Hospital bag checklist

Your notes

• Your birth plan and hospital notes

For you

• Loose, comfortable clothing to wear during labour
• Dressing gown and slippers or flip-flops (also good for the shower)
• Nightwear: front-opening or loose-fitting if you are going to breastfeed
• 3 changes of comfortable clothes, and socks
• 5 or 6 pairs of knickers (disposable ones may be useful)
• 2 or 3 comfortable bras, including nursing bras if you plan to breastfeed
• Breast pads
• 2 packets of super-absorbent sanitary or maternity pads
• Wash bag: toothpaste, toothbrush, hairbrush, flannel, soap, lip balm, deodorant, hair bands, hand sanitiser, body lotion
• Towels and your own pillows
• Healthy snacks, drinks and a water bottle
• Any medicines you are taking
• A TENS machine, if you have decided to use one (with spare batteries)
• Phone and charger (a long cable or a battery pack can help)
• Spare glasses or contact lenses, if you wear them
• A spare bag for any washing
• Books, magazines, podcasts or music playlists to help you relax and pass the time

For your baby

• Bodysuits, vests and sleepsuits
• An outfit for going home in
• A hat, scratch mittens, socks or booties
• Nappies
• Cotton wool or wipes
• Muslin squares
• A blanket or shawl
• Car seat for the trip home

For your birth partner

Suggestions from the NHS list: a few ideas rather than a requirement.

• A change of clothes
• Toothbrush, toothpaste and deodorant
• Phone and charger
• Camera or camcorder
• Snacks and drinks
• Swimwear, if they will be getting in a birth pool
• Any medicines they are taking
• Spare change for the car park and the vending machine