What to pack in a hospital bag for your baby (UK checklist)

It’s easy to worry about forgetting something important when packing for labour, especially if it’s your first baby. Having a hospital bag checklist ready in advance can make things feel calmer and less stressful. For your baby, you’ll usually need baby grows, nappies, wipes, a hat, blankets and an outfit for going home. It’s best to pack your hospital bag several weeks before your due date so you are not rushing later.

Quick summary

Packing your hospital bag early can help you feel more prepared and avoid last-minute stress. Most parents find it helpful to keep both baby essentials and their own items together in one easy-to-reach place:

• Pack baby grows in a couple of sizes in case your baby is bigger or smaller than expected
• Include nappies, wipes, a hat and blankets for your baby
• Remember practical items for yourself such as toiletries, maternity pads and snacks
• Keep your phone charger and important medical notes somewhere easy to reach
• Make sure your car seat is ready before your due date

This article is for / not for

This article is for:

• Parents preparing for labour and birth
• First-time parents unsure what to pack
• Families wanting a simple hospital bag checklist
• UK parents looking for practical guidance

This article is not for:

• Detailed medical advice about labour or delivery
• Choosing between different birth options
• Premature birth or NICU-specific packing advice

What to pack in your hospital bag for your baby

When you go into hospital you need to have a hospital bag for your baby ready to take with you. Our guide will help you prepare so you do not forget anything important.

You may want to take clothes that are slightly bigger than you may expect for your baby. When our son was born he was on the larger side at 10 lbs and only one of his baby grows fitted.

Make sure your partner also knows where the hospital bag is and what is packed inside it. That way they can help put it together and quickly find things for you while you are in hospital.

A simple hospital bag checklist for your baby usually includes:

1. Baby grows
2. Hat
3. Several nappies
4. A blanket
5. Baby wipes
6. Tissues
7. Snow suit (if you’re due in winter)
8. Scratch mitts

You may also want to pack an extra muslin cloth or spare outfit in case your stay in hospital is slightly longer than expected.

What to pack in your hospital bag for yourself

While most parents focus on what the baby needs first, it is easy to forget your own comfort items. Even small things can make your hospital stay feel easier and more manageable.

Many parents find it helpful to use soft bags or separate smaller pouches inside their hospital bag so items are easier to find during labour.

Your hospital bag checklist for mum could include:

• Your birth plan
• Maternity medical notes
• Nightgown
• Maternity sanitary pads
• Old disposable knickers
• Toiletries
• Mobile phone and charger
• A change of comfortable loose clothing
• Snacks and drinks
• Lip balm
• Change for parking or vending machines

Do not forget the car seat

On top of preparing your hospital bag, you will also want to make sure you have a car seat ready before your baby arrives. Make sure it is fitted properly and that you know how to use it confidently.

The last thing you want when leaving hospital with your newborn is trying to work out the car seat in the car park.

Some hospitals may ask you to bring the car seat inside before discharge, so it is worth practising with it beforehand.

More Preparing for a Baby guides

You can also read our other Preparing for a Baby guides for practical advice on labour, newborn essentials and getting ready to bring your baby home.

• What you actually need for a newborn (and why less is often better) – reassurance for parents feeling overwhelmed by long newborn shopping lists
• 45 Newborn essentials: with a printable checklist – a more detailed newborn essentials checklist you can work through before birth
• Preparing for a baby, all you need to know – a broader guide covering practical preparation before your baby arrives

For additional UK guidance, the NHS also has advice about what to take into hospital for labour and birth.

What matters most

Your hospital bag does not need to be perfect. Most parents forget something small, and hospitals can usually help with essentials if needed.

Packing early, keeping things simple and focusing on the basics will usually help you feel calmer and more prepared when labour starts.

FAQ