Slippers, flip-flops or slip-resistant socks.

2-3 front-opening pyjama shirts or t-shirts (potentially without bottoms).

A pack of Lil-Lets Maternity Breast Pads – after giving birth, you might need these soft and absorbent pads for breast milk stains and leaks.

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).Remember that labour is physically demanding and in some cases, it lasts longer than 8 hours! Hospital bag essentials checklist: This includes comfy pyjamas, slippers and a bunch of supplies to make the experience as comfortable as possible. Your hospital bag should have all the essentials needed to spend 1-3 days away from home. One of the most special days of your life is around the corner! Are you ready? Hospital bag essentials: What to pack in my hospital bag? Essential items such as maternity pads and toothpaste should be ready to go for any situation before and after childbirth. Even if you plan to give birth at home, or a designated birthing centre, it’s wise to have your hospital bag checklist ticked off. A hospital bag is a suitcase or kit bag containing all the things you’ll need at the hospital. If you're planning on breastfeeding, opt for a front-opening nightie or nursing top for easy access. Also, take more changes of clothes than you think you might need.“I’ll get to it tomorrow!” - the famous last words of a parent who didn’t pack their maternity hospital bag in time. Pyjamas or nighties: You'll spend a lot of time horizontal in your bed so plumping for soft, comfortable clothes and loose-fitting pyjamas or nightdress is a must. Keep these to hand in your handbag rather than buried at the bottom of your suitcase as they'll be asking for them a lot. Maternity notes: An absolute essential so that your midwife can quickly access your medical history and birth plan.

Now you've done your initial research, you can peruse (and shop!) our ultimate hospital bag checklist ahead of the birth of your new arrival. and have a separate bag for clothing that gets dirty and used in hospital so you don’t have baby poo stains mixing with your clean items.” “Remember: you are packing for at least three people - mum, birth partner(s) and baby … or babies - and keeping each person's bits separate allows for easier access when you need them. My next bit of advice for easy searching is labelling! Make life super simple and pack your muslins together in a clear bag labelled muslins, your first outfit, going home outfit, post birth underwear etc. “Being organised is a great way of not allowing your mind to be overwhelmed by practical tasks when you want to be relaxing and preparing for a calm labour and birth,” says Pip. There's also a very handy Which? Birth Choice guide which lets you know what will already be available at the hospital you’ll be giving birth in to save you some valuable packing space. If in doubt, a good first port of call is your NHS midwife, who can steer you in the right direction.

Baby hospital bag checklist