Packing the hospital bag for delivery

Welcoming a new baby is a beautiful and life-changing experience. As your due date approaches, preparing your hospital bag can help you feel more confident, calm, and ready for the journey ahead. Whether you're a first-time parent or adding to your growing family, having the right essentials on hand can make your hospital stay more comfortable and focused on what truly matters: meeting your baby.

This article offers a practical and thoughtful guide to packing your hospital bag for birth. You'll learn when to start preparing, what essentials to include for yourself, your baby, and suggestions for what your birth partner might want to pack for themselves. From comfort items to practical necessities, this checklist helps everyone feel ready and confident for the big moment, whether you're preparing early or just getting started.

What to pack: Hospital essentials for you, baby, and partner

For you (the birthing parent)

Important documents: ID, birth plan (if you have one).
Comfortable clothing: A loose-fitting nightgown or pyjamas and indoor shoes. Choose items that are soft and easy to move in.
Comfortable underwear and nursing bra: Don’t forget nursing pads.
Maternity pads: Hospitals usually provide some, but you may prefer your own brand.
Toiletries: Toothbrush, toothpaste, hairbrush, hair tie, lip balm, deodorant and other hygiene products you need.
- Our Gentle Cleansing & Moisturizing Cream is a true multipurpose miracle, perfect for cleansing and hydrating both face and body. When packing for the hospital, fewer products mean less to think about, and this one does it all.
- While your baby is naturally the top priority during your hospital stay, it’s okay to care for yourself too. If you feel like giving your skin a little extra love, our Calming Facial Serum gently hydrates and helps reduce redness, so you can feel refreshed and supported.
- Nipples can become sore even at the beginning of your breastfeeding journey, so it may be helpful to pack a soothing product. Our Nipple & Barrier Cream is a gentle lifesaver for sore, irritated nipples.
Water bottle: Staying hydrated is important during and after labour.
Snacks: Light, nourishing snacks for early labour and recovery.
Phone and charger: A long cable is helpful if outlets are far from the bed.
Entertainment: A book, music playlist, or calming podcast.
Going-home outfit: Something loose and comfortable—your body will still be recovering.

Note: The maternity ward often provides essentials like pads, mesh underwear, and toiletries -but it’s always nice to use products you feel comfortable with and be sure they’ll be available.

For baby

Onesies and sleepers: Soft, easy-to-change outfits. Remember to wash them first.
Hat and mittens: To keep baby warm and prevent scratching.
Swaddle or blanket: Hospitals provide some, but you may want your own.
Diapers and wipes: Usually provided, but a few extras can be handy at least when going home.
Pacifier: Optional, but helpful for soothing.
Going-home outfit: Choose something weather-appropriate and adorable.
Car seat: Make sure it’s properly installed before heading to the hospital. During the wintertime, footmuffs are very convenient to have in the car seat.

For the birth partner

Snacks and water bottle: Labour can be long, and staying nourished helps them support you better.
Comfortable clothes: Layers are ideal for changing temperatures.
Toiletries: Toothbrush, deodorant, and any personal items.
Phone and charger: For updates and photos.
Entertainment: For downtime or overnight stays.

When should you pack your hospital bag?

It’s a good idea to have your bag ready by week 36–37 of pregnancy. Labour can begin unexpectedly, and having your essentials packed early means one less thing to worry about when the moment arrives. If it feels right for you, baby’s essentials can be packed even earlier—starting around week 30—since they won’t be needed before birth.

One last thing

Packing your hospital bag is more than just gathering items—it’s a way to honour your journey and prepare for one of life’s most beautiful transitions. Every birth story is unique, and your bag should reflect what brings you comfort, confidence, and care.
Take your time, ask for support if you need it, and trust that you’re doing a wonderful job preparing for this moment. You’ve got this.

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