What should I pack in my hospital bag?

This information is available and taken from Baby Buddy app, verified by experts in our Editorial Board including representatives from Royal College of Midwives, Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health and Royal College of Psychiatrists as well as other key health organisations in the UK. To download Baby Buddy, visit the relevant app store of your choice:

If you are planning to give birth in a hospital or birth centre, you will need a bag of things for yourself and the baby. Even if you are planning a home birth it's a good idea to pack a bag, in case there are complications and you need to transfer to hospital.

When deciding what to take, here are some things to bear in mind:

Hospitals are usually very hot, and labour can also make you feel hot.

Giving birth is a messy business which will definitely involve blood and may also involve sweat, vomit and poo, so don't pick your favourite outfit.

You may stay in the hospital overnight or for more than one night.

Here are some things you might want to pack:

For labour

Some loose and comfortable clothes to wear in labour - something light is best as hospitals can be very warm

Sponge or facecloth to cool you down

Things to help you relax (mp3 player, magazines, books)

Snacks/ drinks for your birth partner

After birth

Phone + charger

Camera

Two large bras (if you are planning to breastfeed, choose breastfeeding bras). Whether you breastfeed or not, your breasts will swell up enormously after birth

24 super absorbent sanitary towels (maternity pads) - you will bleed like having a long heavy period afterwards

Several pairs of old knickers (or you can get disposable ones for this messy time)

Washbag

Towel

Nightclothes - if you are planning to breastfeed, you either need pyjamas so you can pull the top up slightly to feed your baby, or a nightdress that buttons at the front (this style shows more of your breast when you are breastfeeding)

Dressing gown and slippers

Clothes for the baby

Newborn size nappies

Vests and babygros

Outdoor clothes for the baby to go home in

Car seat for the baby if you are going home by taxi or car

To find out more, watch this video:

To see a mum talk through her hospital bag as she packs it, watch this video:

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