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Newborn hospital bag

Three bags, because they get opened at different times and by different people. Pack it at 36 weeks and tell whoever is driving where it lives.

38 items

Makes your own editable copy. No account needed.

The items

  1. Documents
  2. ID and hospital notes
  3. Birth plan, if you wrote one
  4. Insurance or health card
  5. Phone numbers on paperIn case the phone dies at the wrong moment.
  6. For labour
  7. Something loose and dark to wear
  8. Flip-flops for the shower
  9. Hair tie
  10. Lip balmGas and air dries your mouth out completely.
  11. Water bottle with a straw
  12. Snacks for both of you
  13. Music and headphones
  14. Long phone charging cableTwo metres. The socket is never close.
  15. For after
  16. Two or three nighties or loose tops that open at the front
  17. Dark, high, comfortable knickers — more than seems reasonable
  18. Maternity pads
  19. Nursing bra and pads
  20. Dressing gown and slippers
  21. Toiletries and a towel
  22. Going-home clothesThe ones that fitted at six months, not before.
  23. For the baby
  24. Nappies×12
  25. Vests and sleepsuits×3
  26. Hat, scratch mitts, socks
  27. Muslin cloths×4
  28. Cotton wool or water wipes
  29. Blanket
  30. Going-home outfit, weather-appropriate
  31. For the birth partner
  32. Change of clothes and a toothbrush
  33. Coins and a card for the car park and machines
  34. Their own snacksIt can be a very long night with nothing open.
  35. Pillow
  36. In the car, not the bag
  37. Car seat, already fitted and checkedPractise the straps before the day. It is fiddly, and you will be tired.
  38. Fuel in the tank

Makes your own editable copy. No account needed.

Questions people ask

When should the hospital bag be packed?
By 36 weeks. Not because it is likely to be needed then, but because packing it calmly in advance is much nicer than packing it during labour.
What is actually needed for the baby?
Less than you think: nappies, a couple of vests and sleepsuits, a hat, a blanket, and a car seat you have already fitted. The hospital has the rest.
What do people wish they had brought?
A long phone cable, snacks, a water bottle with a straw, and something to read. Wards are hot, boring, and short of sockets near the bed.