What to pack in your hospital bag for the birth

The hospital bag is one of those things that’s best ready sooner than you’d think. Most people pack it between weeks 32 and 36 of pregnancy and leave it to hand, by the front door or in the car, so there’s nothing to think about when the moment comes.

Before you start, ask your hospital what they provide and what they don’t: many supply nappies, maternity pads or the baby’s clothes during your stay, and every hospital has its own rules. This list is a general guide for you to adapt.

One bag or two

It works really well to split your things into two:

• A bag for your baby, with all their things organised in compartments, which you’ll keep using afterwards when you’re out and about. A maternity bag with pockets saves you emptying the whole thing to find a bodysuit.
• A bag for you, with your clothes, your wash bag and whatever you need for your days in hospital.

And a third, small one just for your paperwork: on the day of the birth, it’s the first thing they’ll ask for.

For your baby

Allow one change of clothes per day in hospital, plus a spare or two. For a straightforward birth, that’s usually two or three days.

• Long- or short-sleeved bodysuits, depending on the time of year, in newborn size (and one or two in the next size up, just in case).
• Sleepsuits.
• A little hat, and socks or booties.
• A swaddle or a light blanket to wrap them in and hold them.
• Muslins: they’re good for almost everything, from wiping their mouth to covering them or putting over your shoulder.
• Newborn nappies and wipes, if the hospital doesn’t provide them.
• An outfit for going home in and, for the journey, the car seat already fitted.

A tip that saves a lot of time: pack each complete change of clothes in its own bag (bodysuit, sleepsuit, socks and hat). Fabric multi-purpose bags are ideal for this, and for keeping dirty clothes separate from clean ones afterwards.

For you

• Comfortable nighties or pyjamas, ideally ones that open at the front for breastfeeding.
• A dressing gown and slippers.
• Nursing bras and breast pads.
• Comfortable (or disposable) underwear and maternity pads, if they don’t provide them.
• Loose clothes to go home in: your tummy takes a while to go down.
• A wash bag with the basics: toothbrush and toothpaste, shower gel, shampoo, moisturiser, lip balm, hair ties and a comb.
• A towel, if the hospital doesn’t provide one.
• A phone charger with a long cable, plus some snacks and a bottle of water.

Paperwork

Keeping it together and to hand saves a rush at reception:

• Your ID (DNI or NIE).
• Your health card or private health insurance card.
• Your pregnancy record and your latest test results and scans.
• Your birth plan, if you’ve written one.
• Your family book (libro de familia), if you have one, for registering the birth.

A document wallet with a zip and inner sleeves keeps everything in order, and after the birth it’s handy for your baby’s health record and vaccinations.

For your birth partner

• A change of clothes and basic toiletries.
• A charger, headphones and some loose change for the vending machines.
• Something to eat: the hours fly by.

When and how to pack it

• Weeks 32 to 36: pack the bag and wash your baby’s clothes with a gentle detergent.
• Leave a list stuck to the bag of what you’ll add at the last minute (phone, charger, paperwork).
• If the bag has compartments, give each one a job (nappies, changes of clothes, toiletries) and tell your birth partner: they’ll be the one looking for things while you rest.
• Go over the list with your midwife at your antenatal classes: they’ll tell you what your hospital asks for.

After the hospital

Your baby’s bag won’t stay in the wardrobe: it’s the same one you’ll hang on the pram on walks, take to the paediatrician or pack for weekends away. That’s why it’s worth choosing one you love, that’s hard-wearing and has room for everything. If someone’s giving you one as a present, we also have newborn gift ideas.