Around the 32-36 week point of your pregnancy is a good time to get your hospital bag organised. It's a great idea to pack two bags, one for the labour and another for the maternity ward after birth. Check with your midwife or hospital what will be provided for you and baby in the hospital, as each hospital can have very different policies.
If you’re unsure what to pack we’ve put together a comprehensive list of the necessary things you’ll need to take to hospital for labour, after birth and for baby. You’ll also find handy links to those products stocked by Little Arrival Bag. The quantities apply for a normal delivery, which assumes an overnight hospital stay, however, if you know that you're going to have a caesarean delivery you'll need to pack extra. It's also a good idea to let someone know where they can find additional supplies at home.
Click to Download Checklist
For Labour
MATERNITY NOTES & BIRTH PLAN – the most important item on this list!
TENS machine
Old nightshirt or t-shirt
Old towel
1 x Pyjamas or nightshirt, with front opening if breastfeeding
Nursing bra if breastfeeding, well fitting ordinary bra if not
Socks – during labour many mums feel cold so pack a pair of warm socks
2 x Maternity pads
2 x Disposable briefs
2 x Breast pads – you’ll need these even if you don’t plan to breastfeed
Lansinoh lanolin cream for breastfeeding to aid sore or cracked nipples.
Hair band
Hair brush
Facial spray
Lip balm
Toiletries for a shower or bath after birth - see our travel sized bottles to take your favourite shampoos, conditioners, shower gels etc...
High energy snacks
1 x Baby sleepsuit or nightgown
1 x baby bodysuit
Baby hat
2 x Nappies
Camera
Phone card & list of people to call
Post Birth
1 x Pyjamas or nightshirt, with front opening if breastfeeding
Light dressing gown
Slippers
2 x Loose comfortable tops
2 x Loose trousers
Going home clothes
Maternity pads
Disposable briefs
Breast pads
Toothbrush and toothpaste
Toiletries (shampoo, conditioner, shower gel, deodorant, cleanser, toner and moisturiser)
Cotton wool pads
Make-up (for those post-birth photos that will be sent to everyone)
Mirror
Tissues
For Baby
2 x Bodysuits
2 x Sleepsuits or nightgowns
Light cardigan
1 x Scratch mittens
Cotton wool balls/unperfumed baby wipes
Nappies
Nappy sacks
Nappy rash cream
Baby wash/shampoo
Blanket
Muslin squares
Going home outfit, including sun hat or snowsuit depending on time of year
Car seat
Don't forget the expectant dad/birthing partner who may have to endure hours of waiting and hand squeezing! Encourage them to pack a bag for themselves including snacks, loose change for the car park, change of clothes (yes it could take that long!), magazines, camera, list of people to call and some toiletries to freshen up.
