Hospital bag checklist: tips for new parents

During the third trimester your due date is getting closer and closer. Now it’s time to start thinking about packing your hospital bag so that you are ready for the special day. To make sure you don't forget anything, you'll find a handy hospital bag checklist in this article. This will help you to be well prepared, even if your baby arrives earlier than expected.

What should you pack in your hospital bag?

It is best to pack your hospital bag four to six weeks before your due date, for example, between the 34th and 36th week of pregnancy. If you keep the packed bag within easy reach such as near your front door, you can quickly grab your bag and make your way to the hospital. This is a good idea in case your baby is born earlier than planned. By packing your hospital bag in advance you can avoid feeling stressed at the last minute.

What should you bring to the hospital when giving birth?

You will need comfortable clothes for giving birth, important personal items and any necessary documents. Below we have listed various recommendations that have proven to be useful for a hospital bag.

The required documentation can vary from country to country, therefore, make sure to check in advance what exactly you will need. Your hospital bag checklist should have any things on it that you think you will need for your stay in hospital. Ideally, you should have everything you need to make your stay and giving birth as comfortable as possible.

We have listed the most important points in the following checklist, which will help you to feel prepared. You can print it out and tick off any things you have already packed:

Everything you will need: hospital bag checklist

Required documents

• Maternity record

• If you and your partner are married, you will need your marriage certificate

• If you and your partner are not married: birth certificate of both parents, acknowledgement of paternity/custody declaration (if available)

• Identity cards of both parents

• Health insurance card

• Birthplan, if necessary

• 1 - 2 comfortable and loose-fitting tops and jumpers or cardigans

• 1 – 2 pairs of joggers or leggings

• Dressing gown

• A pair of warm socks

• A pair of slippers

• Pillows

• If required, a glasses case or a case for your contact lenses

Warm socks and a cosy cardigan or jumper are recommended, as it is quite normal to feel cold whilst giving birth. Cold feet can even inhibit labour, so make sure you stay as warm as possible.

Hospital bag essentials for any mum-to-be

The time between each contraction gives you a minute to relax and recover. Everything that helps you feel good needs to be put into your hospital bag:

• Your favourite book, playlists or magazines

• Snacks or refreshments for a little pick-me-up, for example, cereal bars

What you will need for your stay in hospital

The length of your stay in hospital after giving birth can vary. Outpatients who didn’t have any complications during or after giving birth may be able to return home the same day. After having a caesarean, you may need to stay in hospital for a bit longer. On average most women stay in hospital for around three to four days after giving birth.

You should pack the following toiletries and items of clothing in your hospital bag for your stay in hospital after giving birth:

• A toiletry bag with all your necessary toiletries:

  • Toothbrush and toothpaste

  • Shower gel and shampoo

  • Hair comb

  • Deodorant

  • Body lotion or body oil

  • Lip balm

  • Bobbles

• Comfortable, feel-good clothing: joggers, trousers with a high, stretchy waistband and loose-fitting tops or nursing tops

• 4 comfortable, loose-fitting nightdresses that you can button up

• 2 nursing bras and nursing pads

• 1 large pack of strong sanitary pads

• 4 pairs of disposable or incontinence underwear

• 4 pairs of socks or knee highs

• Dressing gown

• Towels and facecloth

Hospital bag checklist for a caesarean

If you are going to have a caesarean, you will need a couple more sets of spare clothes as your stay in hospital will usually be a bit longer. You should make sure that both your underwear and your clothes are loose-fitting and that the stretchy, loose waistband reaches above your bellybutton. This way, nothing will dig into your caesarean wound. Breathable and soft cotton clothing is highly recommended for this.

• 2 body suits

• 2 tops

• 1 pair of long cotton knickers

• 2 pairs of socks

• A hat for indoors and possibly a warmer hat and coat for the journey home

• 10 bibs

• 2 to 3 newborn size 1 nappies for the day of your discharge

Depending on the time of year, you can dress your baby in a romper and/or wrap them in a blanket for the journey home. If you are travelling by car or taxi, you will need to think about a suitable car seat or infant carrier. If you don't live far from the hospital and you are already well enough, you can also walk home with a pushchair, baby carrier or a sling.

Conclusion: get prepared by making a hospital bag checklist

It is advisable to pack your hospital bag a few weeks before your due date. This will help you to be prepared in case you give birth earlier than planned. You can use lists for your hospital bag to make sure that you don't forget anything important. However, if your baby is born earlier than expected, the hospital will provide most of the things you will need for yourself and your newborn baby. By packing in advance you can feel prepared and avoid any last-minute stress.

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The image sources in this text are in chronological order:

Cover photo: iStock.com/SeventyFour
1. – 3. Image in text: iStock.com/SeventyFour