The Hospital Bag Checklist That Won't Send You Spiralling

Somewhere around 32 weeks, someone will ask you: "Have you packed your hospital bag yet?"

And if you're anything like the rest of us, you'll nod politely while mentally adding it to the list of things you haven't done yet. Then you'll open a browser tab. Then you'll find 47 conflicting checklists, half of which suggest things you'll use once (or never), and the other half of which send you down a rabbit hole of gadgets you didn't know existed.

So here you go. The list we wish we'd had. Broken down clearly, no overwhelm, just the essentials for you, your baby, and those first hours after birth. Screenshot it, save it, send it to your group chat.

Pack it, zip it, put it by the door. You've got this.

When Should You Pack It?

Aim for around 34 to 36 weeks. Earlier if you're expecting multiples or have been told your pregnancy is higher risk. You want it done before you're too tired to think straight, because by week 39, that's exactly where you'll be.

One thing worth doing first: check what your hospital actually provides. Some have nappies and wipes sorted, others don't. Knowing in advance saves you packing things you don't need and forgetting things you do.

For Labour 

This is your in-the-room bag. Keep it at the top, keep it accessible. You do not want to be rooting around a suitcase during active labour.

Water bottle: Hydration is non-negotiable. Get one with a straw. You will absolutely thank yourself.

Snacks for labour: Your body is doing extraordinary work. Depending on your birth plan you might be restricted to light snacks, but pack them anyway. Energy bars, dried fruit, something easy to eat between contractions.

Phone and charger: Essential. Also worth throwing in a portable battery pack because hospital plug sockets are never where you need them.

TENS machine: If you're planning to use one, do not forget it. The hospital won't have one and honestly they're genuinely brilliant in early labour.

Dressing gown: Comfort, coverage, and something to throw on when you're shuffling around the ward at 3am. A soft, open-front style is the easiest.

Hair ties: Simple. But the number of women who give birth without one is surprisingly high. Pack three.

Slippers and flip-flops: Slippers for the room, flip-flops for the shower. Both. Non-negotiable.

Travel pillow: Hospital pillows are functional, not comfortable. Your own makes a real difference, especially if labour is long. Just pick a pillowcase you don't mind getting messy.

Headphones: Your playlist, your podcast, your hypnobirthing tracks. A birthing suite has a lot of background noise. Headphones give you your own little world.

Lip Service Lip Balm This one is on the list for a reason. Between gas and air, controlled breathing, and the dryness of hospital air, your lips will absolutely take a hit. Our Lip Service Lip Balm is small enough to tuck into any pocket and you will reach for it way more than you'd expect. It earns its weight every single time.

One Hot Mama Revitalising Spray Labour is warm work. A cooling, refreshing face mist when you're deep in it is one of those small comforts that lands so much bigger than it sounds. Our One Hot Mama Revitalising Spray does exactly what it says. Spray it on yourself, get your birth partner to spray it on you, just keep it within reach.

Music playlist: Curate it in advance, download it offline, and save yourself the stress of trying to find the right song at exactly the wrong moment.

For Baby 

You've probably already bought the babygrows. Here's what actually needs to make it into the bag.

Baby wipes: Even if the hospital provides some, bring your own. You will get through more than you think.

Nappies: Check what your hospital provides. If they don't have them, bring a small pack of newborn size. You won't need a full box.

Swaddles: Two or three muslin swaddles. Light, multi-use, and genuinely calming for a new baby.

Vests: The all-important first layer. Pack two or three in newborn and 0 to 3 month sizes. You genuinely won't know which size your baby will be until they arrive.

Zippy jumpsuits: Buttons are a lovely idea in theory. In practice, at 3am, with a crying newborn and zero fine motor skills, a zip is everything. Pack zip-up sleepsuits. Trust us on this one.

Muslin cloths: For feeding, burping, wiping, covering, mopping. Muslins do approximately everything. Pack at least four.

Burp cloths: Thicker and more absorbent than muslins. Worth having a couple of.

Socks: Tiny socks disappear at an alarming rate. Pack more than you think you need.

2 to 3 outfits: Including a going-home outfit if you'd like one. Don't go overboard. Hospital stays are rarely long enough to need a full wardrobe.

After Birth 

This is the section most checklists completely underserve. The labour is over, your baby is here, and your body needs care too. Here's what you actually need for the hours and days that follow.

Nursing bra: Even if you're not sure about breastfeeding yet, a soft, supportive nursing bra is worth packing. Comfort first, always.

Breastfeeding tops: Button-down or clip-down styles. Easy access without fully undressing, which matters a lot in a ward environment.

Large maternity pads: Postpartum bleeding is heavier than most people expect. Pack more than you think you'll need. The hospital will have some but having your own is really reassuring.

Large comfy underwear: This is not the time for your nice knickers. Go big, go soft, go stretchy. High-waisted if you've had a C-section so nothing sits on your scar.

Nipple cream: Whether you breastfeed or not, your nipples will need some support in those first days. Worth having from the start.

Earplugs and eye mask: Maternity wards are not quiet. Between other babies, night feeds, and general ward activity, any sleep you can get is precious. An eye mask and earplugs make it slightly more possible.

Peri bottle (vaginal birth): If you've had a vaginal birth, a peri bottle makes going to the loo significantly more comfortable in those first hours and days. Some hospitals provide them, so worth checking ahead.

Wash bag: A toiletries bag with everything you need to feel a bit more human. Travel size basics, your cleanser, whatever makes you feel like you. 

And Stretch…Stretch mark cream Once you've had that first post-birth shower (honestly one of life's greatest moments), smooth on our And Stretch... Stretch Mark Cream while your skin is still warm. Packed with 99% naturally derived ingredients, it gets straight to work on your skin's elasticity. Because your body has certainly earned a little love.

Snacks (again): Post-birth hunger is very real and hospital kitchens have closing times. Pack something substantial and easy to eat one-handed for after too.

Hands Up Hand Cream: Your hands will be washed more times in those first 24 hours than in any normal week. Sanitiser, hospital soap, constant handwashing. Your skin will feel it. Our Hands Up Hand Cream is rich enough to actually work, fast-absorbing enough not to leave residue, and small enough to sit on your bedside table. A small thing. A genuinely lovely one.

Something comfy to wear home: You won't fit your pre-pregnancy clothes yet and that is completely normal and fine. Pack something loose, soft, and comfortable that you're happy to be seen in. High-waisted joggers, a soft dress, whatever works for you.

The Golden Rules of Hospital Bag Packing

• Pack for three sections, not one bag.  Labour, baby, and after birth all have very different needs. Use a bag with clear compartments or three separate bags labelled clearly. Your birth partner will be so grateful.

• Less is almost always more.  You can have things brought in. You can't easily send things home. Be ruthless with your edit.

• Pack it and then leave it.  Once it's done, resist the urge to unpack and repack. It's ready. You're ready.

• Pack the small comforts.  The practical stuff is obvious. It's the Lip Service, the cooling spray, the hand cream, the small things that make you feel looked after in a clinical environment, that women always say they're glad they had.

Your Checklist to Screenshot and Save

Whatever birth looks like for you, planned or unplanned, fast or slow, exactly as you imagined or nothing like it, having a bag that's genuinely ready means one less thing on your mind when it matters most.

We made Bloom and Blossom for moments exactly like this. For the labour room, the ward, the first shower after birth, and everything in between.

For every stretch, every swell, every moment she needs it. You've got this, mama.