Hospital Bag Checklist: Mom, Baby and Dad

Expectant parents packing a small hospital bag together — Clothes and small pouches gathered in one place for packing.

Pack maternity records and medicines, comfortable clothes and maternity pads, newborn clothes and nappies, and your partner’s essentials.

For the weeks before birth and the first newborn days, work through the mother’s, baby’s and partner’s items together. Start with the hospital’s own list, then use the sections below to sort the bag.

SUMMARY

Ask your maternity unit what you need to bring before buying extra supplies.
Aim to have your bag packed at least 3 weeks before your due date.
Use a rear-facing car seat for your newborn’s first car ride home.

Before buying or packing more

Confirm the required paperwork, baby supplies and visiting arrangements with your hospital.

The timing and quantities here are UK packing suggestions; confirm your own hospital’s requirements.

Pack lightly because hospital storage space is limited, and leave valuables at home.

One practical way to organize the bag is to use a pouch for admission, one for the mother and one for the baby, with the partner’s things in a separate small bag. Put items you want first near the opening.

Maternity document folder and glasses in a bag’s outer pocket — The document folder has its own outer pocket.

For the mother

Think in terms of labour, washing and changing, feeding, and going home.

Packing group	What to bring
Records	Bring your pregnancy records, hospital paperwork and a birth plan if you have one.
Medicines	Bring any prescribed medicines you take.
Clothing	Pack loose clothes for labour, nightwear and 3 changes of comfortable clothing.
Underwear and bras	Allow 5 or 6 pairs of underwear and 2 or 3 comfortable bras as a packing guide.
Feeding access	If you plan to breastfeed, choose front-opening or loose nightwear and include nursing bras.
Pads	Pack 2 packets of highly absorbent maternity or sanitary pads, plus breast pads.
Washing	Bring a toothbrush, toothpaste, lip balm, hairbrush, washcloth and towels.
Footwear	Pack slippers and waterproof sandals for the shower.
Everyday items	Include a refillable water bottle, snacks, your phone and its charger.

Loose nightshirt, underwear, maternity pads and toiletries laid out together — Clothes, pads and washing items grouped before packing.

For the newborn

Wash baby clothes before packing them.

Packing group	What to bring
Clothes	Pack bodysuits, sleepsuits, socks, a cardigan and an outfit for going home.
Changing	Include newborn nappies, cotton wool or baby wipes, and muslin cloths.
Quantity	Ask your hospital how many clothes and nappies to bring for your expected stay.

Hands folding newborn clothes beside nappies and muslin cloths — Clean baby clothes and changing supplies share one packing area.

For the husband or birth partner

Give the partner’s essentials their own space. Walk through where things are together so either person can find them.

For your husband or birth partner, pack a change of clothes, toiletries, phone and charger, snacks, drinks, regular medicines and glasses if needed.

Plan the route and parking, and save the maternity unit’s phone number.

If you have other children or pets, arrange who will care for them while you are away.

Father-to-be packing clothes and toiletries in his own small bag — The partner’s clothes and personal items have a separate bag.

The trip home belongs on the checklist

Your newborn needs a car seat for the drive home.

Choose a car seat suitable for your newborn that fits your vehicle, and practise installing it before birth.

Father-to-be checking an empty infant carrier beside a hospital bag at home — Prepare a rear-facing seat for your newborn’s first car ride home.

Use the back seat and follow both the car-seat manual and vehicle manual for installation.

Never put a rear-facing car seat in front of an active passenger airbag.

Dress your baby in thin layers under a snug harness; if needed, put a blanket over the buckled harness rather than underneath it.

If your baby is premature or very small, ask the hospital team to assess the right seat and travel position before discharge.

Questions before closing the bag

Should I buy formula and bottles for the stay?

Ask your maternity unit which feeding supplies to bring for your planned feeding method.

Does the car seat need to come onto the ward at admission?

You can plan to bring the car seat on discharge day; check the timing with your maternity unit.

What if we forget something?

Your partner or support person can bring items you forgot.