HOSPITAL BAG CHECKLIST PRINTABLE PDF UK (2024)

ByLuci McQuitty HindmarshLast updated:

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Grab my free hospital bag checklist printable PDF to plan and pack everything you need in your birth go-bag. The printable checklist is broken down into categories:

  • Mum-to-be during labour
  • Mum-to-be post labour
  • Newborn baby
  • Dad/birthing partner
  • Notes section

GRAB YOUR FREE COPY OF MY HOSPITAL BAG CHECKLIST PDF

Please go ahead and grab a free copy of my hospital bag checklist PDF. Then print it out and use it as a planner to get together everything you need to take to the hospital, ready for when you go into labour to give birth to your baby. Simply click on the link or the image to download.

Download your free hospital bag checklist pdf

WHAT WEEK DO YOU PACK YOUR HOSPITAL BAG?

Try to pack your hospital bag packed and ready for when you are between 32 and 35 weeks pregnant. This means you can relax during the last weeks of your pregnancy, safe in the knowledge that you can simply grab your hospital bag and go if your baby comes early.

WHAT TO PACK IN YOUR HOSPITAL BAG

It’s important to strike a balance between having everything you need and packing too much. The last thing you want once you are in the hospital is having to wade through a tonne of stuff to find the things you need.

If this is your first baby you will find my guide to packing a hospital bag really useful. I talk you through the things you actually need to take to the hospital for yourself and your newborn and why you need them.

I also include a list of things that you can absolutely leave out of your hospital bag, important stuff to know!

Pop over and read my Hospital Bag Essentials: AKA The Things You Actually Need For You And Your Newborn Baby

If you use my hospital bag checklist you can go to the hospital feeling confident that you have everything you need to get yourself and your baby comfortably through labour, birth and the time you spend in hospital after the birth.

Here’s a list of all the items on my hospital bag checklist PDF:

MUM-TO-BE: DURING LABOUR

  • Sleepwear / loungewear x 2 sets
  • Robe
  • Dark socks x 2 pairs
  • Flip flops or pool shoes
  • Earplugs
  • Face wash
  • Shower gel
  • Moisturiser
  • Toothbrush
  • Toothpaste
  • Deodorant
  • Antibacterial hand gel and wipes
  • Refillable water bottle with straw
  • Hair clips/bands
  • Lip balm
  • Birthing ball (optional)
  • Phone charger
  • Non-perishable snacks

MUM-TO-BE: POST-LABOUR

  • Maternity pads
  • Postpartum panties
  • Sleep nursing bra
  • Nursing pads
  • Nipple cream
  • Your own pillow in a non-white pillowcase
  • Peri bottle
  • Peri spray

NEWBORN BABY

  • Diapers
  • Diaper cream
  • Baby wipes
  • Sleepsuits x 3
  • Going home outfit
  • Baby blanket
  • Formula

DAD/BIRTHING PARTNER

  • Healthy non-perishable snacks
  • Pillow and blanket
  • Reading material/Kindle
  • Toothbrush
  • Toothpaste
  • Face wash
  • Phone charger
  • Infant car seat

I really hope you find the checklist useful and that it helps you have everything you need to hand when you give birth to your baby.

If you are in full-on baby-prep mode you might also like to read my guide to things to put on your Newborn Essentials Shopping List, which has a free printable checklist and a google sheets shopping and budget tracker and my Complete Guide to Baby Registries, which includes a full rundown of the best baby registries and everything you need to know about baby registry etiquette and what to add to your baby registry.

You might also like to read my post on how to write a birth plan, it’s full of useful information on every aspect of giving birth and how to decide what you want as part of your birthing plan.

READ NEXT:

  • STEP BY STEP GUIDE TO WRITING A BIRTH PLAN
  • FIRST TRIMESTER PREGNANCY TIPS
  • 5 FIRST TRIMESTER PREGNANCY MUST-HAVES
  • WHAT TO PUT IN A MORNING SICKNESS SURVIVAL KIT
  • 30 NATURAL REMEDIES FOR MORNING SICKNESS
  • WHAT TO PUT IN A FIRST TRIMESTER CARE PACKAGE
  • HOSPITAL BAG ESSENTIALS CHECKLIST: AKA THE THINGS YOU ACTUALLY NEED FOR YOU AND YOUR NEWBORN BABY
  • FREE HOSPITAL BAG CHECKLIST PDF PRINTABLE
  • COPING WITH POLYHYDRAMNIOS
  • THE ULTIMATE BABY REGISTRY CHECKLIST AND BEST REGISTRIES GUIDE
  • NEWBORN BABY ESSENTIALS CHECKLIST LIST. PLUS FREE PRINTABLE CHECKLIST

Hospital bag checklist PDF printable for planning and preparing a hospital bag for mums-to-be, newborn babies and dad/birthing partner.

