Everything you'll actually use, and nothing you won't. Aim to have your bag packed by about 36 weeks, and keep it by the door or in the car.
Every hospital and birthing unit is a little different, so check with your midwife or LMC what yours provides. Most give you meals, and some supply nappies and pads for your stay.
For you: labour
- Maternity notes and birth plan, if you have one
- Your midwife or LMC's phone number
- Any medications you take
- A comfy old t-shirt or nightie (front-opening if you plan to breastfeed)
- Warm socks or slippers and a cardigan, as many people feel cold in labour
- Hair ties and lip balm
- Snacks and a drink bottle with a straw
- Phone, a long charging cable and a power bank
- Something to help you relax: music, headphones, massage oil
- Your own pillow, if you'd like it
For you: after the birth
- Two or three loose, comfy outfits, including one to go home in
- Two maternity or nursing bras
- Several pairs of big, comfortable underwear (or disposable ones)
- Heavy-duty maternity pads, at least two packs
- Breast pads and nipple cream
- Toiletries: toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, shampoo, face wash, moisturiser
- A towel and flip-flops for the shower
- Glasses or contact lenses
- An eye mask and earplugs for sleeping on a busy ward
For baby
- Three or four singlets
- Three or four stretch-and-grows or sleepsuits
- A cardigan or two
- A hat, mittens and booties
- A wrap or swaddle, and a warm blanket for the trip home
- Newborn nappies and wipes (check whether your hospital supplies them)
- A going-home outfit
- A car seat: by law, your baby must travel home in an approved car seat. Fit it in the car and practise using it before your due date.
For your partner or support person
- A change of top and a warm layer
- Toiletries and any medications
- Snacks and drinks
- Phone charger and power bank
- A list of who to call or message with the news
- Something to pass the time
- A card or phone wallet for hospital parking and the vending machine
Handy extras
- A small bag for dirty laundry
- Pouches or packing cubes, so each person's things are easy to find
- A notebook and pen for feed times and questions for your midwife
- A going-home bag for flowers, cards and gifts
Packing tips
- Pack in layers: labour things on top, after-birth things below, baby's things in their own pouch.
- Keep documents and your phone charger in an outside pocket so they're easy to grab.
- Tell your partner where everything is, so they can find things for you.
Need a bag to put it all in? See our maternity bags.