Preparing for giving birth as a first-time mum can be daunting. You will have been preparing for the birth for weeks, taking hypnobirthing classes, preparing your home for your baby’s arrival, and folding and washing tiny baby clothes. However, knowing what to pack in your hospital bag can be a stressful task. 

As a new mum-to-be you want to be as prepared and organised as possible for any eventuality, yet you don’t want to be lumbered down with a million bags. This is why we have compiled the ultimate hospital bag checklist for first-time mums. 

Although you are the one giving birth, when it comes to your hospital bag you are going to be packing for three people. Yourself, your baby, and your birthing partner. So we have broken down the list below so you know exactly what to pack for everyone. 

Mum’s bag

There is no exact right time to pack your hospital bag, however, to keep organised assume that you might give birth earlier than planned and have your bag ready by week 36 of pregnancy. When packing your bag make it easy for yourself by putting things you will need at the same time together, like your toiletries and your towel. 

Hospital notes. Make sure to pack all your notes from your midwife appointments so the hospital has all of your medical information to hand. 

Medicine. If you take regular medicine make sure to pack it and include the packaging where it states the dosage you need to take. 

Birth Plan. Make sure to keep your birth plan close to your hospital notes and make multiple copies to take with you and give to your birthing partner. 

Glasses and Contact lenses. 

Cooling Fan: During labour a hand-held fan can help you cool down and feel calmer. 

Dressing gown: This will help you feel more comfortable both before and after labour and cover your modesty when you need to pop to the loo.

Non-slip slippers or flip flops. This will make getting around easier. Flip flops will also be handy if you have a shower. 

Fluffy socks: No one wants cold feet! Especially in labour. 

Super-size period pads. You’ll need to wear large sanitary pads after giving birth as it is expected that you will bleed heavily post-labour. The hospital can provide some for you but having your own saves you asking for them. 

Big pants: You will want large comfortable pants to wear after giving birth, especially high-waisted ones if you have a c-section so they sit comfortably above your incision area. 

Nursing bras and pads: If you are planning to breastfeed make sure to pack your nursing bras and pads. 

Button-up or open-front clothes: Clothes that can button or zip up can be very useful if you are breastfeeding. 

Pillow, blanket, and eye mask. Bring your own pillow and blanket to ensure that you are comfortable during your stay. You may also appreciate an eye mask for taking naps during the day with your baby. 

Overnight Essentials: Don’t forget your normal essentials such as your toothbrush and toothpaste, hairbrush, deodorant, lip balm, moisturiser, face soap, shampoo and conditioner, and hair ties. You may also want to bring your own towel. 

Water bottle with a straw: It’s important to stay hydrated, especially during labour. Straws just make things easier and more comfortable during birth. 

Snacks and drinks. Labour can take quite a while and you will need to keep your strength up. Pack energy and protein bars to keep you going, although check with your midwife team if you are allowed to eat during labour. After labour you will appreciate any snacks and drinks you have packed, as often the food at the hospital is limited. 

Phone and camera. Make sure to pack your phone and your charger and a camera unless your phone can take good pictures. You may also want to pack your headphones to listen to music or watch movies while you are staying in the hospital post-birth.

Baby’s Bag

Cotton hat, scratch mittens, and booties: Even in summer newborns are given a hat by the hospital to keep them warm after birth. Taking your own can make things a little nicer for your baby. 

Newborn baby suits: Even if you are expecting a baby on the larger side you will be surprised at how tiny they are when they are first born so make sure to take newborn clothes. 

Cellular blanket: Although the hospital will give your baby a small blanket, taking their own will be handy and will be useful for their first trip home.  

Changing Bag Essentials: Get your changing bag ready with newborn nappies, sensitive skin wipes, cotton pads, and muslin squares. 

Going home outfit: Take note of the weather when packing your baby’s going-home outfit. You should pack a hat and booties, a baby suit and a sleepsuit. If you give birth in winter, pack a baby snowsuit to keep them warm. 

Carseat: If you are returning home in a car, even if you book a taxi, you will need a car seat. If you are giving birth in summer, think about bringing some sunblinds for the window to protect your baby from the sun. 

Birthing Partner’s Bag

If your birthing partner is planning to stay overnight in the hospital you will also want to pack them a bag too. 

Overnight Essentials: These include their toothbrush and toothpaste, hairbrush, deodorant, moisturiser, and face soap.

Change of clothes: If they are staying overnight they will want a change of clothes to freshen up. 

Phone and charger: Make sure they remember to pack their phone and charger and any other equipment if you plan to record the birth. 

Snacks and drinks: Being a birthing partner can be thirsty work so make sure to pack them plenty of snacks and drinks. After all, you won’t want them dipping into your stash. 

Pillow and Blanket. Bringing a pillow and blanket will help them to feel comfortable during the hospital stay after your birth. 

Entertainment: It’s unlikely that your birthing partner will be bored but in case there is a quiet moment or two bring a book or download a movie or two to your phone.

You can’t plan for everything but with these easy-to-follow checklists, you will be well-prepared and comfortable during your baby’s birth and your stay in the hospital. Packing your hospital bag is a big task in your pregnancy journey and is part of important mental preparation for welcoming your baby. Once your hospital bag is packed you will be able to sit back and relax, knowing that it will only be a matter of time before you are loading your bags into the car (perhaps in a hurry) to go and meet your baby.