Hospital Bag Checklist: What to Actually Pack

There are a hundred hospital bag lists on the internet, and most will have you packing for a two-week holiday. Here's a realistic, experience-tested checklist. Pack by week 36 - babies don't always wait.

For you (Mum-to-be)

Documents: Maternity notes, birth preferences, photo ID, hospital parking details.

During labour: Comfortable loose clothing, warm grip socks, lip balm (your lips dry out fast from breathing), hair ties, water bottle with a straw (essential - you'll drink constantly), energy snacks (cereal bars, dried fruit, isotonic drinks), phone charger with a LONG cable, headphones, pillow from home (optional but lovely).

After birth: Two sets of comfy pyjamas (button-front if breastfeeding), dressing gown, slippers, flip flops for shower, heavy-duty maternity pads, big dark-coloured comfortable pants (5-6 pairs), breast pads, nursing bra, nipple cream, going-home outfit (still maternity-sized - be kind to yourself, you've just brought a tiny human into the world, a miracle).

Toiletries: Toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, face wipes, shower gel, dry shampoo (lifesaver), moisturiser, any regular medications.

For baby

Clothing: 2-3 zip-front sleepsuits, 2-3 vests, 1-2 hats, scratch mittens, a cardigan for the journey home. If it's heavy winter weather, you'll want a thicker bodysuit and then a wool outer bodysuit with thick socks and boots.

Essentials: Pack of 24 newborn nappies, cotton wool or water wipes, 2-3 muslin cloths, a blanket for the car journey, a warm hat for outside.

Non-negotiable: Car seat fitted and checked before you go. The hospital won't discharge you without one. Do a practice fit in advance.

For the partner

Comfort: Change of clothes, toothbrush, phone charger, LOTS of snacks (hospital shop may be closed), something for early labour (downloaded shows, book), comfortable shoes, a warm layer.

Practical: Cash and card for parking, a list of people to notify after birth, camera or charged phone.

Support: Massage oil or tennis ball for back massage, handheld fan or water spray, positive affirmations or photos if helpful.

The things nobody tells you

The long phone charger cable is the single most important item in your bag. Every parent says this.

Pack a separate "labour bag" and "post-birth bag." Keep during-labour essentials in a small grab bag. The bigger bag stays in the car until you're on the ward.

Snacks for the partner are not optional. A hungry, lightheaded birth partner helps nobody.

Dark-coloured pants and pyjamas. You'll understand why afterwards.

A going-home outfit for you that is not your pre-pregnancy jeans. Soft, stretchy, comfortable. That's the brief.

You'll probably repack it three times. That's part of the nesting process. Enjoy it.