Somewhere around week 30, it happens. You're scrolling at night and realise you haven't packed a single thing. You open three different checklists. One says forty items. Another says bring your own pillow. A third says bring a birth ball.
Take a breath. This is the hospital bag checklist we wish we'd had: calm, practical, and focused on what you'll actually reach for, including the breastfeeding essentials most lists forget.
When to pack your hospital bag
Aim to have your bag packed by week 35 or 36. That gives you a comfortable margin if your baby arrives early. If you're expecting twins, or your midwife has mentioned an early delivery, pack a little sooner.
Planning a home birth? Pack a bag anyway. Plans can change, and you'll be glad it's ready by the door.
Hospital bag checklist: for you
For labour
- Your birth plan and medical notes, ID and insurance card
- A loose, dark nightdress or oversized shirt
- Lip balm (hospital air is very dry)
- A hair tie or clip
- Warm socks and slippers
- Phone charger with a long cable
- Snacks and a refillable water bottle with a straw
- Something that calms you: a playlist, an eye mask, a familiar scent
For after the birth
- Two or three front-opening nightdresses or pyjamas (for feeding and skin-to-skin)
- High-waisted, soft underwear, a few more than you think
- Maternity pads (often supplied, but bring your own to be sure)
- Toiletries, dry shampoo and a toothbrush
- A comfortable going-home outfit (think six-month-pregnant size, and soft)
The breastfeeding essentials most lists forget
If you plan to breastfeed, these small things make those first days far easier:
- Two or three nursing bras. Soft, wire-free and a size up from your pregnancy size.
- Nipple balm. Apply after feeds from day one.
- Breast pads. Your milk usually comes in around day three to five.
- A breastfeeding pillow or a rolled-up towel for support.
- A feeding shawl. Maternity wards are busy, with midwives, visitors and shared rooms. A shawl gives you a private, calm space for the first feeds, which can take time while you and your baby learn together. It also doubles as a warm wrap on the way home.
This is exactly why we created the Lemej Feeding Shawl. Its stiff, adjustable hoop lets you see your baby while they feed, and the organic cotton or wool-silk feels soft on a tender body. It comes with a muslin cloth and a storage bag, so it's ready to go straight into your hospital bag.
Hospital bag checklist: for your baby
Newborns need less than you'd think:
- 3–4 bodysuits and sleepsuits (newborn size and a few in 0–3 months)
- A hat and a pair of socks or booties
- A small pack of newborn nappies and cotton wool or water wipes
- A swaddle or two. For skin-to-skin, wrapping and swaddling, and as a light blanket. A breathable organic cotton swaddle is one of the most useful things you'll pack.
- Burp cloths. For spit-up, for your shoulder, for everything.
- A going-home outfit suited to the weather
- A properly fitted car seat (installed in the car before your due date)
For your partner
- Snacks, a change of clothes and a toothbrush
- Change for the parking machine or a parking app ready on the phone
- A phone charger of their own
What to leave at home
- Jewellery and valuables
- Too many baby outfits, most newborns go home in one and spend days in sleepsuits
- Anything that makes the bag too heavy to carry with one hand
A thoughtful gift for a mother-to-be
If you're reading this for a friend, the most appreciated gifts are the ones that are for her, not just the baby. A beautiful feeding shawl, packed with its muslin cloth and storage bag, is something she'll use from the very first day, and something she'll feel like herself wearing. Discover the Lemej gift collection →
You're more ready than you think
Whatever you pack, you'll have what matters most. The bag is just there to make those first days a little softer.
Next: read how to swaddle a newborn and breastfeeding in public, so you feel ready for the weeks after, too.
Frequently asked questions
When should I pack my hospital bag? By week 35 or 36 of your pregnancy. Pack earlier if you're expecting twins or an early delivery.
What should I pack in my hospital bag for breastfeeding? Nursing bras, nipple balm, breast pads, front-opening nightwear, a feeding shawl for privacy and muslin cloths.
How many baby clothes do I need in my hospital bag? Three or four bodysuits and sleepsuits are enough, in newborn and 0–3 months sizes.
Do I need a hospital bag for a home birth? Yes. Plans can change during labour, so it's wise to have a bag packed by the door.