When it comes to packing your hospital bag, who better to ask than the professionals who see hundreds of births every year? We spoke to experienced midwives across the UK to find out what they really recommend packing - and what first-time parents often bring but never use.
Here's the insider advice that will help you pack smarter, not heavier.
10 Things Midwives Always Recommend Packing
1. Your Maternity Notes (Essential!)
"This is the most important thing. We need your maternity notes to provide safe care. Keep them in an easily accessible pocket of your hospital bag." - Sarah, Midwife, London
Why it matters: Your notes contain your entire pregnancy history, test results, and birth preferences. Without them, staff won't have crucial information about your care.
2. Extra Maternity Pads - More Than You Think
"I always tell mums to pack at least two full packs of maternity pads. The hospital provides some, but not nearly enough for your entire stay. You'll be surprised how many you go through!" - Emma, Midwife, Manchester
Midwife tip: Choose the thickest, most absorbent pads for the first few days post-birth.
3. Comfortable, High-Waisted Knickers
"Disposable knickers are brilliant, or old ones you don't mind throwing away. High-waisted styles sit above your C-section scar if you need one, and they're more comfortable with maternity pads." - Lisa, Midwife, Birmingham
Pack at least 5-6 pairs - you'll want to change them frequently.
4. Front-Opening Nightwear
"Button-down nightdresses or pyjamas make skin-to-skin contact and breastfeeding so much easier. Plus, midwives need access to check your tummy after birth." - Rachel, Midwife, Bristol
Pack 2-3 nightdresses - birth can be messy and you'll want fresh options.
5. Snacks and Drinks
"Labour is exhausting work! Pack energy-rich snacks like cereal bars, dried fruit, and biscuits. Isotonic drinks are great for labour too. And you'll be starving after birth - hospital kitchens aren't always open at 2am!" - Sophie, Midwife, Leeds
Best choices: Non-perishable, easy-to-eat snacks that give you quick energy.
6. Lip Balm
"This seems small but it's huge! Gas and air really dries out your mouth and lips. Every mum who packs lip balm is grateful they did." - Charlotte, Midwife, Glasgow
Pack 2-3 tubes - one for your labour bag and extras for your hospital stay.
7. An Extra-Long Phone Charger
"Plug sockets are never where you need them! A 2-3 metre charging cable means you can use your phone from bed. You'll want it for photos, timing contractions, and staying in touch with family." - Amy, Midwife, Cardiff
Bonus tip: Bring a portable power bank as backup.
8. Comfortable Going-Home Outfit (Maternity Size!)
"So many mums pack their pre-pregnancy clothes and are disappointed. You'll still look about 6 months pregnant when you leave hospital. Pack comfortable maternity leggings and a loose top." - Hannah, Midwife, Edinburgh
Reality check: Your body needs time to recover - comfort over style for going home!
9. Nappies in Multiple Sizes
"Bring a small pack of newborn nappies and some first size too. Some babies are bigger than expected! The hospital has nappies, but many parents prefer their own brand." - Priya, Midwife, Leicester
Pack 10-15 nappies total across both sizes.
10. An Organised System
"The most prepared mums use hospital bag organisers. When you're in labour and need something quickly, or your partner is trying to help, having everything clearly labelled and separated makes such a difference. It reduces stress for everyone." - Kate, Midwife, Oxford
Why midwives love organisers: They can quickly find what they need to help you, and partners don't have to ask questions during critical moments.
5 Things Midwives Say You Can Leave at Home
1. Your Entire Makeup Collection
"I've seen mums pack full makeup bags and never touch them. You'll be exhausted and won't care about makeup. If anything, just bring concealer and lip gloss." - Sarah, Midwife
What to pack instead: Face wipes and moisturiser to feel fresh.
2. A Breast Pump
"Don't pack a breast pump for hospital. We need to establish breastfeeding first and make sure your milk comes in properly. Pumping too early can cause issues. Wait until you're home and feeding is established." - Emma, Midwife
Exception: Only if specifically advised by your midwife for medical reasons.
