Tell us your plans
Due date or baby's birth date, birth type and where you're planning to give birth.
FREE EVERMAMA COMPANION TOOL
Your Personalised
Hospital Bag Checklist
Skip the one-size-fits-all list. Tell EverMama a little about your birth plans and build editable checklists for Mum, Baby and your birth partner.
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PERSONALISED, NOT GENERIC
Pack for your birth.
A useful hospital bag depends on more than a generic list. EverMama Companion builds separate, editable checklists for Mum, Baby and your birth partner around the details you choose.
Build your checklist
Review personalised Mum, Baby and Partner lists and add or remove anything you want.
Use it your way
Keep it digital on your phone or download a clean printable PDF when you're ready.
Start with the boring truth: you probably need less than you think
Hospital-bag lists have a habit of growing until it looks as if you are moving in. In reality, maternity wards can have limited storage and you may move between different areas. Pack the things you are likely to use, then leave an obvious backup pile at home if somebody can bring more later.
When should you pack it?
The NHS suggests having your bag ready at least three weeks before your due date. You do not have to pack everything on one afternoon, though. Our three-stage hospital bag timeline separates things you can pack early from everyday items that belong on a last-minute grab list.
For you
Think comfort: maternity notes and birth plan if you use them, loose clothes, nightwear, comfortable underwear, maternity pads, toiletries, medicines, snacks, a water bottle, phone and charger. An extra-long charging cable or power bank is one of the genuinely useful extras on the NHS list.
For baby
Vests or bodysuits, sleepsuits, nappies, a hat, muslins, blanket and a going-home outfit cover the familiar basics. If you are travelling home by car, you will also need an appropriate car seat.
For your birth partner
Give them their own small set of essentials: a change of clothes, toiletries, medicines, charger, food and drink, plus whatever they need for travel or parking. Keeping their things separate also means fewer “where did you pack my…?” conversations.
Planning a C-section?
You do not need an entirely different bag, but a few choices become more useful after abdominal surgery. Loose clothing, comfortable cotton underwear that does not rub the wound, slip-on footwear and easy-to-reach essentials are worth prioritising. Read our C-section hospital bag guide for the practical differences.
Feeding supplies: check your own hospital
If you plan to formula feed, do not assume every hospital has the same facilities or supplies. Some NHS maternity units ask parents to bring ready-made first infant formula. Check your own unit before buying or packing around somebody else's hospital policy.
Before you finish: what hospitals provide varies. Check your maternity unit's own guidance, then remove anything from your list that you will not actually need.
QUICK ANSWERS
Hospital bag questions
Do I need separate bags for Mum and baby?
There is no single required setup. Separate sections or smaller bags can make things easier to find. EverMama keeps Mum, Baby and Partner checklists separate even if you pack everything together.
Should I take my birth plan?
Yes. NHS guidance includes your birth plan and maternity or hospital notes among the items to take.
Can I change the EverMama checklist?
Yes. The Companion is designed for you to review, add and remove items before using or downloading your checklist.
Reviewed: September 2026 · Practical planning information only. For local or medical guidance, speak with your midwife or maternity team.
Source used for general UK packing guidance: NHS Best Start in Life, Hospital bag checklist.