HOSPITAL BAG CHECKLIST PRINTABLE PDF UK (2024)

FAQs

What paperwork do you need for hospital bag? ›

Hospitals require your ID, any medical cards, and insurance documents up front, so make sure you have a copy of these readily available. Birth plan (if you have one).

Hospital bag checklist for mum: the essentials

Your birth plan and medical notes. A blanket, a pillow from home or a pregnancy support pillow; also useful for breastfeeding. A TENS machine, if you want to use this, with spare batteries. Your favourite toiletries in miniature (travel size tubes are great).

Nappies. About 20 to 30 nappies made especially for newborns, like Pampers Premium Protection New Baby. Your newborn might get through 10-12 nappies each day. Wipes.

Something cool and loose to wear during labour such as a cotton nighty or a large t-shirt, including something to wear in the birthing pool (the hospital can provide a gown if you would prefer this) Dressing gown, slippers and nightwear. Support bra to wear while breastfeeding.

2 packets of super-absorbent sanitary or maternity pads. your wash bag – with toothpaste, toothbrush, hairbrush, flannel, soap, lip balm, deodorant, hair bands, hand sanitiser, body lotion and anything else you need. an eye mask may help you sleep on the brightly lit ward. towels.

You'll have to add some items at the last minute (like your brush, phone, and insurance card), but you can pack most of the essentials in advance. Usually, you'll only need to bring one outfit for your baby – a coming-home outfit to wear for the trip home.

Babies are unpredictable. They come when they are ready to come. But if you're a planner like me and want to be ready for your little one's arrival, I'd suggest having your hospital bag packed between 36 and 38 weeks.

Some of the best snacks for labour include:

Wholegrain toast, biscuits and crackers. Energy bars (be sure to check the sugar content). Breadsticks. Dried fruits and nuts.

Feeding or good supportive bra. Avoid underwired bras. Towels - 1 bath and 1 hand recommended. Food (particularly snacks for partner).

How many muslins to pack in a hospital bag? ›

The hospital will provide a blanket but it's nice to have your own as a spare, plus you'll need it when you leave hospital to keep baby covered and warm. Muslins. Take at least 4, as these can get soiled with spit-up milk pretty quickly. You'll soon realise, you can never have enough muslins handy!

3 to 4 nightgowns or pyjamas (light ones – hospitals can be warm). Wide opening nightshirt pyjamas if breastfeeding. An old t-shirt or shirt for labour. Consider a v-neck top for breastfeeding.

A large suitcase or duffel bag for you and a small one for your partner will help keep all of your items organized. Many moms also recommend bringing an empty duffel bag along to the hospital as well for all of the diapers, supplies and samples that the hospital may give you to make transporting everything home easier.

Babies grow very quickly. All you need for the first few weeks are enough clothes to make sure your baby will be warm and clean. You'll probably need: 6 stretch suits (all-in-ones) for both day and night, or 4 stretch suits and 2 nightdresses (nighties) for the night – use socks or bootees with the nightie if it's cold.

Clothes: 3 x vests, 3 x babygros, cotton scratch mitts and a hat (most babies will wear a hat for the first 24 hours until they can maintain their temperature). An outfit to take your baby home in (appropriate to weather conditions). Blanket to cover your baby in a car seat.

When should I pack my hospital bag for birth? You can start packing whenever you want to. But it's a good idea to have your bag ready at least two weeks ahead of your due date .