3. Multiple Books or Magazines
"First-time mums often pack loads of entertainment thinking they'll be bored. In reality, you'll be too tired to read, and you'll be busy with baby. One magazine is plenty." - Lisa, Midwife
Better option: Download shows or podcasts on your phone for early labour.
4. Too Many Baby Outfits
"Babies live in sleepsuits in hospital. You don't need 10 fancy outfits. Pack 3-4 sleepsuits and vests in different sizes, plus one special outfit for going home. That's it!" - Rachel, Midwife
Keep it simple: Comfort and practicality over cuteness for hospital.
5. Your Birth Ball (Unless Specifically Told To)
"Most hospitals have birth balls available. Check with your hospital first before lugging your own from home. Save the space in your car!" - Sophie, Midwife
Do check: Call your hospital's maternity unit to ask what equipment they provide.
Midwives' Top Packing Tips
Pack Two Bags
"Have a small bag for labour with just essentials - snacks, lip balm, phone charger, maternity notes. Then a larger bag for your hospital stay. You won't want to dig through everything during contractions!"
Label Everything
"Use hospital bag organisers with clear labels. When I ask your partner to get you a clean nightdress or more pads, they can find it instantly without disturbing you."
Pack by 36 Weeks
"Have your bag ready by 36 weeks. Babies don't always wait until their due date! It gives you peace of mind knowing you're prepared."
Include a List for Your Partner
"Write down where things are in your bag and what you might need. During labour, you won't want to give instructions. A simple list helps your partner help you."
The Midwife-Approved Packing Solution
Multiple midwives mentioned that the most organised and stress-free mums use hospital bag organisers. Here's why they recommend them:
- Quick access during labour: Find items instantly without searching
- Partners can help effectively: Clear labels mean no guessing
- Keeps clean and dirty separate: Hygiene matters in hospital
- Reduces stress: Everything has its place
- Midwives can assist better: They can quickly locate what you need
Our Hospital Bag Organisers - Pack of 15 was designed with input from over 14,000 mums and includes all the categories midwives recommend: Pads, Snacks, Mum's Essentials, Feeding Essentials, Nappies & Wipes, Toiletries, Nightwear, Underwear, and more.
👉 Get your Hospital Bag Organisers here
Each frosted, reusable bag (25cm x 30cm) features large, clear labels and can be easily wiped clean. Rated 5 stars by mums who've used them!
Real Midwife Testimonials
"I can always tell when a mum has used organisers. Everything runs more smoothly, partners are more confident helping, and mums are less stressed. It's a small thing that makes a big difference." - Kate, Midwife with 15 years experience
"The 'Dirty Washing' bag is genius! It keeps used items separate and makes packing to go home so much easier and more hygienic." - Amy, Midwife
Final Checklist from Midwives
Before you head to hospital, make sure you have:
- ✓ Maternity notes and birth plan
- ✓ Two packs of maternity pads
- ✓ 5-6 pairs of comfortable, high-waisted knickers
- ✓ 2-3 front-opening nightdresses
- ✓ Snacks and drinks
- ✓ Lip balm and basic toiletries
- ✓ Extra-long phone charger
- ✓ Maternity-sized going-home outfit
- ✓ Nappies in newborn and first size
- ✓ 3-4 baby sleepsuits and vests
- ✓ Hospital bag organisers to keep everything sorted
Pack Smart, Not Heavy
The key to a well-packed hospital bag isn't bringing everything you own - it's bringing the right things, organised in a way that makes them easy to access when you need them most.
Follow this midwife-approved advice, use organisers to keep everything sorted, and you'll arrive at hospital feeling prepared and confident.
Shop our midwife-recommended Hospital Bag Organisers and pack with the confidence that comes from professional advice and real mum experience.
Wishing you a positive birth experience! 💕
