🧳 Hospital bag checklist

📋 Paperwork & ID

• IDs or passports for both of you
• Health insurance card and policy details
• Pregnancy medical file (ultrasounds, blood tests, blood type card)
• Birth registration paperwork or legal paternity documents
• A pen and a small notepad

💛 Mum's hospital bag

• A bath towel
• Her toiletry bag
• Nursing bras (aim for one size up from late pregnancy)
• Comfortable, loose clothing
• Loose-fitting pyjamas or nightdresses
• Slip-on shoes (slides, flip-flops, or slippers)
• Phone charger
• A small nightlight or warm fairy lights

👶 Baby's bag

Pre-wash everything (clothes, muslins...) before packing. Nappies, formula if needed, and basic care items are usually provided by the maternity unit.

• 5 sleepsuits / babygrows
• 5 bodysuits / vests
• Baby sleeping bags / sleep sacks (pack 2, just in case)
• Woollen cardigans or knit sweaters
• Soft newborn beanies
• Socks or booties (2 pairs)
• Baby bath towel or hooded towel
• Bibs
• Muslin cloths / burp cloths
• Baby bath thermometer
• Soft baby hairbrush
• Emery boards / cardboard nail files (baby nails are like tiny razor blades)
• Warm going-home outfit (snowsuit or cosy fleece for winter)
• An approved, rear-facing car seat (already installed or ready to click in)

🏥 Delivery room bag (keep this separate)

• Mum: facial water mist spray
• Mum: water bottle or clear, non-fizzy energy drink
• Mum: portable Bluetooth speaker and her birth playlist (check hospital rules)
• Mum: nursing/pregnancy pillow if she wants her own
• Baby: 1 bodysuit, 1 knit cardigan, 1 sleepsuit, 1 beanie, socks, 1 baby sleeping bag

⚡ Your survival kit

Labour can take hours, and the maternity ward won't cater to you. Be your own hero.

• An extra-long 2-metre charging cable (the wall socket is always miles away)
• A fully charged power bank
• Spare change or coins for the coffee vending machine
• Snacks and protein/cereal bars (hospital cafeterias close early)
• A reusable water bottle
• A fresh change of T-shirt
• A cosy hoodie (delivery rooms can get freezing with AC)
• Headphones or earbuds