Packing your hospital bag

Highest priority

0 / 12

Documents IDs, birth certificates, marriage certificate, health insurance card Clothes for the birth Layers. A sports bra or swimsuit top for the pool. A gown that opens at the front, if you like. Warm socks You may get cold after the birth. Comfortable clothes for after Loose, and ideally easy for breastfeeding. Baby’s going-home outfit Layers and a hat. Car seat If you’re going home by car or taxi. Comfort bits Lip balm, hair ties, earplugs, eye mask. Flip-flops For the bathroom and shower, and after. Postpartum pads For the bleeding after birth (lochia). Unscented is best. Breastfeeding care Breast pads, silverettes, lanolin cream. A few baby diapers Your medicines

Nice to have

0 / 7

Phone charger With a long cable. Bluetooth speaker Set it up before the birth! A playlist, hypnobirthing or breathing tracks. Snacks and electrolytes Whatever gives you energy: the hospital may not always have food. Nuts, cereal bars, dried fruit. Water bottle with a straw Things that feel like home What helps you relax? Family photos, affirmations, your own pillow. Plastic bag for wet clothes Peri bottle An old, clean soap bottle works. Rinsing is gentler than wiping while you’re tender.

For your partner

0 / 4

Clothes that can get wet Swim shorts, in case you use the pool. A comfy change of clothes A button-down shirt For skin-to-skin with the baby. Their own snacks Staff may not offer food to partners, and they need energy too!

Highest priority

0 / 13

Documents IDs, birth certificates, marriage certificate, health insurance card Warm socks You may get cold after the birth. Loose, comfortable clothes High-waisted bottoms, easy for breastfeeding. You’ll be roughly the size you were at 6 months. A gown that opens at the front, if you like. Slip-on shoes Nothing you need to bend down for. Baby’s going-home outfit Layers and a hat. Car seat If you’re going home by car or taxi. Comfort bits Lip balm, hair ties, earplugs, eye mask. Flip-flops For the bathroom and shower. Postpartum pads Unscented is best. The hospital gives you some too. Breastfeeding care Breast pads, silverettes, lanolin cream. A few baby diapers For going home. The hospital has some too. Your medicines Water bottle with a straw Much easier while you’re lying down.

Nice to have

0 / 7

Colostrum you’ve collected In a small, labelled cooler bag. Talk to your midwife or doctor before you start expressing. Breastfeeding pillow Keeps the baby off your scar. Phone charger With a long cable: you’ll be in bed more. Bluetooth speaker Set it up before the birth! A playlist, hypnobirthing or breathing tracks. Chewing gum or peppermint tea To get your digestion going again. Snacks Whatever gives you energy. You’ll be hungry! Things that feel like home Family photos, your own pillow.

For your partner

0 / 3

A comfy change of clothes A button-down shirt For skin-to-skin with the baby. Their own snacks Staff may not offer food to partners.