The Only Hospital Bag Checklist You’ll Need (For Mum, Baby, And Dad)

Giving birth soon? Here is the only hospital bag checklist you’ll need for yourself, baby, and dad (from a second-time mum!)

I don’t know about you, but I am 100% an overpacker. I always feel like I need to bring everything “just in case”… but when it comes to your hospital bag for delivery, you really don’t need as much as you think.

This hospital bag checklist for mom and baby is exactly what you need to keep things simple and stress-free. I’ve put together a realistic hospital bag checklist with all the hospital bag essentials you and your baby will actually use – no overpacking, no unnecessary extras.

Of course, everyone’s different. There are a few things I didn’t include in this maternity hospital bag checklist, like a labour comb or a TENS machine, because while they’re must-haves for some people, they’re not for everyone. This list is created by a second-time mum (yes, me 👀), so it covers everything I genuinely found useful — and you can always add anything extra you feel like you’ll need.

I’ve also included a free hospital bag checklist printable that you can download, whether you want a physical copy or something saved on your phone for easy access.

If you’re wondering when to pack your pregnancy hospital bag, I highly recommend having everything ready by 35 weeks. Anything can happen from 36 weeks onwards – I had my second baby at 37 weeks and 5 days, and although we were mostly packed, there were still a few last-minute bits to sort. Trust me, having your hospital bag checklist for labour fully ticked off early will save you so much stress and help you avoid forgetting anything important.

I hope this helps you feel prepared and a little more relaxed, whether it’s your first baby or not.

This post is all about the ultimate hospital bag checklist!

Don’t forget to save this hospital bag checklist pin to come back to later!

Ultimate Hospital Bag Checklist

Hospital Bag Checklist For Mum

Important Documents:

• Maternity notes/ Maternity book
• Birth plan (if you have one)
• Pen
• Emergency contact numbers written down (just in case your phone dies)

For Labour:

• Nightdress to labour in (unless you prefer the hospital gown)
• Portable fan – honestly a game changer because you get so hot during labour Fan charger – charge it beforehand, but bring the charger just in case
• Water bottle – I took my Hydrojug and loved it because it has a straw (makes drinking so much easier) and keeps your water cold
• Lucozade or coconut water – great for electrolytes and a quick energy boost
• Sliders/sandals – easy to slip on for walking around your room
• Snacks – I personally couldn’t eat during labour (and a lot of women can’t), but it’s still worth bringing a few just in case or for straight after because you will be so hungry

After Birth:

• Towel
• Pyjamas (2) – I recommend soft, button-down nightdresses that are breastfeeding-friendly. I got mine from Amazon years ago and still use them – they’re honestly the best after giving birth
• Blanket – hospital rooms can feel really cold
• Bathroom sandals – for the shower (trust me, you don’t want to be barefoot)

Toiletries & Care:

• Skincare (face wash, toner, moisturiser, oil, lip balm) – your skin and lips get so dry after birth
• Deodorant (I recommend a natural deodrant with no harsh chemicals espeically as your hormones will be all over the place as it is! My favourite is Fussy – use my code: MARIAM15 to get 15% off your order!)
• Shampoo & body wash (travel-size bottles are easiest)
• Body sponge
• Toothbrush & toothpaste
• Hairbrush & hair ties

Postpartum Essentials:

• Nipple cream
• Nipple pads
• Peri bottle
• Maternity pads (2 packs)
• Disposable underwear – I didn’t use these with my first but WOW, they were a game changer second time round (I used the Frida Mom ones and they were so good!)
• Belly binder – I recommend the Momcozy one, it’s the softest and most comfortable I’ve tried
• “Spritz for bits” spray (soothing and really helpful postpartum)

Clothing & Extras:

• Going home outfit
• Underwear (2–3 pairs) and bras (2–3)
• Compression socks (especially if you experience swelling)
• Warm socks + a pair for going home
• Antibacterial wipes
• Tissues
• Small bag for dirty clothes

Baby Hospital Bag Checklist

• Cotton wool balls – for gently cleaning baby’s bum
• Nappies
• Packet of wipes
• Sleepsuits (6 total – 3 newborn & 3 in 0–3 months)
• Vests (6 total – 3 newborn & 3 in 0–3 months)
• 2 Hats
• Car seat (installed and ready to go!)
• Baby blanket
• Muslin cloths (2)
• Going home outfit
• Nappy bags

Extras I personally recommend:

• Coconut oil – I used this instead of nappy cream because I wanted something natural that would keep baby’s skin moisturised without any harsh ingredients
• Ready-made formula – even if you’re planning to breastfeed, I highly recommend packing at least one just in case. I didn’t with my second and really regretted it. My baby developed jaundice, and we had to stay an extra night in the hospital so I could mix feed and help bring his levels back to normal. Having it on hand can make things so much easier
• Swaddles (2) – great for helping baby feel secure and sleep better

Hospital Bag Checklist For Dad

• Bank card / cash
• Phone chargers
• Change of clothes (at least 1–2 outfits)
• Sliders or comfortable shoes
• Socks
• Snacks (dad needs as much energy as possible to help you through labour!)
• Water bottle
• Toiletries (toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant) – especially if you end up staying overnight
• Hoodie or jumper – hospitals can get cold
• Pillow – sounds extra, but makes a huge difference if you’re staying
• Small blanket – again, for comfort if you’re there overnight
• Entertainment (headphones, iPad, downloaded shows) – there can be a lot of waiting around
• List of important contacts (just in case)

Free Hospital Bag Checklist Printable

This post was all about the ultimate hospital bag checklist!

Don’t forget to save this pin on Pinterest to come back to later!

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