Birthing Hospital Bag Checklist

This article has been written and medically approved by Pharmacist Conor McSorley GPhC Reg No. 2223070

The big day is fast approaching and soon enough you will be rushing to hospital in labour, so make sure you give yourself a head start by preparing your hospital bag in good time. Our handy list below gives you a quick checklist for the essentials for your baby (and a few luxuries for you) to get you ready for hospital.

Essentials for you

• Medical notes and birth plans (if you have one)
• Travel wash bag
  • Mini Toothbrush and toothpaste
  • Mini deodorant
  • Mini shampoo
  • Mini shower gel
  • Lip balm
  • Face flannel
  • Hair clips
• Maternity pads
• Disposable maternity briefs
• Breast pads
• Hairbrush
• Change bag
• Nightie or t-shirt for labour
• Chill out kit for the early stages including books, magazines, music or podcasts
• Phone and charger
• TENS Machine and batteries (if you want to use one)
• Any medication you are taking

Luxuries for you

• Your pillow
• Cooling face spray
• Room spray
• Headphones
• Eye mask
• Ear plugs
• Slippers and dressing gown

Essentials for your baby

• Outfits
  • Baby Vests (new-born – 3 months) preferably cotton
  • Sleepsuits (new-born – 3 months)
  • Soft baby hat
  • Pair of baby socks
  • Pair of scratch mitts
  • Baby blanket
  • Bibs
  • Baby towel
  • Coming home outfit
• Changing essentials
  • Cotton wool balls or pads
  • New-born-size nappies
  • Nappy sacks
• Feeding kit
  • Muslin squares
  • Breast pads
  • Breastfeeding pillow
  • Nipple cream
  • Maternity bra