Hospital bag: preparing for you and your baby
Organise documents, personal essentials and baby items in separate groups. Use this list alongside your hospital’s current admission information and personal care plan.
Preview draft: clinical content and translations await hospital review.
Prepare around your own plan
Having essentials packed a few weeks before your due date may help; discuss earlier preparation if preterm birth is a concern. There is no single mandatory week or item count for everyone. Ask about supplies, companion arrangements and admission documents beforehand. This page is not a promise of particular Nev room facilities or free supplies.
Documents and your essentials
- Keep identification, pregnancy records, key results and a medicine/allergy list accessible. Do not stop medicines yourself; ask the team how to take them during admission.
- Pack comfortable clothing and underwear, non-slip slippers, maternity pads and toiletries. Front-opening clothes may be practical for your feeding plan.
- Include a phone, charger and everyday aids such as glasses. Check fasting instructions, especially before planned surgery; having food packed does not mean it is safe to eat it.
Baby essentials
- Choose a few season-appropriate bodysuits or sleepsuits and going-home clothes. Adjust to the environment and team advice rather than overdressing.
- Keep suitable nappies, cotton wool or appropriate wipes and muslin cloths together. Avoid unnecessary duplicates of hospital-provided supplies.
- For travel by car, prepare a suitable infant car seat and learn its use beforehand. Plan the journey home and who can support you.
Keep the bag easy to use
Separate documents, your belongings and baby supplies so your support person can find them. Add a laundry bag and a short reminder for last-minute medicines or glasses. Confirm companion arrangements and discharge timing with the admission team rather than a generic online list.
Do not delay care to finish packing
Contact your maternity team immediately for waters breaking, vaginal bleeding, reduced baby movements or signs of labour before 37 weeks. Missing belongings must not delay assessment. Call 112 for heavy bleeding, fainting, a seizure or severe breathlessness.
Information sources
These sources support general information; they do not confirm our hospital’s services or clinical approval.
This information is general and does not replace individual diagnosis or treatment advice. Discuss your own situation with your healthcare team.
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