Hospital Bag Checklist: All the essentials you’ll want to pack
 

Start preparing your hospital bag in the run up to the big day - a good few weeks before your due date - so you're all set to go if your baby decides to arrive early. We've put together this handy checklist to save you some thinking, and to make sure you don't forget anything important! We know it's hard to resist going a bit mad and buying lots of things that seem like a good idea at the time, but the truth is, you probably won't need them. Stick to this list and your hospital bag will have just what you need.
 

Tips for packing your hospital bag

1. Consider packing separate hospital bags for you and your baby. In the midst of a tiring labour, it'll save you rooting around amongst a pile of sleepsuits and blankets for that hairband you're SURE you packed. Make sure to bring items for both yourself and your baby, such as comfortable clothing and toiletries for yourself, and onesies, diapers, and baby wipes for your little one.

2. Pop your baby's first outfit in a clear bag and label it, making it really easy to find.

3. Take plenty of snacks - if you get admitted at night, you probably won't get fed until the next day. Packing some non-perishable snacks for yourself and for your partner will help you have peace of mind and will save you money because the snacks at a vending machine can be expensive!

4. Don't forget to pack some essentials for your partner - a change of clothes and a toothbrush will help them feel a bit fresher after a long night.

5. Bring a plastic bag to put your dirty clothes in.

6. Don't underestimate the amount of spare knickers to bring!

7. In COVID times, it might be tempting to pack some cleaning supplies, but the hospital will have plenty of these. Just make sure you bring your face masks and a bottle of hand sanitizer to keep close by.


8. Keep important documents handy: Pack copies of important documents, such as your birth plan and your baby's birth certificate, in a separate bag so that you can easily access them.
It’s always a good idea to pack extra of everything, since you never know how long you'll be in the hospital. Also, check with your hospital if they have any specific recommendations or restrictions on items you’re planning to bring. And remember, once you have the baby you can have your partner or family member bring you anything you may have missed! To give you a helping hand, we've put together a checklist for your hospital bag - simply print it out and tick off the items as you pack your bag, helping to make sure you don't forget any essentials!


You can download and print our hospital bag checklist here.