Packing your hospital bag can be one of the moments in your pregnancy when it suddenly all becomes real. It can finally hit that the thing jabbing you from the inside is your baby and soon will be time for you both to meet. Birth can feel daunting, but many Mums-to-be find that getting aspects such as their hospital bag sorted can really help with feeling in control. It’s something they can actively do and feeling organised can help lessen the nerves.
If you are in this position, you might be wanting to pack your hospital bag, but be at a total loss for where to start. As well as things for the baby, you need a hospital bag for Mum, complete with everything you’ll need in labour. Not to fear, we’ve got a host of tips from hospital organiser bags to snacks for your hospital bag and everything in between.
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Hospital Bag for Mum – Where to start
When it comes to packing the hospital bag for Mum and baby, you need to first think about the bag you want to take. Some people prefer a holdall, some a backpack and others like the convenience of a travel suitcase. The choice is entirely up to you. You might want to bring two bags – a hospital bag for Mum and a hospital bag for baby. The most important thing is to consider what makes you happiest. Some of our top hospital bags include:
Flintronic Travel Bag
This duffel bag from Flintronic is the ideal hospital bag for Mum. Complete with a host of handy pockets it’s a great hospital bag organiser to keep all your things nearly separated. With a shoulder strap, cross-body strap or two-handle carry, it’s versatile depending on your preference and it looks stylish too!
Price: £18.99
Buy here
Lekesky Overnight Bag
This hospital bag from Lekesky is the perfect choice when you’re looking for something practical but stylish that you’ll want to continue to use when the baby is here. The bag has a unique top opening meaning you can easily rummage inside. It also has several pockets and multiple carry straps for ease. Wear-resistant, tear resistant and water resistant it’s great for storing all of your hospital essentials.
Price: £23.79
Buy here
Antler Clifton Cabin In Taupe
If you’re after a stylish suitcase that’s well-made, sturdy and lightweight, this is a fantastic choice. Hand-finished with care it is scratch-resistant and measures 55.1 x 40.2 x 20cm meaning there’s plenty of space for all your things. It has a lock to keep your items secure as well as handy zip sections to the interior.
Price: £159
Buy here
Regatta Paladen Carry-On Convertible
The Regatta Paladen convertible case is a soft-top suitcase with wheels and an ideal hospital bag for mums. It features ripstop fabric and a pull handle and can also convert into a messenger bag with a pack-away shoulder strap. Lockable zips make it easy to keep your things secure while you’re in labour.
Price: RRP £90 (currently on sale for £44.95)
Buy here
What to pack!
What to pack in your hospital bag for Mum
These are the things you will want to pack in your hospital bag for Mum:
- Your birth plan and any notes for the hospital
- Something comfortable and non-restrictive to wear during your labour. This shouldn’t be too hot or tight
- Button-fastening nightdresses – easy to breastfeed and comfortable to wear
- Hospital bag organisers
- A dressing gown
- An extra-long charging cable for your phone
- Isotonic drinks to keep your energy up
- A birth ball
- An eye mask to help you sleep
- Any accessories you want for your baby’s first photos
- A few different changes of clothes in case you need to stay in the hospital after birth
- 2-3 bras (including nursing bras if you are breastfeeding)
- Breast pads to pop in your bra for any leaks
- Maternity pads
- A few pairs of comfortable knickers
- An overnight washbag with a toothbrush, toothpaste and deodorant as well as any other toiletries you might want
- A hairbrush and hairbands
- A birthing comb – this can be squeezed during labour and some say it can help with contraction pain
- Things to keep you entertained while you are in labour and after the baby is here, such as books and magazines
- A perineal bottle in case you are sore down below
- A fan to keep you cool
- Healthy snacks to keep your energy up such as cereal bars or breakfast biscuits
- Any medications you are already taking
What to pack in your hospital bag for baby
- Bodysuits, vests and sleepsuits
- A going home outfit
- A hat
- Scratch mittens
- Socks (multiple pairs)
- A pack of nappies
- Two baby blankets
- A muslin
- Baby bibs
- A car seat
When should you pack your hospital bag for Mum and baby?
When you pack your hospital bag is entirely up to you and how organised you want to be. If your pregnancy is progressing as it should be, it’s generally said you should pack your hospital bag at least three weeks before your due date. Some people prefer to get it packed sooner than this just to be on the safe side, it’s up to you. It can be worth just putting things in a bag gradually and sorting it out nearer to your due date. Once your bag is packed, keep it easily accessible at all times, so you can just grab it and go when the time comes!
What to wear for your going-home outfit
The time of year you give birth could influence this a little, but the main thing you want to keep in mind is comfort. Your going-home outfit is one of the most important things to go in your hospital bag for Mum and you want to choose it carefully. We recommend a soft pair of trousers with an elasticated waist or leggings, with a breastfeeding-friendly top or jumper. If you’ve given birth in the summer, you might want a loose, flowing dress. Whatever you choose make sure it’s nothing that’s too clingy or tight.
Hospital bag organiser – how to separate your items
There are many hospital bag organiser ideas out there. If you look on places such as Etsy you can buy pre-made hospital bag organiser pouches, or you can buy zip lock pouches and write on these yourself. How you separate your items is up to you. You could put everything in the list into separate bags, or you could have an “in labour” bag, “after labour” and “if you need to stay in” bag. Have a think about what will be easier for you. In the meantime, check out these hospital bag organiser pouches here!
Final tips for your hospital bag for Mum
Try not to overpack – it can be tempting to bring everything but the kitchen sink with you, but you won’t need or use all the items. Instead, have a carefully curated list and stick to it. Why not speak to people you know who’ve given birth? They should be able to give you some handy pointers! Remember that labour is a unique and personal time for you and you should do what you can to make yourself feel as comfortable as possible. Do you have any tips for mums who are soon to go into labour? Let us know what you have in your hospital bag for Mums in the comments below.
