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Preparing for the Big Day: What to Pack in Your Hospital Bag

As you’ve likely spent the last few months carefully selecting baby gear, stocking up on baby essentials, and lovingly preparing the nursery, there’s one task that may have been hovering on your to-do list—the art of packing your hospital bag.

Table of Contents hide
1 So let’s dive into what to pack in your hospital bag.
1.1 For mum in labour and after
1.2 For baby
2 Download your Hospital bag checklist below.

I remember procrastinating a lot on this task. Even pondering the very basics of bag choices. Should I bring a trusty trolley or opt for a soft, more versatile option? The struggle was real! You see, packing, whether for a big adventure like this or a simple holiday, has never been my cup of tea. It somehow triggers a dose of anxiety I can’t quite explain.

The dilemma was all too real when it came to packing my hospital bag. I constantly found myself asking, “What on earth should I bring?” I feared leaving out essentials but also didn’t want to become an over-packer extraordinaire.

And I knew the hospital wasn’t that far away in case I needed something but should we talk about husbands and finding things? Exactly, I thought so. I know, it’s not a myth. They seem to have a knack for not seeing things, let alone finding them when they’re not part of their daily routine. So yes, make sure you have all you need!

That’s why, I thought to write this blog post for those who are like me and need a bit of guidance. Keep in mind that this is based on my experience.

So let’s dive into what to pack in your hospital bag.

graphic for the blog post. Photo of pregnant mum preparing her hospital bag and title of the post "Preparing for the Big Day: What to Pack in Your Hospital Bag"

A few general considerations.

  • Pack It Early: First things first, let’s talk timing. Pack that bag early, preferably around the 34/35-week mark. Why so soon, you ask? Well, it’s all about dodging the last-minute chaos or the nail-biting scenario of someone else attempting a hasty-packed job while you’re deep into labour land. Trust me, you want this in the bag (pun intended) well before the big day arrives. Plus, once is done, your mind is free – procrastination in this case keeps a tab of your brain always open which is not good!

  • Keep a Checklist: It’s very helpful to have a checklist in your bag. This will help you to track what you packed already and what are those last-minute additions, like your trusty phone charger. You can find a downloadable checklist to guide you through the packing. Just click and grab it! From toiletries to baby items, make sure you tick them all!

  • Your Hospital Notes: Your hospital notes and birth plan are your lifeline during this journey. After each prenatal appointment, place your notes in a safe place. They are, without a doubt, the most crucial item on your checklist and could easily slip your mind in the rush to the hospital.

  • Comfort Is Key: Your hospital stay can range from a day to a few, so it’s crucial to pack comfortable clothing. On average, if you deliver vaginally you will stay in the hospital for 1-2 days. If you have a C-section, it’s likely you will stay for a bit longer, so keep that in mind when you pack your bag. Think loose-fitting pyjamas, cosy socks, and comfortable maternity bras. Also remember, when you leave the hospital, your body may still be tender after the miracle of childbirth. Opt for comfortable, loose-fitting clothing—nothing that cinches around your stomach, especially if you’ve had a C-section; that area will need extra tenderness.

For mum in labour and after

  • 3 nighties/Pjs – preferably open front so you can breastfeed if that’s your choice
  • flip-flops or shower shoes
  • tank top/sports bra in case of water birth
  • 2 large T-shirts or 2 sets of loose clothes
  • soft non-slip socks a couple of pairs- you can use them as slippers too
  • cotton undies, big, comfy the grandma style (not fancy, lacey…) /disposable knickers
  • maternity pads 2 packs
  • toiletries (shower gel, shampoo, toothbrush and toothpaste, hairbrush, hairbands, deodorant, face cream, haemorrhoid cream)
  • bath towel
  • 2 Nursing bras or if you haven’t bought them yet sports bras
  • breast pads a few just in case but your milk won’t come straight away
  • nipple cream
  • going home clothes (comfy maternity clothes and comfy flat shoes)
  • phone charger
  • phone
  • hospital notes/birth plan
  • ID
  • wet wipes
  • water bottle

Treat Yourself: Last but certainly not least, don’t forget to include a little treat for yourself. Whether it’s your favourite chocolates or your face cream, make sure it’s something that brings a smile to your face. After all, these little indulgences can go a long way in making you feel good during your hospital stay

For baby

  • baby clothes: 3 body vests and 3 sleepsuits (more if you plan a C-section)
  • hat
  • blanket
  • consider a matching hat and swaddle for the must-have first photo!
  • going home clothes
  • muslins
  • a pack of nappies
  • water based wipes
  • vaseline/Sudocrem ( any nappy barrier cream)
  • bottle/formula/dummy if you are not planning to breastfeed
  • car seat

As a newborn photographer, I always think in pictures, so think about the baby outfits you pack in your bag. They will be in the very first photos!!

Download your Hospital bag checklist below.

Related article: 5 Tips to Enjoy Your Newborn Session | Newborn Photographer Richmond

big brother touching mum'a pregnant belly

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  • Charity

    This is a great list for someone who is preparing to pack a hospital bag. I am sure mamas to be can find this post very helpful and useful! ReplyCancel

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Your daughter will look at these photos one day.

