Maternity Hospital Bag Checklist - Lil-Lets (2024)

Hospital Bag Essentials: What To Pack In My Hospital Bag?

Your hospital bag should have all the essentials needed to spend 1-3 days away from home. This includes comfy pyjamas, slippers and a bunch of supplies to make the experience as comfortable as possible. Remember that labour and the body changes it causes can be physically demanding and for some, can last for 24 hours or longer!

Hospital bag essentials checklist:

• 2 packs (at least) of Lil-Lets Maternity Pads with wings – they’re extra large, super absorbent and comfortable, with wings for that extra protection (perfectly designed for heavier postpartum bleeding or pregnancy-related incontinence.
• A pack of Lil-Lets Maternity Breast Pads – after giving birth, you might need these soft and absorbent pads for breast milk stains, colostrum and leaks when breastfeeding.
• 2-3 front-opening pyjama shirts or t-shirts (preferably without bottoms).
• A lightweight dressing gown/nightie.
• Slippers, flip-flops or slip-resistant socks.
• 2 comfortable bras, or nursing bras – don’t forget your breasts may increase in size after the birth.
• A loose and comfortable home outfit for when you leave the hospital.
• 5-6 pairs of knickers – you may even find disposable ones are a good idea.
• Any medications you might be taking.
• Oil or lotion if you want to be massaged.
• Your phone & charger.
• Birth ball — can be a helpful aid during labour.
• Favourite music/birthing playlist.
• A book, magazine or a tablet to help pass the time.
• Birth plan and maternity notes.
• ID and relevant medical documents.

Home birth checklist:

If you opt for a home birth, you’ll still want access to all the supplies mentioned above. Make sure all these items are readily available in the birthing room or nearby. In addition, you can refer to the list below for some home birth extras:

• Plastic sheets to protect the bed/sofa/furniture.
• Towels and lots of them.
• A hot water bottle for pain relief.
• Disposable bed mats.
• A bucket to use if you feel nauseous.
• Comfortable clothing.
• A packed hospital bag in case you need to go to a labour ward, including maternity pads to manage postpartum bleeding.

Hospital Bag Toiletries

A selection of travel-sized toiletries is a must-have for your maternity hospital bag. Although some hospitals supply basic toiletries, it won’t hurt to have your favourite lotion or deodorant readily available.

Hospital Bag For Birth Partner

If you're a birth partner, you have the important job of providing ultimate support at the hospital. Mum needs snacks? And of course, you should bring along a few items to make your time at the hospital more comfortable — you may be in it for the long haul.

Birth partner checklist:

• Phone and charger.
• Loose change for a vending machines/car parking.
• Toiletries.
• A change of clothes and comfortable shoes.
• Painkillers — you might land up with a headache.
• Snacks and drinks.
• Entertainment in the form of magazines, a mobile game, music etc.
• Your own pillow to carry around — neck pillows come in handy.
• A small blanket for comfort.
• A list of numbers to call if necessary.