When to pack your hospital bag, and how to pack it well
The NHS suggests packing your hospital bag at least 3 weeks before your due date, so by about 37 weeks. Pack your notes and birth plan, clothes for labour, nightwear, maternity pads, toiletries, snacks and a phone charger for you; bodysuits, sleepsuits, a hat, nappies, muslins, a blanket and a car seat for the baby.
The hospital bag is the one piece of preparation with a real deadline. The NHS suggests having it ready at least three weeks before your due date, because only about 1 in 20 babies arrive on the day and some arrive early.
Pack two bags, not one
A single huge holdall means emptying everything onto the bed to find lip balm. Split it:
The labour bag goes in with you.
- Birth plan and hospital notes
- Loose, comfortable clothes for labour
- Water bottle with a straw, and snacks
- Lip balm, hair bands, a fan or water spray
- Phone, a long charging cable, headphones
- TENS machine if you are using one
The after-birth bag can stay in the car until you are on the ward.
- Nightwear, front-opening if you plan to breastfeed
- 3 changes of comfortable clothes, 5 or 6 pairs of knickers
- 2 or 3 comfortable bras and breast pads
- 2 packets of maternity pads
- Wash bag and towel
- Everything for the baby
For the baby
The NHS list is short: bodysuits, vests and sleepsuits; a going-home outfit; a hat, scratch mittens and socks; nappies; cotton wool or wipes; muslin squares; a blanket or shawl; and a snowsuit if it is cold. The car seat counts too. Fit it in the car before the day.
For your birth partner
A change of clothes, toothbrush, phone and charger, snacks and drinks, any medicines they take, swimwear if a birth pool is planned, and coins or a card for the car park.
Put it by the door, then stop thinking about it
Tick everything off with the interactive hospital bag checklist, which saves your progress. When contractions start, a contraction timer will tell you when they are 5 minutes apart, which is when the NHS says to call your midwife or maternity unit.
Questions, answered
When should I pack my hospital bag?
At least 3 weeks before your due date, according to the NHS. That is around 37 weeks of pregnancy.
How many maternity pads should I pack?
The NHS list says 2 packets of super-absorbent sanitary or maternity pads.
Does my birth partner need a bag?
Yes. The NHS suggests a change of clothes, toiletries, phone and charger, snacks and drinks, any medicines, and change for the car park.
Sources
Sources last checked on 8 November 2026.
This guide is educational and does not replace advice from your midwife, health visitor or doctor. If you are worried about yourself or your baby, contact them, or your local emergency number in an emergency.