CHECKLIST FOR HOSPITAL BAG

MUM-TO-BE: DURING LABOUR

  • Sleepwear / loungewear x 2 sets
  • Robe
  • Dark socks x 2 pairs
  • Flip flops or pool shoes
  • Earplugs
  • Face wash
  • Shower gel
  • Moisturiser
  • Toothbrush
  • Toothpaste
  • Deodorant
  • Antibacterial hand gel and wipes
  • Refillable water bottle with straw
  • Hair clips/bands
  • Lip balm
  • Birthing ball (optional)
  • Phone charger
  • Non-perishable snacks

MUM-TO-BE: POST-LABOUR

  • Maternity pads
  • Postpartum panties
  • Sleep nursing bra
  • Nursing pads
  • Nipple cream
  • Your own pillow in a non-white pillowcase
  • Peri bottle
  • Peri spray

NEWBORN BABY

  • Diapers
  • Diaper cream
  • Baby wipes
  • Sleepsuits x 3
  • Going home outfit
  • Baby blanket
  • Formula

DAD/BIRTHING PARTNER

  • Healthy non-perishable snacks
  • Pillow and blanket
  • Reading material/Kindle
  • Toothbrush
  • Toothpaste
  • Face wash
  • Phone charger
  • Infant car seat

HOSPITAL BAG CHECKLIST PRINTABLE PDF UK (2)

Luci McQuitty Hindmarsh

Hello, I’m Luci, founder of Mums Make Lists. I get a buzz out of sharing tried and tested tips, ideas, systems and tools that help mothers stay ahead of the game with daily family life. If motherhood is the beating heart of Mums Make Lists, organisation is its backbone. Read more.

HOSPITAL BAG CHECKLIST PRINTABLE PDF UK (2024)

FAQs

What's in my hospital bag in the UK? ›

2 packets of super-absorbent sanitary or maternity pads. your wash bag – with toothpaste, toothbrush, hairbrush, flannel, soap, lip balm, deodorant, hair bands, hand sanitiser, body lotion and anything else you need. an eye mask may help you sleep on the brightly lit ward. towels.

Do I need a towel in my hospital bag UK? ›

Towels - 1 bath and 1 hand recommended. Food (particularly snacks for partner). iPod or MP3 player (it is your responsibility to keep this safe). Water spray and lip balm.

How many pairs of clothes do you need for a hospital bag? ›

Usually, you'll only need to bring one outfit for your baby – a coming-home outfit to wear for the trip home. Most hospitals provide a newborn hat, long-sleeved shirts, and swaddling blankets for your baby to wear during your stay. Wear something comfortable to the hospital, such as maternity leggings and a loose top.

What are the must haves in my hospital bag? ›

You'll want your hairbrush, regular or dry shampoo, toothbrush and toothpaste, deodorant, lip balm, body lotion, extra hair ties and face wipes (Babylist parents recommend these in case you're not up to showering right away). Remember extra contact lenses (plus contact lens solution) and/or glasses, if you wear them.

What toiletries do I need in my hospital bag? ›

your washbag with a toothbrush, hairbrush, flannel, soap, lip balm, deodorant, hair ties and other toiletries. towels. things to help you pass the time and relax – for example, books, magazines, music or podcasts.

Why do you need a dark towel in a hospital bag? ›

An old dark-coloured towel (remember that you will bleed after birth, so this will not show the stains) A change of clothes to go home in. 2-3 x comfortable and supportive maternity/nursing bras, but leave one out for your post-birth bag. 5 x pairs of large dark-coloured cotton pants.

Should I pack shampoo in my hospital bag? ›

Your Own Toiletries

The hospital will supply basic toiletries, although bringing your personal shampoo and soap from home can be a source of familiarity and comfort for new moms. Consider putting the following into your bag: Toothpaste. Toothbrush.

Should I pack a robe in my hospital bag? ›

Robe. A robe is a must-have for your hospital bag checklist.

Do you wear a bra during labor? ›

Studies suggest giving birth is the equivalent to running a marathon in terms of energy output, (and can actually result in similar injuries, but let's not go there right now!) so it makes sense to wear a bra and/or clothing fit for exertion and perspiration.

How many pajamas to pack in a hospital bag? ›

 Soft cotton clothing is best against new baby's skin. If you are having a Caesarean Section birth I would pack 4 nightdresses or pyjamas for yourself & 8 vests and baby grows for your baby, as your stay in hospital is usually longer. for few weeks after having a baby. I hope this helps!

How far in advance should you pack a hospital bag? ›

When Should You Pack Your Hospital Bag? You should have your hospital bag ready to go between weeks 32 and 35 of your pregnancy, in case your baby comes a bit earlier than expected. A good time to start the packing process is around the 28 week mark, or at the start of your 3rd trimester.

How many maternity pads do I need? ›

Most new mums will bleed for up to 6 weeks after giving birth so Maternity Pads with wings for extra protection are recommended throughout this period. Maternity Pads will require changing as needed, or every 4 hours, so it's likely you'll need around 250 maternity pads over this period.

What to wear in labor? ›

Something cool and loose to wear during labour such as a cotton nighty or a large t-shirt, including something to wear in the birthing pool (the hospital can provide a gown if you would prefer this) Dressing gown, slippers and nightwear. Support bra to wear while breastfeeding.

What does the hospital give you after birth in the UK? ›

You'll be offered an injection of vitamin K for your baby. This helps prevent a rare bleeding disorder called haemorrhagic disease of the newborn. Your midwife should have discussed the injection with you while you were pregnant.

What to wear giving birth in the UK? ›

Something cool and loose to wear during labour such as a cotton nighty or a large t-shirt, including something to wear in the birthing pool (the hospital can provide a gown if you would prefer this) Dressing gown, slippers and nightwear. Support bra to wear while breastfeeding.

Do hospitals provide formula for newborns in the UK? ›

The majority of NHS Trusts don't supply formula milk for well babies during their hospital stay, however they may have emergency supplies if there is a medical reason for giving your baby formula milk.

How many breast pads to take to hospital in NHS? ›

3 changes of loose, comfortable clothes. 2 or 3 comfortable and supportive bras, including nursing bras if you're planning to breastfeed – remember, your breasts will be much larger than usual. Breast pads. 2 packets of super-absorbent sanitary or maternity pads.

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