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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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This is part of Reflections Beyond the Frame, a personal series about slowing down, looking inward, and seeing ourselves without the need for polish or perfection.

Today’s reflection: Letting go.

Perfection has held me back for years, since school, in motherhood, and through the slow unfolding of my business.

I thought striving for it meant reaching for something better. But lately, I’ve been asking: what is perfection, really?

It’s not real.
It’s not shared.
It only exists in my mind—and even there, it shifts constantly.
It often disguises itself as fear:
Fear of not being good enough.
Fear of being judged.
Fear of being truly seen.

So if perfection is born from fear…
What are we really striving for?

What looks “perfect” to me might mean nothing to someone else.

So why chase something that holds me back more than it helps me move forward?

This photo is part of that question.
A self-portrait.
An exercise in showing up blurry, unfinished, imperfect—real.
Letting go isn’t always graceful.
Sometimes it’s quiet.
A small shift.
A decision to be soft where I used to hold tension.
To show up as I am.
To be seen anyway.

Progression is now my mantra.

Not perfection. Just movement. Just honesty.
Just me.

What have you been holding onto that no longer serves you? Maybe today’s the day to let it go.

#reflectionsbeyondtheframe #LettingGoOfPerfection #progressnotperfection #selfportrait #photographyashealing #CreativeProcess #SlowContent #ImperfectlyHuman

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Open post by by_valentina with ID 17961151094786680
This is part of Reflections Beyond the Frame, a personal series about slowing down, looking inward, and seeing ourselves without the need for polish or perfection. Today’s reflection: Letting go. Perfection has held me back for years, since school, in motherhood, and through the slow unfolding of my business. 
I thought striving for it meant reaching for something better. But lately, I’ve been asking: what is perfection, really? It’s not real.
It’s not shared.
It only exists in my mind—and even there, it shifts constantly. It often disguises itself as fear:
Fear of not being good enough.
Fear of being judged.
Fear of being truly seen. So if perfection is born from fear…
What are we really striving for? What looks “perfect” to me might mean nothing to someone else. 
So why chase something that holds me back more than it helps me move forward? This photo is part of that question.
A self-portrait.
An exercise in showing up blurry, unfinished, imperfect—real. Letting go isn’t always graceful.
Sometimes it’s quiet.
A small shift.
A decision to be soft where I used to hold tension.
To show up as I am.
To be seen anyway. Progression is now my mantra. 
Not perfection. Just movement. Just honesty.
Just me. What have you been holding onto that no longer serves you? Maybe today’s the day to let it go. #reflectionsbeyondtheframe #LettingGoOfPerfection #progressnotperfection #selfportrait #photographyashealing #CreativeProcess #SlowContent #ImperfectlyHuman

Post-pregnancy body changes are real and it’s okay if you’re not feeling like yourself right away.

Your body has done something incredible. It’s carried life, endured change, and deserves so much more than criticism. It deserves care. Patience. Kindness.

The stretch marks. The softness. The shifts in shape. They’re not flaws, they’re part of your story.

Let this be your reminder:
You don’t need to bounce back.
You don’t need to be “done” healing.
You just need to meet yourself with compassion.
Tag a fellow mum who might need to hear this today. 🤍

#postpartumbody #realmotherhood #motherhoodphotography #empoweredmotherhood #bodyafterbaby #bekindtoyou #londonphotographer

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Open post by by_valentina with ID 17955046298805946
Post-pregnancy body changes are real and it’s okay if you’re not feeling like yourself right away. Your body has done something incredible. It’s carried life, endured change, and deserves so much more than criticism. It deserves care. Patience. Kindness. The stretch marks. The softness. The shifts in shape. They’re not flaws, they’re part of your story. Let this be your reminder:
You don’t need to bounce back.
You don’t need to be “done” healing.
You just need to meet yourself with compassion. Tag a fellow mum who might need to hear this today. 🤍 #postpartumbody #realmotherhood #motherhoodphotography #empoweredmotherhood #bodyafterbaby #bekindtoyou #londonphotographer

Friday mood:
Joy for no reason.
Giggles on demand.
Wearing your best neutral and letting the light hit just right.
Basically… life goals. 😍
How’s your Friday going?

#fridaymood #babyvibes #lifegoal #londonbabyphotographer

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Open post by by_valentina with ID 18062391508892972
Friday mood:
Joy for no reason.
Giggles on demand.
Wearing your best neutral and letting the light hit just right. Basically… life goals. 😍 How’s your Friday going? #fridaymood #babyvibes #lifegoal #londonbabyphotographer

Did you know I’ve been working on a book?

Maybe if you’ve been following me for a while, you’ve seen me share a few bits here and there when I first started it. But I feel like I need to start again and give you the full picture.

I had a really hard time when I was breastfeeding my daughter. For a long time, I thought I was the only one who found it hard. The only one carrying that weight of doubt, guilt, and shame.
But I wasn’t. And neither are you.

At some point, I found myself asking: Why don’t we talk about breastfeeding honestly?
The challenges. The struggles. The pain. The real talk, you know?

This project was born from my own experience and from the stories of so many incredible women who shared their journeys with me. It’s about bringing more awareness, about making sure no mother feels alone in this, and about breaking the silence that so often leaves us blaming ourselves.

Because every journey is different. And every story deserves to be told.

Over the next few weeks, I’ll be sharing more about this project that means so much to me, the one I’ve truly put my heart into.

I’d love for you to follow along.

#breastfeedingjourney #honestmotherhood #breastfeedingmoments #breastfeedingawareness #storytellingthroughphotography #breastfeedingjourney

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Open post by by_valentina with ID 18054424046189984
Did you know I’ve been working on a book? Maybe if you’ve been following me for a while, you’ve seen me share a few bits here and there when I first started it. But I feel like I need to start again and give you the full picture. I had a really hard time when I was breastfeeding my daughter. For a long time, I thought I was the only one who found it hard. The only one carrying that weight of doubt, guilt, and shame. But I wasn’t. And neither are you. At some point, I found myself asking: Why don’t we talk about breastfeeding honestly?
The challenges. The struggles. The pain. The real talk, you know? This project was born from my own experience and from the stories of so many incredible women who shared their journeys with me. It’s about bringing more awareness, about making sure no mother feels alone in this, and about breaking the silence that so often leaves us blaming ourselves. Because every journey is different. And every story deserves to be told. Over the next few weeks, I’ll be sharing more about this project that means so much to me, the one I’ve truly put my heart into. 
I’d love for you to follow along. #breastfeedingjourney #honestmotherhood #breastfeedingmoments #breastfeedingawareness #storytellingthroughphotography #breastfeedingjourney

VALE@PHOTOGRAPHYBYVALENTINA.COM

07577 978246

LONDON NEWBORN & MATERNITY PHOTOGRAPHER

BASED NEAR RICHMOND - TWICKENHAM