The Simple Hospital Bag Guide for Expecting Mums
Packing your hospital bag can feel overwhelming. You want to bring everything you might need, but you also do not want to drag a suitcase into the maternity ward. The good news is that a simple, well planned bag can cover all your essentials without stress.
This guide breaks it down into the items you truly need for yourself, your newborn and your partner. Think of it as a calm checklist that fits into one medium sized bag.
Why a Simple Hospital Bag Works Best
Keeping things simple helps you stay organised and reduces stress during labour. A smaller bag is easier to carry, easier for your partner to find things in and easier to keep clean. Hospitals also provide some basics, so you do not need to duplicate everything.
Essentials for Mum
Focus on comfort and recovery. These are the items that most mums actually use.
Clothing and comfort
• 2 nightgowns or loose shirts
• 1 lightweight robe and towel
• Slippers and warm socks
• Nursing bra
• Hair ties and lip balm
Toiletries
• Travel sized shower gel, shampoo and lotion
• Toothbrush and toothpaste
• Deodorant
• Face wipes
Postpartum care basics
• Disposable maternity underwear
• Heavy duty maternity pads
• Perineal comfort tool such as a portable bidet bottle
• Ice pads for swelling relief
• Simple going home outfit
Tip: Pack all toiletries and postpartum items in small pouches so they are easy to grab.
Essentials for Baby
Babies do not need much in the first day or two. Keep it simple and cosy.
• 4 to 6 onesies
• 3 to 4 sleepsuits
• 2 to 3 pairs of socks and mittens
• 1 soft hat
• Going home outfit
• 20 to 25 newborn nappies
• 1 pack of wipes
• Nappy cream
• 3 to 5 muslin cloths
• 2 to 3 bibs
• Formula and bottles only if needed
Tip: Roll baby outfits together so each change is easy to find.
Essentials for Your Partner
A prepared partner can support you better.
• Phone charger
• Snacks and water
• A change of clothes
• Toiletries
• List of important numbers
Items You Do Not Need
Many mums overpack. You can leave these at home.
• Multiple outfits for baby
• Large toiletries
• Excess blankets
• Books and heavy items
• Makeup bags
• Large pads or underwear packs
How to Pack
A simple three pouch method works well.
• Pouch one: Baby items
• Pouch two: Mum toiletries and postpartum care
• Pouch three: Documents, chargers and snacks
Place the going home outfits at the top of the bag so they are easy to reach.
Personal documents for the hospital
1. Birth plan
If you have one, keep a printed copy in the front pocket of your bag.
2. Maternity notes or handheld records
This includes anything given by your midwife during antenatal appointments.
3. ID
• Passport
• or driver’s licence
• or any official photo ID
4. NHS number
Most hospitals can find it, but having it written down helps speed things up.
5. Hospital registration details
Any letters or paperwork from your chosen hospital or birth centre.
6. Insurance or private care documents
Needed only if you are using private maternity care.
7. Emergency contact list
Phone numbers written down in case your partner’s phone runs out of battery.
8. Pregnancy notes for special conditions
For example, gestational diabetes logs or consultant letters.
9. Medication list
A simple list of anything you take regularly
Final Thoughts
Your hospital bag does not need to be perfect. It only needs to be practical. Focus on the essentials that give you comfort and support during labour and early recovery. A simple bag helps you feel prepared without the overwhelm, and it keeps those first hours with your baby peaceful.
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