Hospital bag checklist: what to pack for labour, birth and baby

A tan canvas bag on a wooden floor beside a white chair — Photo: Erol Ahmed on Unsplash

This is a starting list for the bag you take to hospital to have your baby. It is split by person, because a hospital bag is really three small bags: yours, the baby’s and your birth partner’s. Maternity units differ, so check your own unit’s list and ask your midwife what they supply. Babies don’t always arrive on schedule, and if yours comes early or needs extra care, the team will tell you what to bring.

Pack for the whole family, not just the hospital.
Zipi is a packing list for everyone in your family, a list for each person, built around the trip. Start with this bag, then use it for every trip after.

Build yours in Zipi

Check these first

The things people forget most. Everything else can be bought, borrowed or worked around.

Maternity notes
Birth plan, if you have one
Regular medication
Phone charger with a long lead
Car seat for the journey home
Going-home outfits for you and baby
Snacks and a drinks bottle
Your birth partner’s charger and snacks

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Papers and the first things to grab

Keep these on top, or in a folder you can pick up on the way out of the door.

Maternity notes
Birth plan, if you have one
Phone numbers for your maternity unit and your birth partner
Regular medication, in its original packaging
Phone charger with a long lead

For you: after the birth

Nightwear that opens at the front, if you plan to feed that way
Feeding bras or comfy tops, if you plan to breastfeed
Maternity pads
Spare pants
Toothbrush and toothpaste
Face wipes, deodorant and any toiletries you use
Hairbrush
Going-home outfit, loose and comfortable
Something to read or watch

For the baby

If you plan to bring baby home by car, they need a suitable car seat. Try fitting it in your car before the due date.

Newborn nappies
Cotton wool for the first few days, if your unit prefers it to wipes
A couple of vests and sleepsuits in the smallest size, and a couple in the next size up
Hat and mittens or socks
Blankets and muslins
Going-home outfit
Bottles, teats and ready-made formula, if you plan to formula feed
Car seat, for the journey home if you are going by car

For your birth partner

Change of clothes, and something comfortable to sleep in
Snacks and drinks
Phone charger
Toothbrush and a few toiletries
Coins or a parking app for the car park
Pen and paper, or the list of who to tell
Camera, if you want photos

Easy to get later, so they can wait: Snacks and drinks, Toiletries, Extra nappies and wipes, Magazines or a book.

Tips

Many people pack by around 36 weeks, in case the baby comes early. Your midwife will say what suits you.
Some people find it easier to pack two bags: one for labour, one for afterwards. Keep the labour bag on top.
Units often supply some things, such as sheets, towels or baby clothes. Ask yours, so you pack less.
Put the list somewhere your birth partner can open it too, so one of you can find the car seat or the notes without a call.
When the bag is done, leave it by the door and pack your own daily things last.

Common questions

When should I pack my hospital bag?

Many people have it ready by around 36 weeks, so it is there if the baby arrives early. Your midwife will tell you what suits your situation.

Should I pack one bag or two?

Either works. Some people pack one bag for labour and one for after the baby arrives, so that what they need first is easy to find.

Do I need a car seat to bring my baby home?

If you are taking your baby home by car, they need to travel in a suitable car seat. Check it fits your car before the due date, so it is one less thing to work out afterwards.

What will the hospital provide?

It varies by hospital. Many provide bedding and towels, but not everything. Check your own maternity unit’s list or ask your midwife.

Can I reuse this list?

Yes. Zipi keeps your list per person, so a second baby, or a friend’s first one, starts from what you already know works.

After the hospital: your first trip

Zipi isn’t only for the hospital bag. It makes a packing list for your whole family for any trip: one list for each person, built around where you’re going and the weather, and kept for next time. What you pack now, the nappies, muslins and car seat, is already on the list when you plan the first weekend away, the visit to the grandparents or the first flight.

One list per person, one link for whoever helps.
Send the children’s list to a partner, nanny or grandparent. They tick things off on their phone.

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This is general guidance. Check your airline, destination and your child’s own needs before you travel. Privacy · Terms