Netmums Shopping Editor Charlie Bond shares everything you, your partner and your new baby will need

When you’re having a baby, you try your best to be as prepared as possible. You wash all the clothes and sort them, you get the car seat installed, decorate the nursery, and of course… pack your hospital bag.

But when it comes to what to pack in your hospital bag, it can feel a bit overwhelming. People will often give you long lists of things to include – sometimes with items like fairy lights and candles thrown in. I’m going to be honest with you; I’ve had two babies and those fairy lights lay unplugged at the bottom of the bag both times.

So, if you’re wondering what to pack in your hospital bag for you, your baby and your partner, here are my recommendations as a shopping editor and mum-of-two. 

There’s also plenty of pieces you can pick up at The Baby Show when it takes place from 8–10 May at Birmingham’s NEC.

Top tip: Pack your hospital bag by around 36 weeks, and keep it somewhere easy to grab – you don’t want to be searching for it when things start happening.
 

For mum

Comfy clothes
Jeans have no place in your hospital bag – this is the time when it’s all about comfort. Pack jogging bottoms, loose-fitting t-shirts, cardigans and slippers… anything that’ll help you feel cosy, relaxed and able to move about as easily as possible post-birth.
Big knickers, comfortable and stretchy bras and tops suitable for breastfeeding (like the ones from MamaNature on NEC stand NK10) are perfect hospital bag staples.

Nice toiletries
One of the best showers you’ll ever have is the one after you’ve given birth – and it deserves better than your usual 99p shower gel.
Treat yourself to something that smells amazing and helps you feel refreshed, even if you’re running on no sleep.

A hands-free breast pump
If you’re planning to breastfeed, those early days in hospital can be a bit of a learning curve. I found having a breast pump a huge help when things got tricky – it meant I could get a milk reserve going and had a stash ready to bring home.
Head to the Tommee Tippee stand at The Baby Show (B40), where you’ll find plenty of baby gadgets including their Made for Me hands-free breast pump.
 

For baby

Bottles & milk
Even if you’re planning to breastfeed, it’s worth packing some bottles and baby formula in your hospital bag just in case.
The bottles I swear by – and used for both of my children – are the MAM self-sterilising bottles, which you can pick up at The Baby Show at stand B90.

Clothes
Most parents hope they’ll be home within a day or so, but it’s always best to be prepared for a slightly longer stay. Pack plenty of baby clothes in your hospital bag.
Babies spend a lot of those early days sleeping, so vests, comfy sleepsuits, hats and a couple of blankets are all great options.
You can pick up some adorable pieces at the JoJo Maman Bébé stand (E41), including their gorgeous Born in 2026 range – perfect for a going-home outfit.

Nappies and wipes
Newborns get through a lot of nappies and wipes, so make sure your hospital bag is well stocked. There’s no such thing as too many – and it’s worth keeping a few extras in the car just in case. And you’re in luck – The Baby Show is sponsored by Pampers, so you can pick up a pack when you visit.
 

For your partner

A pillow
Some hospitals allow partners to stay overnight, others don’t. Either way, whether they’re on a chair or a blow-up mattress, a proper pillow can make all the difference.

Phone charger
Your partner will be the chief photographer and official announcer when your baby arrives, so a phone charger is a hospital bag essential to make sure nothing gets missed.

Snacks
Labour is hard work and you’ll need all the fuel you can get. Snacks are non-negotiable.
Make your partner the official snack provider so you can focus on the important bit. I packed enough to last a few days – a mix of fruit and, let’s be honest, chocolate biscuits and sweets. You can probably guess which I went for first after giving birth.
 

Head to Netmums for more expert advice for pregnancy, birth and beyond.