Hey lovely Mamas,
I hope you're doing fabulous today! I wanted to share my trusty checklist from when I had my little bubba, and I thought it might come in handy for you too. 😊 It's always nice to have a plan, right?
When packing, I put a few of the same items in both my main bag and the labour/birth bag. However, if you're looking to pack a bit lighter, you could just stick to one bag and have friends or family bring other items if needed. Also, your midwife can usually get a pretty good estimate of your baby's size (mine was spot on!). I ended up getting some smaller sized adorable hand-me-downs just in case, and if you're not keen on buying new clothes that might not even fit, charity shops and Vinted were truly lifesavers for me!
One tip I can't recommend enough is using clear toiletry bags. They're such a game changer, and later on, they are perfect for organising toys. Trust me—having things neatly labeled can make life so much easier (I do love my label maker!). It's also a great idea to go through everything with your partner, since they might be the one rummaging through the bag to find what you need.
Happy packing, and all the best with your soon-to-arrive bundle of joy! 💕
Main Bag
- Loose, comfortable clothes x3
- Nightclothes x2
- Dressing gown
- Full briefs x6
- Maternity/nursing bras x2
- Socks x3 pairs
- Slippers x1 / Flip flops x1
- An old towel - I ended up just using the hospitals as they provided so many. You may find that things can get a little messy after birth, so using the hospital towels can be a practical option. That way you wont need to worry about washing everything when home.
- Garment if using the water pool (crop top or tankini)
- Toiletries (toothpaste, toothbrush, hairbrush, shower gel, shampoo, flannels, hand sanitiser)
- Pack of maternity pads or adult nappies
- Breast pads and/or nipple balm
- Things to relax i.e gadgets and extra long chargers, books or magazines
- Snacks -cereal bars, wholegrain biscuits and crackers, Nuts
- Drinks- lucozade sport orange was the best for me during, and loved the chocolate milk afterwards!
Labour & birth bag
- Your birth plan and hospital notes
- Comfortable loose nightwear x1
- Absorbent maternity pads I used but could also use adult nappies
- Full briefs x2
- Antibacterial spray
- Massage oil
- Heat pack
- Lip & nipple balm
- Hairbands and ties
- Battery operated fan
- Water spray and flannel
- TENs machine if you intend to use one
Baby Bag
- Bodysuit x4 (small/large)
- Baby grow x4 (small/large)
- Baby hat/mitts/socks or booties x1
- Nappies x10
- Cotton wool or water wipes
- Bum balm
- Muslin Cloths x5
- Blanket
- A car seat for the trip home
- Ready made formula & teats (useful for both breast feeding or not)
- Going home outfit- I personally didnt do this but I know a lot of people add this on the list <3
Partner's Bag
- Gadgets and extra long chargers
- Money- change/bank cards
- Jumper or sweatshirt
- Snacks- biscuits, cereal bars, chocolate, rice crackers, banana etc
- Drinks- freezing will keep them cold for longer
- Sandwiches
Snacks
When you're in early labor, it's vital for your birth partner to stay energised too! Encouraging them to take regular snack breaks is a great way to ensure they’re ready to support you every step of the way. You might not want them wandering off in search of food or having to rely on the canteen or vending machines, which can be unpredictable—especially if you’re giving birth in the middle of the night and the canteen is closed.
Being prepared with a variety of snacks on hand means you'll have everything you need, whether you decide to nibble on something yourself or need to keep your support team fuelled and ready to assist you.
Many hospitals provide you with slices of toast following the birth of your baby also
