurses and doctors to refer to during birth. It’s to let them know exactly where you want to give birth, who’s going to be with you, and what facilities you’d like to use.

| Towel - Buy a new towel to take with you so it’s super soft and fresh. There’s nothing worse than an old scratchy towel.

| Breastfeeding pillow - If you plan on breastfeeding and feel a pregnancy pillow will help kickstart your feeding journey in the right way, pack one (or leave it in the car, or have it for resting in cosy positions). Buying a nursing pillow is good to have at home either way.

Hospital bag checklist for baby

Before you know it, your bundle of joy will be here! Pack their baby hospital bag using our list of newborn essentials.

| Sleepsuits in 2 sizes - Pack a variety of baby sleepsuits in both newborn and 0-3 months. You won’t know how tiny they’re going to be until they arrive! Sleepsuits are the easiest staples and make lovely home outfits too. Plus, you can save money on multipack baby sleepsuits. If the sleepsuits have built-in mitts to prevent scratching, even better!

| Pramsuit (depending on season) - If you’re having a winter baby, wrap them up and take them home in a cocoon of comfort. Pramsuits will keep them cosy for their first time outside.

| Going-home outfit - Now the journey begins! From sleepsuits, all-in-ones and rompers to leggings, vests and cardigans, use super soft cotton outfits for a snug first outfit. Don’t forget the hats, mittens, socks and blanket!

| Baby bottles and formula if not breastfeeding

| Baby blanket - Tuck them up and take them home is their first baby blanket.

| Cardigan - Perfect layers of warmth and going-home outfits with our baby cardigans.

| Hat, socks and mittens - Newborns can get cold easily so layers of warmth from top to toe are essential. You can shop matching baby hats and sleepsuits for adorable outfits. Scratch mittens will protect their delicate face from sharp nails.

| Nappies - Pack plenty of nappies and keep spares in the car if you can. Newborns can go through as many as 12 nappies a day, so to keep them comfy and dry, have spares.

| Wet wipes - Bring baby wipes that are kind to sensitive skin, or use cotton pads and water as an alternative. Wet wipes are great for having there for a quick freshen-up or nappy changes.

| Muslin multipack - Great for using as dribble bibs, spillages, and draping over yourself for winding and feeding. Muslin squares will become an everyday essential.

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Hospital bag essentials for birthing partner

Your birthing partner might also want to pack a hospital bag with their daily essentials. If they’re in the hospital supporting you for a few days, they’ll want to freshen up and have everything nearby.