What to Pack in Your Hospital Bag: The Ultimate Guide for New Parents
Packing your hospital bag is one of the most exciting (and slightly nerve-wracking) steps in preparing for your baby’s arrival. Having the essentials at your fingertips can make all the difference in creating a calm, comfortable experience for both you and your little one. No additional stress needed here!
Pros will tell you to have your and your baby’s essentials ready and packed by 37 weeks as baby’s don’t tend to run to a timetable. When packing ensure that items are easy to find – using packing cubes can be helpful so you can group things in pre and post birth order, as well as things for baby and things for you.
Whether you’re a first-time parent or a seasoned pro, this guide will walk you through everything you’ll need, and highlight 10 must-have products from some of the UK’s best-loved brands and small businesses.
Hospital Bag Essentials for Mum
- Comfortable Clothing: Think loose-fitting outfits, breastfeeding-friendly tops, and a lightweight dressing gown. Dark colours are best and take two to three of each as you may not be in and out of hospital quickly.
- Maternity Pads: Postpartum recovery can be messy, so stock up on high-absorbency pads.
- Disposable knickers: See above…
- Maternity/breastfeeding bras: think support and comfort.
- Toiletries: Travel-sized shampoo, body wash, toothpaste, and face wipes for a refreshing touch.
- Snacks and Drinks: Labour is hungry work! Energy bars, isotonic drinks, and quick bites will keep you fuelled.
- Toilet roll: soft tissue for those sensitive areas.
- Device Charger: Preferably a long cable, as plug points can be far from hospital beds.
- Your birth plan: You’ve spent a long time thinking about this, so don’t leave it behind. Save to you and your birth partner’s phone to be sure.
Hospital Bag Essentials for Baby
- Clothing Layers: Bring baby vests, sleepsuits, and a hat (newborns lose heat quickly).
- Nappies and Wipes: A pack of newborn nappies and water-based wipes are must-haves.
- Blanket or Swaddle: Choose soft, breathable fabrics to keep your baby snug.
- Car Seat: Ensure your baby’s car seat is correctly installed before the big day.
- Baby Toiletries: Gentle products, like nappy cream and baby wash, are ideal for delicate skin.
10 Hospital Bag Essentials We Love
Pura Baby Nappies, from £20.25 per box
These biodegradable nappies are kind to your baby’s skin and the planet, making them perfect for eco-conscious parents.
MORI Welcome to our World Set, £70.00
This luxurious bamboo and organic cotton set includes a sleepsuit, bodysuit, hat, and blanket. It’s super soft and hypoallergenic for newborns.
Frugi Organic Muslin Cloths, £15.00 for 2
These versatile muslins are made from organic cotton and are perfect for spills, burping, or a light swaddle.
HotTea The Final Push, £6
A thoughtful blend of raspberry leaf, that has been used for millennia to prepare the body for labour, and whole peppermint leaf to support digestion.
Weleda Nipple Balm, £8.95
Breastfeeding isn’t as easy as it looks and nipples take a hammering so make sure you have some soothing balm which is baby friendly (i.e. doesn’t need to be wiped off before feeding).
Kit & Kin Nappy Cream, £9.99
Hypoallergenic and made from plant-based ingredients, this nappy cream soothes delicate skin and protects against irritation.
Tiba + Marl Etta Changing Clutch Borg Fleece, £45.00
Compact yet stylish, this changing clutch incorporates a padded mat for easy nappy changes on the go.
JoJo Maman Bébé Woven Cellular Blanket, £18.00
Lightweight, breathable, and safe for newborns, this blanket is perfect for layering.
Neal’s Yard Mother’s Balm, £25.00
An organic balm designed to nourish and soothe your skin before and after delivery.
SnüzCloud Sleep Aid, £29.95
This portable sleep aid offers calming sounds and a soft glow to help your newborn settle.
Reusable Bamboo Breast Pads, £6.95 for 6
Each pack includes 6 absorbent, washable pads with a waterproof layer, ensuring discretion and dryness. Comes with a netted wash bag for easy cleaning.
Tiba + Marl Packing Cubes, £48
This 5 piece packing set contains two large spacious zip up cubes, two medium sized zip up cubes, and a handy mesh zip pouch. The mesh tops ensure you can see the contents of each case.
Avery Row Baby Changing Bag with Bag Clips, £75
Made from organic cotton with water-resistant coating this beauty is spacious with lots of pockets and comes with handy buggy clips.
Kaos Weekend Bag, SK2199 (approx £135)
Available in 4 colourways, this rucksack come holdall is surprisingly roomy and made from recycled PET-bottles, details in premium vegan leather.
Hospital Bag Packing Tips
- Separate by Need: Use packing cubes or labeled bags to organise items into categories (e.g. mum, baby, snacks).
- Pack Extras: Bring two outfits for baby in different sizes, as birth weights can vary.
- Think Comfort: Slip-on slippers or flip-flops are great for walking around the hospital.
- Don’t Forget Paperwork: Bring your maternity notes and any necessary ID.
By preparing your hospital bag with care, you can focus on what matters most: welcoming your baby into the world. Don’t forget to double-check your bag in the weeks leading up to your due date, and keep it in an easy-to-grab spot.
For more parenting tips, product reviews, and advice, stay tuned to City Kids Baby. Your journey into parenthood starts here!
