Free family guide · Getting ready for birth

Hospital bag checklist

The NHS suggests packing your hospital bag at least 3 weeks before your due date.[1]

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Sources on this page: NHS; NHTSA

This page shares what health organizations say. It is not medical advice. It is general information. Talk to your doctor, midwife or pediatrician about your own situation.

In an emergency, call 911.

When to pack

The NHS suggests packing your hospital bag at least 3 weeks before your due date.[1] It says only 1 in 20 babies arrive on their due date.[1]

For you

The NHS checklist suggests these things for you:[1]

  • Your birth plan and hospital notes.[1]
  • Loose, comfortable clothes for labor.[1]
  • A robe and slippers or flip-flops.[1]
  • Nightwear, front-opening if you plan to breastfeed.[1]
  • 3 changes of clothes, socks, and 5 or 6 pairs of underwear.[1]
  • 2 or 3 bras, including nursing bras, and breast pads.[1]
  • 2 packs of super-absorbent maternity pads.[1]
  • A wash bag with a toothbrush, lip balm and hand sanitizer.[1]
  • Towels, an eye mask and your own pillows.[1]
  • Snacks, drinks and a water bottle with a straw.[1]
  • Any medicines you take.[1]
  • Your phone, a long charger or battery pack, and spare glasses or lenses.[1]
  • Something to pass the time, and a spare bag for laundry.[1]

For the baby

The NHS checklist suggests these things for the baby:[1]

  • Bodysuits, vests and sleepsuits.[1]
  • A going-home outfit.[1]
  • A hat, scratch mittens and socks or booties.[1]
  • A snowsuit if it is cold.[1]
  • Diapers, and cotton wool or wipes.[1]
  • Muslin squares, and a blanket or shawl.[1]
  • A car seat for the trip home.[1]

NHTSA says babies under 1 should always ride rear-facing.[2]

For your birth partner

The NHS checklist suggests these things for your birth partner:[1]

  • A change of clothes and toiletries.[1]
  • A phone and charger, and a camera.[1]
  • Snacks and drinks.[1]
  • Swimwear if they will join you in a birth pool.[1]
  • Any medicines they take, and spare glasses.[1]

Phone numbers to have ready

The NHS suggests a list with your midwife or hospital number, your hospital reference number, your birth partner, the full address and someone to drive you, because it is not safe to drive yourself.[3]

Questions families ask

When should I pack my hospital bag?

The NHS suggests packing your hospital bag at least 3 weeks before your due date.[1]

What does the baby need in the hospital bag?

The NHS lists bodysuits and sleepsuits, a going-home outfit, a hat and mittens, diapers, wipes, muslins, a blanket and a car seat for the trip home.[1]

Free from UpOnly Learning. Written for families of every faith. No outside ads and no affiliate links. Every fact on this page comes from the sources listed below. How we source and review these pages

Updated 2026-10-24: first published.

Sources

All sources were opened and checked on the date shown.

  1. NHS (United Kingdom). Hospital bag checklist – what to pack for you and your baby. Checked October 24, 2026.
  2. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Car Seats and Booster Seats. Checked October 24, 2026.
  3. NHS (United Kingdom). 33 weeks pregnant guide. Checked October 24, 2026.