Hospital Bag Generator UK 2025 | Modern Parenting
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Hospital Bag Generator UK 2025

Answer 5 quick questions and get a personalised packing list for mum, your birth partner and your baby — with everything you actually need and nothing you don’t.

Personalised to your situation Checkable on your phone Free, no sign-up
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Generate Your Hospital Bag List

Tell us a bit about your situation for a personalised checklist

This affects what you need to pack for pain relief and recovery
Affects what feeding equipment to pack
Most NHS wards allow one birth partner; policies vary by trust
Facilities vary — this affects what you need to bring
Second-time parents often pack differently
Packing progress 0 of 0 packed

Your Personalised Hospital Bag List

Tap items to mark them as packed

What to Know About Packing Your Hospital Bag

01

Pack by Week 36

Your bag should be completely packed by 36 weeks at the latest. Labour can begin any time from 37 weeks, and premature labour before that is always possible. Having your bag ready means one less thing to think about when contractions start. Keep it somewhere obvious — by the front door or in the car.

02

Pack Three Separate Bags

Most experienced midwives recommend packing three separate bags: one for labour, one for postnatal recovery, and one for your birth partner. This means you are not rummaging through everything when you need something quickly. Label each bag clearly. The labour bag should be the most accessible.

03

NHS Wards Are Often Warm and Busy

NHS postnatal wards are typically very warm, busy and not especially comfortable for anyone who isn’t a patient. Bring earplugs, an eye mask, your own pillow if you can, and snacks — the food trolley times are rarely convenient. Your birth partner will thank you for thinking about their comfort too.

04

Things Most People Forget

The most commonly forgotten items are: a phone charger and long cable, loose change and a card for the car park, comfortable slippers with grip (hospital floors are cold and smooth), a going-home outfit that fits a postpartum body (not pre-pregnancy clothes), and snacks for both the labour and postnatal stages.

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I pack my hospital bag?+
Pack your hospital bag by 36 weeks. This gives you a four-week buffer before your due date, and means you are prepared if labour starts early. Many parents pack earlier — having it ready at 34 weeks is not excessive. Put it somewhere you and your birth partner both know about.
Will the hospital provide nappies and formula?+
Most NHS hospitals provide a small supply of nappies and ready-made formula for newborns if needed, but supply is not guaranteed and quantities are limited. Bring your own to be safe. If you are formula feeding, ready-made cartons are more practical than powder for the hospital stay — no measuring or sterilising required.
How many changes of clothes should I pack for the baby?+
Pack 3–4 sleepsuits and bodysuits in both newborn and 0–3 month sizes. Newborns can go through 2–3 changes of clothing a day through nappy blowouts and posseting. You do not know how big your baby will be — having both size ranges means you will not be caught out.
What should I wear during labour?+
Many people opt for a hospital gown (provided free) or an old nightie or loose dress they do not mind getting dirty. You will want easy access for monitoring and potential interventions, and you will want to be comfortable rather than stylish. Bring a dressing gown for after the birth if you want to walk the ward.
Can I take a TENS machine to hospital?+
Yes — TENS machines are widely used in early labour and most hospitals are happy for you to bring one. They are most effective in early labour before you arrive at hospital. If you are planning a water birth, note that TENS cannot be used in water. Return or dispose of the pads after use.

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Guidance only: Hospital bag recommendations are a general starting point. Policies vary by trust — always confirm specific requirements with your midwife. Affiliate links: Some links on this site earn us a small commission at no extra cost to you. Our recommendations are editorially independent. Read our full disclosure and disclaimer →

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