Your hospital bag checklist - read this first!

Pack your bags a few weeks in advance

When do you pack?

Packing your hospital bag, or labour bag, is actually a lovely thing to get done by around 35 weeks of pregnancy. Not all babies arrive on their due date, so it’s reassuring to be prepared for birth well in advance. Once your hospital bag is packed, it can just sit there waiting expectantly!

One bag or four?

While we all say ‘hospital bag’, it actually makes more sense and will be more practical come labour time if you’ve packed more than one.

There are four hospital bags to think about:

1. Hospital bag for you
This will be your main bag, with essentials for labour and straight after birth. There’s lots to pack, from the practical - birth plan, any medical notes, breast pads and maternity pads – to the more comfy – clothes and toiletries. We also offer you some nice-to-have suggestions to help make labour that little bit easier. Free download! Your hospital bag checklist

2. Hospital bag for you, for your partner to bring later
When you go to the maternity ward, you may end up moving rooms, and it’s easier not to be carrying absolutely everything around with you. But at the same time, it’s a good thing to have it all packed in advance – so you don’t have to ask your partner to bring more maternity pads or particular clothes from your wardrobe once you’re in hospital. It’s also easier to divide what you need for labour and immediately post-birth, from the things you need for the following days or a longer stay in hospital.
Free download!  What to pack in your second hospital bag

3. Hospital bag for your baby
This will have baby essentials such as newborn nappies, baby clothing, scratch mittens and even your baby car seat – which can be left in your car, for your partner to bring in once you’re taking your newborn home.
Free download!  What to pack for your baby

4. Hospital bag for your partner
Your birth partner could be waiting around for a long time so will need a bag too! From change for the car park (we all know how expensive hospital parking can be) to a fully charged camera and phone, your partner needs to be well prepared. And snacks are important too - trying to find drinks or food for energy at odd hours of the night or between your contractions isn’t very practical! 
Free download! What your partner should pack