4 min read · A practical hospital bag checklist without the unnecessary extras
Some hospital bag lists look as though you are packing for a two-week holiday.
You probably do not need three suitcases.
What you do want is a small collection of practical things for labour, recovery, your baby and whoever will be there supporting you.
At eight months pregnant, this is a perfect task to start ticking off.
When should you pack your hospital bag?
NHS guidance suggests having your bag ready at least three weeks before your due date.
That makes month eight a good time to start.
You do not need to pack everything in one evening. Put the bag somewhere visible and add things as you think of them.
For mum
- Your pregnancy notes and birth plan, if you have one.
- Any medicines you normally take.
- Loose clothes for labour.
- Comfortable nightwear and clothes for afterwards.
- Dressing gown and slippers or flip-flops.
- Comfortable underwear.
- Supportive or nursing bras if relevant to your feeding plans.
- Maternity pads.
- Toiletries such as toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, hairbrush and lip balm.
- Towels if your hospital recommends bringing your own.
- Water bottle and snacks.
- Phone and charger. An extra-long cable or battery pack can be surprisingly useful.
- Glasses or contact-lens supplies if needed.
Optional comfort items might include your own pillow, eye mask, headphones, music or a TENS machine if you plan to use one.
For baby
Your newborn does not need an elaborate wardrobe for the hospital.
Pack:
- a few bodysuits or vests;
- a few sleepsuits;
- an outfit for going home;
- a hat;
- socks or booties if appropriate;
- nappies;
- cotton wool or wipes;
- muslin cloths;
- a blanket or shawl;
- weather-appropriate outerwear if necessary.
And make sure the car seat you will use for the journey home is ready.
For your birth partner
The person supporting you may be there for many hours, so they should prepare too.
- a change of clothes;
- basic toiletries;
- phone and charger;
- snacks and drinks;
- any medicines they need;
- glasses or contact lenses if required;
- swimwear if you expect them to join you in a birth pool.
If they are responsible for photographs, make sure their phone is charged before you leave home.
What can you leave at home?
You can usually skip:
- large amounts of baby clothing;
- multiple blankets;
- a full makeup or skincare collection unless you genuinely want it;
- baby toys;
- nursery accessories;
- large quantities of nappies;
- anything you are packing only because an influencer said it was “essential”.
Check with your own hospital or birth centre too, because what they provide can vary.
Keep a tiny last-minute list on top
Some things cannot stay packed for several weeks.
Leave a note on top of your bag for:
- phone;
- wallet;
- daily medication;
- glasses;
- charger if you are still using it;
- water bottle;
- pregnancy notes if they are not already inside.
That tiny list can be much more helpful than trying to remember everything while contractions are starting.
Hello World Kit | 0–6 months
You do not need to pack toys for the maternity ward. Keep the Hello World Kit waiting at home for the quiet awake moments that come later — with thoughtfully selected visual, sensory, motor and memory pieces designed for your baby's first six months.
Prepare for the first months
Frequently asked questions
When should I pack my hospital bag?
Aim to have it ready at least three weeks before your due date so you are prepared if your baby arrives earlier than expected.
How many baby clothes should I pack for hospital?
You only need a small number of practical bodysuits and sleepsuits, plus an outfit for going home. The exact amount may depend on how long you stay.
Do I need to pack nappies?
It is sensible to pack nappies unless your maternity unit has specifically told you that they provide them.
Should I bring a car seat to the hospital?
Have an appropriate infant car seat ready for the journey home if your baby will travel by car. You may not need to physically carry it onto the ward until discharge.
Do I need to pack toys for my newborn?
No. A newborn does not need toys during the hospital stay. Your voice, face, touch and closeness provide plenty of stimulation during those first days.
The Owloo approach
Pack the things that make labour, recovery and the first journey home easier.
Leave the rest at home.
One bag. The essentials. And room for the little person you are about to meet.
Written by Tina Krapez, Owloo Co-founder & COO
Tina Krapez is the Co-founder and COO of Owloo, where she helps create thoughtful products and practical resources supporting families from pregnancy through their baby's earliest development.
Sources and further reading