Not just to see how you looked, but to understand how powerful you were.

She’ll see:
🌿 The strength it took to grow her
🌿 The tenderness you felt imagining her with Dad
🌿 The woman you were becoming
🌿 The love that already existed

This is why I believe in printed photos from your maternity shoot.

Because 20 years from now, when she asks about her beginning, you won’t just have stories, you’ll have proof.

Proof that this moment mattered.

Proof that she mattered.

Proof of the love story that started before birth.

A maternity photo session isn’t just for today.

It’s a love letter to your future family.

What legacy do you want to leave behind?

What would you want your child to know about this time?

10 0
Open post by by_valentina with ID 18099926290620570
Your daughter will look at these photos one day. 
Not just to see how you looked, but to understand how powerful you were. She’ll see:
🌿 The strength it took to grow her
🌿 The tenderness you felt imagining her with Dad
🌿 The woman you were becoming
🌿 The love that already existed This is why I believe in printed photos from your maternity shoot. 
Because 20 years from now, when she asks about her beginning, you won’t just have stories, you’ll have proof. Proof that this moment mattered. 
Proof that she mattered. 
Proof of the love story that started before birth. A maternity photo session isn’t just for today. 
It’s a love letter to your future family. What legacy do you want to leave behind? What would you want your child to know about this time?

So many mothers told me the same thing in different ways:
“I wish someone had said this sooner.”

That’s what Milk Tales is for.

A soft space for truths that don’t always get spoken out loud.

About feeding, yes but mostly about feelings.

About being a mother and being human.

If this speaks to you, the book is waiting for you too.
Available on amazon.

#MilkTalesBook #BreastfeedingAndMentalHealth #RealMotherhood #PostpartumSupport #MaternalMentalHealth

10 1
Open post by by_valentina with ID 18091699324684126
So many mothers told me the same thing in different ways:
“I wish someone had said this sooner.” That’s what Milk Tales is for. 
A soft space for truths that don’t always get spoken out loud. 
About feeding, yes but mostly about feelings. 
About being a mother and being human. If this speaks to you, the book is waiting for you too. Available on amazon. #MilkTalesBook #BreastfeedingAndMentalHealth #RealMotherhood #PostpartumSupport #MaternalMentalHealth

The first week of school is done.

We’ve officially been “back to work” for a few weeks now

And the September energy? It’s real.

But can we talk about the post-summer transition for a moment?

Because mine was… a journey.

After three full weeks offline in Italy, no emails, no stories, no posts (just family chaos and maybe a little Prosecco), my brain was properly stuck between holiday mode and “wait, shouldn’t I be working?!”

Here’s what actually helped me reset with intention:

Started small. Ridiculously small.
Those pre-client self-portraits? They became my way of saying “Welcome back” to myself.

Protected my creative mornings like they were gold. No scrolling. Just walking, thinking, and slowly rebuilding rhythm.

Remembered why I love my systems. @the17hats quietly held the fort while I got reacquainted with my brain. Bless it.

It’s not about rushing. It’s about returning with intention.

Because September always feels like a mini new year, doesn’t it?

What are you excited about this month?

38 7
Open post by by_valentina with ID 18040667513403708
The first week of school is done. We’ve officially been “back to work” for a few weeks now 
And the September energy? It’s real. But can we talk about the post-summer transition for a moment? Because mine was… a journey. After three full weeks offline in Italy, no emails, no stories, no posts (just family chaos and maybe a little Prosecco), my brain was properly stuck between holiday mode and “wait, shouldn’t I be working?!” Here’s what actually helped me reset with intention: Started small. Ridiculously small.
Those pre-client self-portraits? They became my way of saying “Welcome back” to myself. Protected my creative mornings like they were gold. No scrolling. Just walking, thinking, and slowly rebuilding rhythm. Remembered why I love my systems. @the17hats quietly held the fort while I got reacquainted with my brain. Bless it. It’s not about rushing. It’s about returning with intention. Because September always feels like a mini new year, doesn’t it? 
What are you excited about this month?

The transformation happens before I even press the shutter.

Every woman who books a maternity shoot arrives with doubts:
‘I’m not glowing’
‘I’m camera shy’
‘I don’t know what to do’

But here’s what I see:
A woman becoming.
A story worth capturing.
Strength in its purest form.

Your maternity shoot isn’t about looking perfect.
It’s about feeling seen.
It’s about recognising the woman you already are and the mother you’re becoming.

Ready to see yourself through my lens?
Let’s talk.

14 0
Open post by by_valentina with ID 17867547306440590
The transformation happens before I even press the shutter. Every woman who books a maternity shoot arrives with doubts: ‘I’m not glowing’ ‘I’m camera shy’ ‘I don’t know what to do’ But here’s what I see: A woman becoming. A story worth capturing. Strength in its purest form. Your maternity shoot isn’t about looking perfect. It’s about feeling seen. It’s about recognising the woman you already are and the mother you’re becoming. Ready to see yourself through my lens? Let’s talk.

VALE@PHOTOGRAPHYBYVALENTINA.COM

07577 978246

LONDON NEWBORN & MATERNITY PHOTOGRAPHER

BASED NEAR RICHMOND - TWICKENHAM