Aug 15, 2025 · 6 min
What to Pack Hospital Bag: UK Guide for Expecting Moms
Wondering what to pack hospital bag? Our UK guide covers essential items for comfort, your baby, and partner to prepare you for the big day.
The hospital bag is the most over-packed bag in the world. NHS midwives will tell you the same thing: most parents bring twice what they need and forget the one thing they wish they had. Here's a sensible UK packing list.
For you, during labour
- Your maternity notes and birth plan
- A loose, dark nightshirt or oversized t-shirt
- Flip flops for the shower
- Lip balm, hair ties, a water bottle with a straw
- Snacks (more than you think - labour is long)
For you, after
Two soft, dark nighties or pyjamas with button fronts (for skin-to-skin and feeding). High-waisted cotton briefs that sit above any incision. A dressing gown. Slippers. Maternity pads - bring more than you think.
For the baby
Three bodysuits in size up-to-one-month, three sleepsuits, a hat, a cardigan, and a soft blanket for the journey home. A car seat fitted into the car before you leave the house.
For your partner
A change of clothes, snacks, a phone charger long enough to reach the bed, and small change for the car park. Hospitals are surprisingly bad at all four.