Hospital Bag Checklist for Mom and Baby
The hospital bag is the most over-thought and most re-packed item in late pregnancy.
Mostly because people are packing for a hypothetical stay rather than the one that is most likely: a short one, then home.
This list is taken directly from the NHS hospital bag checklist, split into what you need, what your baby needs, and what a partner should bring — with room to add your own.
Quick answer
When should I pack my hospital bag, and what goes in it?
Pack your hospital bag by around week 36. Include ID and hospital notes, comfortable clothes, toiletries, maternity pads, snacks, chargers, baby clothes, and an installed car seat. Keep the bag by the door and separate essentials for mom, baby, and partner.
Key takeaways
- Pack about three weeks before your due date, and keep it by the door.
- Split it: for mom, for baby, for your partner.
- Install the car seat before you go, not on the day.
- You are packing for a short stay — leave the rest at home.
When to pack
NHS national guidance suggests getting it packed at least three weeks ahead of your due date. Many NHS trusts say around 36 weeks. Pack earlier than that if your clinician advises it, if you are expecting twins, or if you have a longer journey to hospital.
Keep it by the door and tell everyone in the house it is packed and where. The single most common late-pregnancy problem is not a missing item; it is a bag nobody knew was ready.
For mom
- ID, insurance card, and hospital notes
- Birth-preferences worksheet and your birth plan
- Loose, comfortable clothing for labor
- Dressing gown and slippers or flip-flops
- Front-opening nightwear if breastfeeding
- 2–3 comfortable outfits for going home
- Socks and comfortable underwear
- Maternity pads
- Nursing bras and breast pads if breastfeeding
- Toiletries and lip balm
- Phone, long charger, and power bank
- Snacks, water bottle, and electrolyte drinks
- Any regular medications
The NHS hospital bag checklist also suggests towels, an eye mask for a brightly lit ward, a fan or water spray to cool down, your own pillow, spare glasses, a spare bag for washing, and something to pass the time with. Treat those as optional extras rather than requirements.
For baby
- Newborn diapers and wipes
- Bodysuits and sleepsuits
- Hat, socks, or booties
- Going-home outfit
- Blanket or shawl
- Car seat installed before departure
NHS guidance for your baby adds muslin squares, scratch mittens, and a snowsuit if the weather is cold. The car seat matters: have it fitted before you go, not on the day.
For partner or support person
- ID and insurance details
- Phone charger
- Snacks and drinks
- Comfortable clothes
- Cash or card for parking
- Camera or phone
- Change of clothes
NHS guidance for the birth partner also suggests a toothbrush, toothpaste and deodorant, and swimwear if there is a chance of a birth pool.
What to leave out
You are normally only in for a few hours to a couple of days. Most hospitals have nappies, toiletries and basic supplies. If you forget something, someone can bring it in from home — so pack for comfort, not for a fortnight.
Sources
- Hospital bag checklist — what to pack for you and your babyNHS Best Start in Life
In your hospital bag, make sure to pack: your birth plan and hospital notes, loose, comfortable clothing to wear during labour, dressing gown and slippers or flip flops, nightwear – front-opening or loose-fitting if you're going to breastfeed, 3 changes of comfortable clothes, socks, 5 or 6 pairs of knickers, 2 or 3 comfortable bras including nursing bras, breast pads, 2 packets of super-absorbent sanitary or maternity pads, your wash bag, towels, healthy snacks, drinks and a water bottle, any medicines you're taking, phone and phone charger.
https://www.nhs.uk/best-start-in-life/pregnancy/preparing-for-labour-and-birth/hospital-bag-checklist/Link checked 2026-10-15 - Hospital bag checklist — what to pack for your babyNHS Best Start in Life
For your baby, remember to take: bodysuits, vests and sleepsuits, an outfit for going home in, a hat, scratch mittens, socks or booties, snowsuit if the weather is cold, nappies, cotton wool or wipes, muslin squares, car seat for the trip home, a blanket or shawl.
https://www.nhs.uk/best-start-in-life/pregnancy/preparing-for-labour-and-birth/hospital-bag-checklist/Link checked 2026-10-15 - Hospital bag checklist — suggestions for your birth partnerNHS Best Start in Life
A few suggestions for your birth partner: a change of clothes, toothbrush, toothpaste and deodorant, phone and charger, camera or camcorder, snacks and drinks, and spare change for the car park.
https://www.nhs.uk/best-start-in-life/pregnancy/preparing-for-labour-and-birth/hospital-bag-checklist/Link checked 2026-10-15 - Hospital bag checklist — when to packNHS Best Start in Life
Babies do things in their own time, and only 1 in 20 will arrive on their due date. It might be a good idea to get your hospital bag packed at least 3 weeks ahead of the due date, so that you're all ready to go if your baby decides to make an early appearance.
https://www.nhs.uk/best-start-in-life/pregnancy/preparing-for-labour-and-birth/hospital-bag-checklist/Link checked 2026-10-15