Guide to Packing your Maternity Hospital Bag for You and Your Baby

I get asked all the time in classes about items new parents should be packing in their hospital bag, so I've decided to write it down to help you get ready!

What to Pack for Yourself

It's really important you are comfortable during your hospital stay and depending on what type of birth you are planning (or didn't plan for ) you may be there usually for at least one overnight and often longer! Here’s a list of must-have items for your hospital bag:

Comfortable Clothing

• Loose, comfortable clothes or pajamas If your planning to breastfeed you'll need a top that opens or lifts easily in the front for easy breastfeeding. If you are having surgery or an epidural you won't be able to wear bottoms so a long top or nightdress might be an idea for while your urinary catheter is still in place.

• A robe and slippers for walking around the hospital and in and out of shared bathrooms.

• Maternity underwear or disposable briefs, high-waisted, full brief, dark coloured. Many experience heavy bleeding after birth no matter what type of delivery you had!

• Something to wear in birth pool This can be a bikini top, a vest, a t-shirt or you don't need to wear anything at all.

• Fresh maternity clothes for going home It is more than likely you will still have a baby bump after you give birth even days/weeks post-birth, so it would be a good idea to still use maternity clothing for your journey home.

  
  

Toiletries and Personal Care

• Toothbrush and toothpaste for you and birth partners

• Hairbrush and hair ties

• Lip balm and moisturiser for face/hands

• Face wipes or face cloths

• Wet toilet wipes (post-birth)

• Maternity pads (post-birth)

• Hand sanitiser

• Deodorant

• Shower gel, shampoo/conditioner - unscented would be better so you don't overwhelm your baby with powerful scents

• Towels one for your body, one for your hair

• Cold compress/ice packs (post-birth)

• Water bottle for drinking Peri-bottle for post birth toileting

• Eye mask

• Ear plugs

• Contact lenses or glasses if you use them

• Any makeup or skincare products you want to feel yourself

• Paracetamol

• Dirty laundry bag for taking clothes home

  
  

Documents and Electronics

• Your birth plan if you have one

• Birth notes if you have them (in Glasgow you have the Badger App)

• Phone and chargers (consider a long cable for hospital beds)

• Ipads / devices with TV shows/films/podcasts etc

• Handheld fan battery/chargeable to keep cool

• Headphones / ear budds

  
  

Birth Partner bag

• Snacks and drinks

• A water bottle with a straw for easy sipping

• Glucose sachets / electrolytes / Vit C tablets

• Change of clothes

• Lightweight shorts/t-shirts for labour wards

• Swimwear if entering birthpool

• Books, magazines, or a tablet for entertainment during downtime

  
  

What to Pack for Your Baby

The hospital will provide some basics, but lots prefer to bring their your own items. Please note if you are planning to formula feed or are unsure if you will need formula while in hospital there are no accessible kitchen facilities for making or sterlizing bottles. The hospital will provide you with pre-made formula in bottles that are free to use, just ask staff.

Clothing and Blankets

• 3 vests and 3 onesies or sleepsuits in newborn, first size or small baby sizes

• A hat for immediately after birth to help your baby regulate their temperature

• Soft socks or booties

• A going-home outfit that is weather-appropriate

• A cardigan or jumper for leaving the hospital

• 2/3 cellular blankets and a heavier, thick blanket if it’s cold for going outside

  
  

Nappy Changing

• Disposable nappies size 0 or 1 (the hospital usually provides these, but having a few extras helps)

• Cotton wool balls/pads (unscented and gentle)

• Plant based oil for baby skin

• Small changing mat

  
  

Other Baby Items

• A car seat iif you are taking a car ride home

• Car seat rain cover to protect from wind, rain and chill

• A dummy / pacifier if you plan to use one

• Name card for photos

• Soft baby hair brush in case they have hair

• Nail clippers / emery board for sharp baby nails

  
  

Tips for Packing Your Maternity Bag

Pack Early

I'd recommend packing your hospital bag by the start of the third trimester. You never know when you might have a trip to maternity assessment, so it's best to be prepared with a basic go-bag at least for unexpected hospital stays. Packing early will give you time to add last-minute items and reduces stress as your due date approaches.

Use Separate Bags or Compartments

I would recommend packing several smaller bags so it it easier to carry and move around the hospital. You might be carrying your hospital bag yourself, so avoid overpacking. Stick to essentials and remember the hospital provides many supplies. Also, top tip, if you are planning to labour it might be a good idea to get your birth partner to pack the bag so they can easily find items when you are labouring!

You can bring things from home to make your space more relaxing

Lots of people like to bring battery fairy lights, their own pillows, scented items, their own birth ball even! Remember it is so importnant you feel comfortable and aas relaxed as you can be when having your baby so any items that can help do this bring with you!

Check Hospital Policies

Some hospitals have specific rules about birth partners staying overnight or outside visiting hours. Check ahead to avoid disappointment.