You may be wondering what to pack in hospital bag for birth. Packing this all-important bag doesn’t need to be overwhelming or expensive. This checklist is here to guide you, not pressure you. You don’t need to have everything perfectly planned or bought in advance - most things can be kept simple, borrowed, or picked up later if needed. Shops are usually close by, and your partner or a loved one can always pop out to grab anything you forgot. Focus on the essentials, trust that you’ll figure the rest out as you go, and remember: you don’t have to do this perfectly to be a wonderful mom and have a positive birth experience.
For Mom
1. Birth plan
2. Any birth prep/aid stuff you need – I take my whole pregnancy pillow so I can sleep nicely in early labour, along with my ball (they only have the smaller ones in hospital and I am tall) – you can also pack your birthing comb, wheat bag for warm compress etc.
3. Document Folder
4. Pack of nappies
5. 6 Carriwell pads
6. 6 Lilets Maternity pads (I usually use these two types of pads together) in case I don’t like the adult nappies (which I’m trying for the first time)
7. 2 pairs of PJs that are breastfeeding friendly – doesn’t have to be button up (although helpful), as long as you can lift your top above your boobs and it doesn’t slide down onto baby’s face (like a vest)
8. 6 pairs of big stretchy undies (2 sizes up) from Pick n Pay Clothing (my personal fav)
9. 1 set of clothes to go home in (usually a loose dress)
10. Light gown (summer) / warm gown (winter)
11. Slippers
12. Favourite Snacks (for labour and afterwards – I like the Jungle Oats bars and some gummy sweets)
13. Phone charger, 2-prong plug with long charger cable
14. Battery fan for labour and the ward (they don’t like the aircons on when baby is rooming with you or the other moms in your room)
15. 3 feeding bras – love my crisscross ones from Amazon UK (I also labour in these) - you can order similar ones off of Temu but if you want to support local, try Momsy or these from Woolies.
16. Bath Towel (not white)
17. Face Cloth (not white)
18. Toiletries
19. Nipple cream (I like Lansinoh)
20. Minimal make-up (Mascara and Eyebrow Pencil are my go-tos)
21. 1 set of reusable breast pads (my favourite are the Little Weasel ones & 2 sets of disposable ones)
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For Baby
1. Many hospitals offer baby bags filled with essentials like nappies, wipes, cream but I recommend calling ahead to check – if you have preferences on brands etc. just pack your own stuff!
2. Pack of nappies (size 0, Huggies Extra Care are my go-to for newborn)
3. Wipes (at this newborn stage Epimax is my favourite)
4. Bum cream (Sudocrem mom here)
5. 2 Linen Savers (although they generally have at the hospital)
6. 1 dummy although I hope I won’t need it (Nuk all the way)
7. 2 Receiving Blankets (light ones for summer and fluffy for winter)
8. 1 burp cloth as milk probably won’t come in fully until you leave (typically takes 3 days) – I love using the PEP cloth diaper towels for burp cloths.
9. 6 outfits for baby (a bit overkill but rather be prepared). 2 longs, 2 short leg and long sleeves, 2 short shorts (for summer, for winter, all long longs and some shorter ones to wear under long longs for extra warmth)
10. Baby Nail File. Love this one from Takealot, doesn’t have to be expensive to be effective (their nails are so soft) or you can take baby mittens to put on baby to avoid them scratching their little face (they often comes out with sharp little nails) so that you only have to worry about trimming when you get home.
11. 2 pairs of baby socks (their little feet can get cold, even in summer)
12. 1 baby hat (they regulate their temperature from their head)
There are many lists available online so feel free to supplement the above – this is my list prepared after one vaginal birth with a one-night stay. Each delivery is different and support needed can differ. C-section mamas generally stay 3 nights and vaginal delivery 1-2 nights. If baby is preterm or in need of some extra care he/she will stay longer in the hospital – remember your birth partner can pop home and get extra goodies if you need. Also, unless you’re in the middle of nowhere, shops are always nearby.
It’s always best to visit the hospital/birthing centre beforehand to ask them what you should/shouldn’t bring along so you feel prepared and that its tailored to your birth. Hopefully this list provides a good base and some trusted recommendations from an existing mama.
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