The Short Answer
Pack your hospital bag by week 36 of pregnancy (earlier if you're expecting multiples or have a high-risk pregnancy). The essentials include: labour comfort items, postpartum care for mum, newborn clothing and nappies, and documents. Most stays last 1–3 days for a vaginal birth and 3–4 days for a caesarean section.
When to Pack
- Twins or multiples: Pack by week 32–34
- Single pregnancy (low risk): Pack by week 36–37
- High-risk pregnancy: Follow your provider's recommendation
For Labour and Birth (Mum)
Comfort and Labour
- Birth plan (printed copies — one for bag, one for staff)
- Lip balm (breathing during labour dries lips quickly)
- Hair ties or headband
- Comfortable, non-slip socks (hospitals are cold)
- Massage oil or lotion if your birth partner will massage
- Portable fan or cool spray for heat management
- Snacks for early labour (energy bars, fruit, nuts)
- Water bottle with a straw (easier to drink during contractions)
- Headphones and a playlist or podcast for early labour distraction
Clothing
- Loose, comfortable nightgown or old T-shirt for labour (you will likely not want to keep it)
- Dressing gown / robe (for walking the ward)
- Slippers or flip-flops (for the floor and shower)
- Going-home outfit (loose, comfortable — post-birth, you will still have a bump)
Postpartum Care
- Maternity pads (pack at least 10–15; the hospital may provide some but not always enough)
- Disposable underwear or old knickers (several pairs — high-waisted for comfort)
- Breast pads (bleeding nipples and milk leaking begin soon after birth)
- Nipple cream (lanolin-based; useful from the first latch)
- Toiletries: shampoo, shower gel, toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant
- Towel (hospitals often provide these, but having your own is more comfortable)
- Peri bottle (for gentle cleaning after a vaginal birth)
- Stool softener or mild laxative (ask your midwife; first bowel movement after birth can be difficult)
Electronics
- Phone charger
- Camera or fully charged phone
- Portable battery pack
Documents and Admin
- Maternity notes / antenatal records
- Photo ID
- Insurance card or health card (if applicable)
- Birth plan
- Partner's contact details written down (in case your phone dies)
For the Birth Partner
- Change of clothes and toiletries (if staying overnight)
- Snacks and meals (partners rarely leave the room once labour begins)
- Phone charger
- Something to do during early labour (book, headphones)
- Cash or card for the hospital café or vending machine
- Comfortable shoes (you may be on your feet for hours)
For Baby
Clothing
- 2–3 baby grows / sleepsuits (size newborn and 0–3 months — newborns can be bigger than expected)
- 2–3 vests / bodysuits
- Scratch mittens and socks
- Baby hat (hospitals are often warm but newborns lose heat rapidly)
- Going-home outfit
Feeding
- Formula and bottles if not planning to breastfeed (check what the hospital provides)
- Breast pump if prescribed or advised by your midwife
Nappies and Hygiene
- Nappies (newborn size — pack at least 10–15 for the stay)
- Nappy cream
- Cotton pads and water or sensitive baby wipes
- Swaddle blanket or muslin squares
Car Seat
- Your installed car seat must be in the car before you leave for the hospital — you will not be allowed to leave without one.
What Not to Pack
- Jewellery or valuables
- Too much baby clothing (you likely won't change them often)
- Full-size toiletries (space is limited)
- Your entire wardrobe
Packing Tip: Use Three Bags
- Labour bag — snacks, birth plan, labour comfort items, lip balm, socks
- Recovery bag — postpartum pads, underwear, toiletries, going-home outfit
- Baby bag — nappies, clothing, swaddle
This makes it easier to grab what you need without unpacking everything during active labour.