The Absolutely Mama team shares their ultimate hospital bag checklist…

The Absolutely Mama team has had a few babies between us, so we’ve put our heads together to compile the ultimate hospital bag checklist.

The best time to start packing your hospital bag is at the start of the third trimester or at least a few weeks before your due date. Get it prepped and ready to go by the front door. Hospitals and birth centres don’t usually like you to bring too much luggage, so a couple of weekender bags like this one from Jem + Bea is perfect.

From baby gear to breast pads, we’ve detailed everything you could possibly need (apart from the kitchen sink) below.

What you’ll need during labour

First things first, have a think about what you’ll be most comfortable in whilst you’re giving birth. That might be underwear, or a big black t-shirt. We love The Gown from DforD. An actually stylish alternative to a hospital gown and it’s breastfeeding friendly and sustainable too.

Whether you’re giving birth on a labour ward or in a birthing centre, one things for sure, it gets very hot in the room during labour. A mini handheld fan and a water spray for your face will help to keep you cool. If you’re planning a water birth, you might want to pack a bikini top. A bath pillow is also useful for the birthing pool.

Giving birth is very thirsty work so a water bottle is an absolute must-pack. Make sure it has a straw so your birth partner can give you sips during labour. We love the Blafre drinking bottles. Stock up on snacks and drinks too. Whatever will keep your energy levels up gets our vote – whether that’s Lucozade Sport and gummy bears, or healthy snacks such as fruit and nuts.

Think about what you’ll need to set the mood. Some birth centres and labour wards provide fairy lights and battery tea lights, so have a chat with your midwife beforehand and find out what they already have. An essential oil diffuser can help to make you feel calmer, and don’t forget to pack some speakers so you can play your birth playlist from your mobile phone. You might also want to pack some massage oil for the early stages.

Have a think about pain relief too – a tens machine can be brilliant for the first stages of labour. We’d also recommend packing a toiletry bag specifically for labour with hair ties, lip balm, and any other personal items you want to be able to access quickly and easily. Don’t forget to bring some change for the car park, if you’re planning to drive to the hospital.

Lastly, pack your hospital notes and your birth plan. We recommend printing out a few copies to hand out to your birthing team and any other medical professionals.

What your birth partner should pack

Make sure your birth partner has their own snacks and drinks! We cannot stress this enough. There’s nothing more annoying than asking for another Percy Pig during labour, only for your birth partner to confess they’ve eaten them all.

Your birth partner will also need a change of clothes, toiletries and any medications etc, in case the labour is a long one. They might also want to bring an iPad, or laptop, and earphones as well as their own chargers. Give them the job of downloading some films and tv shows to watch together in the early stages of labour. If your midwife has given you a birth partner pack, make sure they bring this too.

What to pack for an overnight hospital stay

You might get discharged quite quickly, or you might need to stay overnight or longer, so it’s always good to be prepared. After giving birth, you’ll need some loose comfortable clothes. Pack a dressing gown, slippers, some big mum pants (!), cosy socks, and layers such as t-shirts, jogging bottoms, and sweatshirts. Make sure these are easy-access if you’re breastfeeding. Flip flops or sliders are great for the maternity ward, especially if you’re showering there. You’ll also need a going home outfit.

Next up, if you’re not planning a c-section, you’ll need some disposable knickers, perineum compresses and spray, and maternity pads. A doughnut cushion is also really useful as is a peri post-birth wash bottle.

For breastfeeding mamas, pack some breast pads, nipple balm and nursing bras. If you’ve collected colostrum, pack this too in a clearly labelled container. Ask your midwife to store it in the fridge for you. You might also want to bring a breast pump and breast milk storage bags if you’re planning to pump. A nursing pillow is also really useful to have. We love this one from bbhugme.

Pack a post-birth toiletry bag with body wash, face wash, shampoo / conditioner, a little mirror, a hair brush, an eye mask, ear plugs, toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, and other toiletries as well as any medication you’ll need, and contact lenses / glasses and make up if you wear them. Take your own towel (we recommend a dark colour) and a flannel.

Don’t forget to pack your devices and chargers. A charger with an extra long cable is really useful for reaching your hospital bed.

What to pack in a baby hospital bag

First up, you’ll need an infant car seat to take your new baby home from the hospital in or birth centre. Install it ready in your car (or whoever’s car will be taking you home). If you plan to get a taxi, it’s a good idea to practice installing it before your little one arrives. Hospitals won’t usually let you take the car seat into the labour ward with you, but your birth partner should be able to pick it up and bring it in before you get discharged.

Now for the cute bit: your little one’s first outfits. We recommend packing a few hats, some scratch mittens, onesies, socks, and vests. We love Konges Slojd, Organic Zoo and Claude and Co. You’ll also need a baby blanket. A cellular one is really good for regulating their temperature.

Don’t forget to pack some changing essentials – including newborn size nappies, wet wipes, nappy cream, nappy sacks, cotton wool balls, muslin squares, and a top and tail bowl. Disposable changing mats can be super useful for those first few changes when you haven’t quite got your technique down! If you’re bottle feeding, bring some baby bottles and formula. A travel steriliser can be really handy too.

Our top tip is to use drawstring dust bags to organise everything in your case and to pack two bags – one for labour and one for after labour. And if you forget something? Don’t worry, your birth partner can always dash home. 

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