The hospital bag – what should you pack, and when?

It’s a good idea to have your hospital bag packed once you reach the due period at 37+0. That way, you’ll be prepared, and it can bring a lovely sense of calm knowing that the practical details are taken care of. When labour begins, there’s plenty else to focus on – so it’s nice to know the bag is already ready and waiting.

The bag can also serve as inspiration for those of you having a planned caesarean section. In this case as well, we recommend packing it well in advance of your scheduled date.

For many, packing the hospital bag also becomes a cosy and meaningful part of pregnancy – a gentle way to prepare for the big moment when you’ll meet your baby for the very first time.

It’s important to emphasise that there is no single “right” way to pack a hospital bag. We all have different needs, so of course you should only bring what makes sense for you and your family. The list here is meant as inspiration, so you can put together a bag that suits you best 🌿

For baby

(Can stay in the car until after the birth)

• Baby duvet with cover

• Car seat

• Carrycot / baby lift

• Snowsuit / pram suit

• 2 sets of clothes – we recommend sizes 50 and 56 (adjust to the season if needed)

• Socks

• Hat

• Baby blanket or swaddle that smells like you

• A couple of muslin cloths

Many people choose to leave the baby’s belongings in the car and only bring them in after the birth, as the hospital provides the essentials during your stay.

For the birthing parent

It’s a good idea to pack with a focus on comfort, calm, and recovery – both during and after the birth.

• Comfortable clothes for at least 2 days. Preferably shirts or tops that can be unbuttoned, making it easy for your baby to have skin-to-skin contact.

• Underwear – ideally large enough to fit a large maternity pad (most maternity wards provide mesh underwear and pads).

• A soft, nursing-friendly bra. It doesn’t have to be a nursing bra – many people wait to buy those until their milk comes in.

• Nursing pillow – important for a good and relaxed breastfeeding position.

• Toiletry bag: hairbrush, toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, body and face cream, lanolin ointment, etc.

• Shampoo and conditioner.

• Towels (preferably ones that can get blood on them). Towels are often available at maternity wards, but they are usually quite small.

• Soft toilet paper.

• Water bottle.

• Shoes that are easy to slip on – possibly a pair of slippers.

Some of these items can also stay in the car until after the birth, depending on your needs.

For partner / birth companion

The partner or birth companion plays an important role during the birth and hospital stay, so it’s a good idea to include them in your packing as well.

• Phone and charger

• Change of clothes

• Toiletry bag

• Own pillow

• Towels

What to bring into the delivery room?

Here are the items many people find especially nice to have within reach during labour:

• Maternity record

• Optional letter to the midwife about what is important to you

• Lip balm

• Toothbrush and toothpaste

• Hair tie

• Water bottle

• Light snacks

• Optional: your own pillow

• Phone or camera

• Charger for phone/camera

• Optional: fairy lights, LED lights, essential oils, or anything else that feels meaningful to you

• Optional: a speaker and a playlist that suits you perfectly

Make the delivery room your space

Remember that the delivery room is your space – the place where you should feel safe and comfortable during labour.

For many, a hospital can feel cold, sterile, and impersonal, and those are not the best conditions for supporting the important birth and “love” hormone, oxytocin.

That’s why it can make a lot of sense to think of the delivery room as the space where you’ll be until your baby is born. It doesn’t have to feel clinical or impersonal – and you’re very welcome to do what you can to create a sense of calm, safety, and a homely atmosphere✨

Small things can make a big difference.