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Hospitals vary in their policies about what you are allowed to bring with you when you have your baby. You may want to take a few items from home, such as your own pillows, to make the environment more personal. But be aware that hospitals can be short on space.
If you want, pack two bags: one for labour and the hours immediately after your baby is born, and another for a stay on the postnatal ward.
If you're driving to hospital, you could leave the second bag in the car. If you have a straightforward birth, you may leave hospital on the same day (HES 2011) and not need the second bag at all.
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Your hospital bag checklist: what you should pack for labour
- Your birth plan and maternity notes.
- An old nightdress or T-shirt to wear in labour. It will probably get a bit messy, so don't buy anything specially to wear in hospital.
- A dressing gown will be useful if you end up pacing hospital corridors in early labour. You'll probably also want one on the postnatal ward. Hospitals can be very warm, so a lightweight one may be better. A dark colour or a busy pattern will help to hide any stains.
- Backless slippers that are easy to get on and off. Flip-flops work well, too.
- Socks. Believe it or not, your feet can get cold during labour.
- Massage oil or lotion if you would like to be massaged during your labour. You might also like to invest in a massage roller or similar aid, so your birth partner can massage you for longer.
- Birth ball. This can help you to find different positions in labour, and may also help you manage the pain of contractions. Check whether the hospital has the right size for you. If not, take your own. Remember to bring a pump so your birth partner can inflate it for you.
- Snacks and drinks for during and after the birth. Most women are able to eat and drink during labour, and it can help to keep your energy levels up. The hospital will have food and drink available, but you may prefer to pack a few things that you know you like. Choose carb-packed snacks that give slow-release energy to keep you going. Fruit, unsalted nuts, crisps, cereal bars and popcorn are all good options. You may also want some mints or boiled sweets to freshen your mouth. Also pack a few isotonic sports drinks, which are great for giving you a boost when you need it most.
- Things to help you relax or pass the time, such as books, magazines, or a tablet packed with ebooks. You may also want to download some fun and distracting apps on your phone to keep you occupied during early labour.
- Lip balm. Your lips can dry out quickly on a warm labour ward, particularly if you're using gas and air.
- Hairbands or a clip. If you have long hair, you may want it tied up.
- Pillows. The hospital might not have enough to make you really comfortable. A C-shaped pillow can give you extra support when breastfeeding your baby.
- TENS pain relief machine, if you are planning to use one. Some hospitals and birth centres do have them though, so check with yours first.
- Music. Create a playlist of upbeat and/or soothing tracks to distract, calm and inspire you during labour. Amazon Music offers unlimited access to over 90 million songs so you're sure to find all your favourite tunes.
Your hospital bag shopping list
Should I wax or shave?
Is it a good idea to shave or wax your pubic hair before giving birth? Find out in this short video from our midwife.More labour and birth videos
What should my birth partner pack?
- Water spray or a hand-held fan to cool you down while you're in labour.
- Comfortable shoes. They may be pacing the corridors!
- A change of clothes. Your birth partner might not get the chance to have a shower for quite a while!
- Bendy straws to help you to have a drink during labour.
- Swimwear, if they want to join you in a birth pool. Check with the hospital first though, as not all hospitals allow birth partners in the pool.
- Mobile phone and charger. They can use the BabyCentre app to time your contractions. If you're planning to take photos of your newborn on your phone, make sure that you have enough storage available.
- Digital camera or camcorder if you want to take professional quality photos or video of the birth and early moments with your baby.
- Snacks and drinks. You don't want a dehydrated, hungry birth partner looking after you. If they bring some snacks and drinks with them, they can stay with you, rather than leaving the room to search for food!
- Spare change for the car park or vending machines.
Your birth partner’s shopping list
What shall I pack for after the birth?
- A going-home outfit. You'll need loose comfortable clothes to wear while you're in hospital and for the journey home. It will take a while for your tummy to go down, so you'll probably still need your maternity clothes when you get home.
- Handouts about how to get breastfeeding started from your antenatal classes or appointments, if you plan to breastfeed. If you have a contact card for a breastfeeding counsellor or specialist, take that with you too. You could also bookmark our breastfeeding for beginners article, plus these benefits of breastfeeding to help keep you motivated.
- Nursing bras. Bring two or three if you plan to breastfeed.
- Breast pads. You'll need these even if you don't plan to breastfeed, as your breasts will still produce milk after the birth.
- Maternity pads. Bring a couple of packs.
- Nightshirt or T-shirt. Front-opening shirts are useful in the early days of breastfeeding.
- Toiletries. Decant these into smaller bottles, or buy travel versions, to save on space in the postnatal ward. You may prefer to choose unscented versions, so your baby can get used to your natural scent. Include all your regular toiletries, such as shampoo, conditioner, soap or body wash, flannel, toothbrush and toothpaste, deodorant and moisturiser. Face wipes are great for a quick pick-me-up. Also pack your hairbrush and any other accessories you think you might want to get ready for those early pics of you and your baby. The hospital or birth centre will probably have towels. They can be quite threadbare, so you may prefer to bring your own, but it's not something you need to worry about if you're short on space.
- Old or cheap knickers, or disposable knickers. Don't bring your best ones as they will get messy. Big cotton knickers can be useful if you end up having a c-section, as they won't rub your wound.
- Arnica cream. Although there's no conclusive evidence that it works, some women report that arnica cream helps to reduce bruising and helps the healing process. Check with your midwife before using it, and don't apply the cream to broken skin. It's best to avoid arnica tablets, especially if you're breastfeeding, as we can't be sure they're safe to take, and there's no proof they work.
- Eye mask and earplugs, to help you sleep on a brightly lit, noisy ward.
- Cotton wool. Your newborn's skin will be very delicate, so many experts recommend using cotton wool and water for nappy changes at first, rather than baby wipes. If you do choose to use wipes though, opt for ones that are free from alcohol and fragrance.
Your shopping list for after the birth
What should I pack for my baby?
- Two or three sleepsuits and vests.
- Baby blanket
- Disposable nappies or reusable nappies. Your newborn will go through as many as 12 in a day.
- Muslin squaresfor mopping up any milk your baby brings up (possetting). Many parents say these are among the most useful bits of baby gear!
- One pair of socks or soft booties.
- Hat.
- One outfit for the trip home (all-in-one stretchy outfits are easiest).
- Baby car seat. Some hospitals won't let you leave by car without one. In the weeks leading up to the birth, it's a good idea for you or your birth partner to practice fitting the seat in your car, so you'll be able to do it with minimum fuss on the day. It's probably best to leave it in the car until you're ready to leave hospital, as car seats can take up a lot of room.
- Jacket or snowsuit for winter babies (remove before placing your baby in a car seat).
Your baby essentials shopping list
More ways to prepare for your baby's birth
- Check out these 15 ways to get ready for your baby's arrival.
- Have you seen our preparing for birth videos?
- Get the inside scoop by reading what other parents wish they'd known before the big day.
See something you like? Don't forget to add it to your Amazon baby wishlist.