Hospital Bag Checklist | Newborn & Mum Essentials Guide

Hospital Bag Checklist for Baby’s Arrival

Getting ready for your baby’s arrival is an exciting time, and packing your hospital bag early can help you feel prepared for those first precious moments.

Our hospital bag checklist highlights the newborn essentials worth having ready, including soft baby blankets, swaddle blankets, comfort items and practical baby must-haves.

Prepare for the big day with confidence and make sure you have everything needed for those first cuddles.

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Mother smiling and holding newborn baby wrapped in matching soft white robes, showcasing the cozy comfort of the 'Mummy' Robe perfect for hospital bag essentials.
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‘Mummy’ Robe – Soft Cotton Maternity & Postpartum Dressing Gown
£35.00
Maternity to Breastfeeding Dress Maternity Dress Something a bit Different Black Small
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Maternity to Breastfeeding Dress
£10.00 £35.00 Sale
Luxury Ivory Breastfeeding Bra variable Something a bit Different
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Luxury Ivory Breastfeeding Bra
£10.00 £34.99 Sale
Breastfeeding Top Cami in Black Satin CARI
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Breastfeeding Top Cami in Black Satin
£65.00
Black
MINICAMP U-Shaped Body Pillow With Organic Cover in White | Kapok or PES Filling Nursing pillow minicamp
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MINICAMP U-Shaped Body Pillow With Organic Cover in White | Kapok or PES Filling
From £129.99
Breastfeeding Sweatshirt Rose CARI
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Breastfeeding Sweatshirt Rose
£65.00
Rose
Kimono-Style Maternity & Breastfeeding Dress Maternity Dress CARI
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Kimono-Style Maternity & Breastfeeding Dress
£140.00
Green
Graou Breastfeeding T.Shirt Something a bit Different Small
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Graou Breastfeeding T.Shirt
£20.00 £52.00 Sale
White & Black Pinstripes Shirred Trousers Maternity Trousers CARI
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White & Black Pinstripes Shirred Trousers
£90.00
Striped
Ochre Stripes Shirred Trousers Maternity Trousers CARI
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Ochre Stripes Shirred Trousers
£90.00
Ochre
MINICAMP Full Body Maternity Pillow With Organic Floral Print Cover minicamp
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MINICAMP Full Body Maternity Pillow With Organic Floral Print Cover
£69.99
MINICAMP Full Body Maternity and Lumbar Pillow With Organic Cover minicamp
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MINICAMP Full Body Maternity and Lumbar Pillow With Organic Cover
£69.99
Ivory Dotty A-Line Dress Maternity Dress CARI
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Ivory Dotty A-Line Dress
£170.00
Cropped Organic Cotton White T-Shirt for Pregnancy Maternity Tops CARI
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Cropped Organic Cotton White T-Shirt for Pregnancy
£40.00
Black Maxi Trapeze Dress Maternity Dress CARI
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Black Maxi Trapeze Dress
£165.00
Black
Black & White Polka Dot A-Line Dress Maternity Dress CARI
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Black & White Polka Dot A-Line Dress
£170.00
Black
Black & Silver Shimmer Dress Maternity Dress CARI
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Black & Silver Shimmer Dress
£75.00
Black
Bamboo Reusable Wipes Modern Cloth Nappies
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Bamboo Reusable Wipes
£7.95
Soft muslin swaddle blanket with lemon print from Norishor, ideal for baby swaddling and comfortable sleep.
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Baby Blanket - Muslin Swaddle - Lemons
£25.00
Norishor muslin swaddle blanket in jasmine rose, soft and breathable for baby cuddling and comfortable swaddling.
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Baby Blanket - Muslin Swaddle - Jasmine Rose
£25.00

Hospital Bag Checklist for Mum

Important Documents

Hospital notes and maternity records

Birth plan

Photo identification

Health insurance information (if applicable)

Emergency contact information

Labour Essentials


Comfortable nightwear

Dressing gown or robe

Slippers

Non-slip socks

Lip balm

Hair ties

Water bottle

Phone and charger

Snacks approved by your healthcare provider

Massage oil or comfort items
Post-Birth Recovery Items

Maternity pads

Nursing bras

Breast pads

Comfortable underwear

Loose clothing for discharge

Toiletries

Toothbrush and toothpaste

Shampoo and conditioner

Face wipes
Hospital Bag Essentials for Baby
Clothing

Newborn bodysuits

Sleepsuits

Socks

Hats

Mittens (optional)

Going-home outfit
Feeding Supplies

Bottles if required

Formula if advised

Muslin cloths

Bibs
Nappy Changing

Newborn nappies

Baby wipes

Nappy cream
Comfort Items

Baby blanket

Swaddle blankets

Car seat for discharge
Hospital Bag Checklist for Birth Partners
Essential Items

Phone charger

Change of clothes

Toiletries

Snacks and drinks

Camera

Entertainment

List of important contacts

Cash or payment cards

Comfortable footwear

When Should You Pack Your Hospital Bag?

Most healthcare professionals recommend having your hospital bag packed between 32 and 36 weeks of pregnancy. This ensures you're prepared in case labour starts earlier than expected.
Hospital Bag Packing Tips
Pack in Separate Sections
Use labelled pouches or packing cubes for:

Labour items

Recovery supplies

Baby essentials

Partner essentials

Keep Important Documents Accessible

Store maternity notes, birth plans, and identification in an easily reachable pocket.

Include Extra Clothing

Labour and recovery can be unpredictable, so pack spare outfits for both mum and baby.
Common Hospital Bag Mistakes

Overpacking

Many parents bring items they never use. Focus on comfort and essentials.

Forgetting Chargers

Phones are often used for communication, updates, and photographs during labour.

Packing Too Late

Having a bag ready before 36 weeks can reduce stress if labour begins unexpectedly.

Not Installing the Car Seat

Ensure your baby's car seat is fitted and ready before your due date.