Both the request and the content for this blog came straight from the heart of the Walking Mums community. It was inspired by real, honest conversations from our dedicated WhatsApp chats for Mums-to-Be and New Mums in Cheshire and Greater Manchester – spaces where questions are welcomed, advice is shared, and (absolutely) no topic is off-limits.
The result? A hospital bag checklist built not by experts in a room trying to sell things, but by mums who’ve been there, done it, and want to pass it forward. Every tip and item here has been tested in real life, and many are direct quotes from mums in our groups.
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👩🍼 For Mum: Labour & Birth Essentials
Paperwork & Admin
- Maternity notes or birth plan
- Hospital ID & NHS number (if applicable)
- Birth partner’s contact info
Comfort & Clothing
- Loose nightdress or t-shirt for labour
- Lightweight dressing gown
- Flip flops or Sliders plus a pair of comfy slippers in the colder months to keep your feet warm
- Lip balm (hospitals are dry!)
- Hair bobbles, hair brush & clips
- Bikini top (if planning a water birth)
“I was so glad I packed my own pillow, with a bright pillowcase so it didn’t get mixed up!” – Rachel
Toiletries
- Face wipes
- Toothbrush & toothpaste
- Shower gel & shampoo
- Moisturiser (your skin may feel dry)
- Lip Balm “a must after gas and air!!” – Rachael
- Deodorant
- Towel (dark-coloured recommended)
“Bring your own towel, hospital ones are tiny and rough.” – Sarah
“Don’t forget flip-flops for the shower, a total essential.” – Chloe
Other Labour Aids
- TENS machine (if using)
- Reusable straws or water bottle with straw lid
- Birth Comb (if using)
- Affirmations (if using)
“A straw lid water bottle was a game changer in labour.” – Hannah
- Snacks (energy bars, sweets, isotonic drinks)
“Snacks! My birth partner ate most of mine, pack extra.” – Jade
- Phone charger (extra long cable!)
- Music or speaker
“Music helped me stay calm. I took a mini speaker and it honestly changed the atmosphere.” – Emma
👶 For Baby: Newborn Must-Haves
Clothing
- 3–4 sleepsuits & vests (newborn & 0–3 months) Even the biggest babies can be drowned in 0-3 so having a few newborn is advisable.
- Hat (for post-birth)
- Scratch mitts
- Socks or booties
Nappies & Changing
- Pack of newborn nappies
- Cotton wool or water wipes
- Nappy bags
Other Essentials
- Baby blanket or swaddle
- Muslins
- Ready to use formula (if planning to formula feed)
“Take a soft blanket for baby, not just cellular — it made such a difference.” – Lauren
- Car seat (you won’t be able to leave without one!)
- Going-home outfit
- Milestone Cards – its easy to forget to do if you don’t have them with you
🧺 For Post-Birth Recovery
Clothing & Comfort
- Maternity pads (bring more than you think!)
- High-waisted, dark, comfy knickers
- Nursing bras or tops
- Loose, soft going-home clothes
Toiletries
- Perineal spray or cooling pads
- Breast pads (even if not breastfeeding)
- Nipple cream
🧳 Bonus Items That Made a Difference
- Bluetooth speaker or headphones for music
- A small fan or handheld mister
- Extra snacks for birth partner
- Mini LED nightlight for night feeds
- Makeup or skincare for a freshen-up
- Plastic bag for dirty clothes
- Eye mask and earplugs (if on a noisy ward)
What your Partner Needs
And for your partner – we’re not suggesting this is also your job but remind him that he needs to prepare too! He’ll need snacks and drinks, a change of top and an extra layer in case it gets cold, he may be hanging around the hospital for some time so just make sure he’s aware and prepared!
👏 Final Tips
- Pack one bag for labour and one for post-birth to keep things easy to grab.
- Leave extras (like partner snacks or backup baby clothes) in the car.
- Check your hospital’s rules — some supply nappies and wipes, others don’t.
📥 Download Our Printable Hospital Bag Checklist
Click below for an easy-to-print version you can check off as you go.
👉 Hospital Bag Checklist What Real Mums Actually Packed (and Loved)
Thank you to every Mum who contributed to this conversation namely Abs for her amazing pictures and everyone else who provided quotes and questions. It’s your voices that make these blogs happen!
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If this sounds like something you’d love to be part of check out our Walking Mums meetups page 🔗 here to find in person meet ups in the North West, UK and find a meet up near you.
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💬 If we’ve missed anything you think we should include or would like to see a similar blog with a different topic, let us know in the comments below ⬇️
My midwife suggested having a quick grab sandwich bag with one nappy, one vest, one baby grow, one hat. So if you have to go to theatre in emergency, its not a panic for your partner to find things!
Personal recommendations: a flannel (so your partner / midwife can wet it and put it on your forehead), blackout eye mask and headphones/ear plugs for your music if you end up having to share rooms before the main event.
I was in labour ward and the couple next to me kept blaring the football, whilst me and two others were trying to focus on our breathing/pain etc in the early stages. Glad I had headphones 😅