As your due date gets closer, preparing for hospital can help you feel a little more organised and confident. While every birth is different, having the essentials ready means you can focus on welcoming your baby rather than searching for last-minute items.
Whether you’re planning a hospital birth or a stay in a midwife-led birth centre, a little preparation can go a long way.
When should you pack your hospital bag?
Many parents choose to have their hospital bag packed by around 36 weeks of pregnancy. If there’s a chance your baby may arrive earlier, having everything ready can provide extra peace of mind.
Keep your bag somewhere easy to access and let your birth partner know where it is.
What to pack for yourself
- Your maternity notes and birth plan
- Photo ID if required by your hospital
- Comfortable, loose-fitting clothes
- A lightweight dressing gown
- Slippers or comfortable footwear
- Several pairs of maternity underwear
- Maternity or nursing bras
- Thick socks
- Toiletries
- Hair ties
- Phone and charger
- Reusable water bottle
- Healthy snacks
- Any prescribed medications
- Glasses or contact lenses if needed
What to pack for your baby
- 3 to 5 baby grows
- 3 to 5 vests
- Socks or booties
- A hat for after birth
- Newborn nappies
- Cotton wool or fragrance-free baby wipes, depending on local guidance
- Muslin cloths
- A blanket for travelling home
- An outfit for going home
Remember to install your rear-facing infant car seat before your due date if you’ll be travelling home by car.
What should your birth partner bring?
- Snacks and drinks
- A phone charger
- Comfortable clothes
- Toiletries
- Money or a bank card for parking or refreshments
- Entertainment during quieter periods
Preparing beyond the hospital bag
- Know the quickest route to your maternity unit.
- Save the hospital phone number in your mobile.
- Arrange childcare for older children if needed.
- Keep your car fuelled or transport plans organised.
- Discuss your birth preferences with your birth partner.
- Prepare a few meals for your freezer.
Remember that plans can change
Birth doesn’t always follow the path we imagine. Preparing well isn’t about controlling every outcome. It’s about giving yourself one less thing to think about during an exciting and sometimes unpredictable time.
A gentle reminder
There is no perfect hospital bag. If you forget something, hospitals can usually help with the essentials, and partners or family members can often bring extra items later.
