When packing a hospital bag in the UK, it is important to consider the needs of both the mother and the baby. Here is a list of items to consider packing, based on information from various sources:
For the mother:
- Loose, comfortable clothing to wear during labour
- Dressing gown and slippers or flip-flops
- A change of clothes for after labour
- Nursing bras and breast pads
- Maternity pads
- Toiletries, including a toothbrush, toothpaste, and hairbrush
- Snacks and drinks
- Phone charger
- Your birth plan and hospital notes
For the baby:
- Clothes, including bodysuits or vests, sleep suits, and a hat
- Nappies
- Muslin squares
- Blanket
- Car seat (for the journey home)
It is also important to plan how you will get to the hospital or midwifery unit, and to have your bags packed and ready to go by around week 36 of pregnancy.
