The hospital bag: what do we need?

There are some things you can prepare in advance of the birth. Make sure you are ready when the call comes and read our guide on what to take to the hospital…

Packing the hospital back can be an exciting and yet daunting task. It's like finally admitting that you are nearly there! Although the birth can happen any time from 37 to 42 weeks, it's best not to be rushing around at the last minute. You may want to get the hospital bag ready from about week 35 just in case the baby is born early.

• What do I do when she goes into labour?

Here's a list of the things that you, your partner and baby might need.  

The basics

Stuff for her

Be packed and ready to go from about the 35th week of pregnancy.

• The birth plan.
• Any medication she is taking.
• A nightie or big T-shirt for labour.
• Dressing gown, slippers and anything else she feels she needs to be comfortable.
• A front-opening nightie for after the birth (although some mums say they're just not big enough and one of your old shirts may be far more useful).
• Normal toiletries such as toothbrush, tissues, toothpaste shower flannel, face cream, hairbands for long hair, face wipes, adult bottom wipes, massage oil and a hot water bottle can come in handy.
  
• Specialist stuff: Breast pads, maternity bras, super absorbent sanitary towels. At least three pairs of cotton or disposable pants.
  
• Lots of healthy, energy-giving snacks such as dried fruits and flapjacks, and squash.
• CDs and CD player if you want to play relaxing music during labour. Remember that all electrical equipment has to be checked by the hospital, so it's a good idea to take batteries in case there's a problem.
• Birth plan? What's that all about?

You may also want to take a duvet, cushions or pillows to make the room as cosy and familiar as possible, though you are not allowed to burn candles or essential oils in hospital.

The hospital may provide birthing balls but if they don't you may want to bring your own.

Stuff for baby

• Vest and baby grow. 
• Blanket.
• At least seven or eight nappies
• Wipes, nappy rash cream, cotton wool.
• Hat, if it's chilly.
• A soft glass or paper nail file/emery board  for sharp nails and some little mitts if it's cold.

Stuff for you

• Drinks and snacks.
• Change for the payphone and parking.
• Phone numbers for family and friends.
• Newspaper/books/puzzles (in the unlikely event that you're stuck for something to do).
• Camera.
• Pen - for crosswords, and writing down the time of birth and baby's weight.

Getting there

It's stating the obvious but, if you are driving, make sure you are familiar with the route, that there is enough petrol in the car and you have change for parking. 

Going home

Don't forget to have a car seat ready for the baby and a clean change of clothes for your partner. 

• Car seats: what's to know?  

And finally

Each couple is different in terms of their birth plan and needs so it's important to think about what you want.

If you get a chance to visit the hospital, find out exactly what they provide so you can fill in the gaps and avoid taking things you won't need. At the end of the day, it's better to take stuff and not use it than to miss something important.  

• Baby's home: what's next?

Author

Kate Baily is a freelance journalist, specialising in real life, health and opinion pieces. She currently writes for The Daily Express, S Magazine and Woman Magazine and lives in Brighton with her husband, Dave, and son, William, who was born in 2007.

Your tips?

Anything we've missed out? What were the most useful things you took to the hospital? Use the comments system below to share your tips with other dads.