Your Must-Have Hospital Bag Essentials

One of the key steps in preparing for your baby's birth is packing your hospital bag. Even if you're planning a home birth, it’s wise to have a "just in case" bag ready. Packing early is a good idea, as it may take a few weeks to gather everything. Plus, it's an exciting part of nesting and preparing for your baby’s arrival.

We recommend having your bag packed and ready by the time you're 37 weeks pregnant. It should include essentials for labour, as well as everything you'll need for the first couple of days postpartum. We've created a checklist of what we feel are must-haves, but every mother’s needs may vary. Customise your bag to suit your personal preferences and the type of birth you're planning.

Essentials for Mum

• Long lead phone charger
  Keeping your phone charged is essential for staying connected, whether for calls, messages, or music.

• Portable fan with charger
  Labour can get intense, and having a fan can provide relief during surges. Founder Charlotte says, "I'd personally buy a backup next time; I loved the fan on my face during surges, and when it ran out of charge, it threw me off." If you’re having a Caesarean birth, hospital wards can be really warm, so this is still a good item to pack!

• Large straw cup or bottle
  Hydration is crucial, and a straw cup allows you to drink without changing positions.

• Your favourite snacks
  Things like cereal bars and instant porridge provide much-needed energy during and after labour.

• Isotonic energy drinks
  Birth is thirsty work! A 4-pack of these drinks can help keep your energy levels up during labour.

• Shower essentials
  Pack shower gel, a dark towel, and flip-flops for comfort during postpartum showers.

• Skincare and haircare
  Bringing your usual skincare and haircare products will help you feel fresh after birth. Don’t forget a hairbrush, hair bands, and lip balm.

• Clothes to go home in
  Comfortable clothes are a must for your trip home. A vest top is great for easy feeding, and a button-up nightshirt is perfect for the hospital stay.

• Maternity nappies
  These provide comfort and convenience postpartum.

• Peribottle
  If your hospital stay lasts a couple of days, a Peribottle becomes really helpful for post-birth hygiene, offering gentle cleaning.

• Nipple pads and nipple balm
  If your hospital stay lasts a couple of days and you're planning to breastfeed, these items will help soothe and protect your nipples.

Essentials for Baby

• Cotton wool balls
  Babies should only be cleaned with cooled boiled water at first, so pack cotton wool balls for those first wipes.

• Hats
  Keep baby warm and snug with soft hats.

• Nappies and nappy sacks
  Bring plenty of nappies for your little one, along with nappy sacks for easy disposal.

• Sleepsuits and socks
  Pack a few sleepsuits and three pairs of socks to keep baby comfortable.

• Home outfit
  Choose a special outfit for baby’s trip home.

• Muslins
  Muslin cloths are perfect for cleaning up spills and keeping baby clean.

• Plain white vests
  These are great layering pieces for your baby.

• Blankets
  Soft, cozy blankets will keep your baby warm and comfortable.

• Car seat (installed in car)
  A properly installed car seat is essential for bringing baby home safely.

• Ready made formula bottles (if using formula)
  If you’re planning to formula feed, pack enough ready made formula bottles for those first few days. Ready made bottles with ready sterilised teats are recommended as there isn't usually the space/ equipment at hospital to sterilise bottles.

• Dummies (if using)
  If you're planning to use a dummy, make sure to pack one as well.

Packing your hospital bag is one of the final preparations before welcoming your baby, and having it ready gives you peace of mind. It’s important to think ahead and customise your bag to your own needs and preferences, so you’re fully prepared for labour, birth, and those early postpartum days.