Here, we go through the most important things to pack, what is usually already available at the hospital, plus a few bonus tips for labour and delivery.
Download the checklist as a PDF
The whole checklist on one page – print it and tick things off as you pack.
Checklist for the birthing parent
- ID card
- Wallet and phone
- Phone charger
- Birth plan
- Any medications you may be taking
- Water bottle
- Nursing pads
- Soft nursing bras
- Comfortable clothes for 3–4 days, including tops that can be easily opened for breastfeeding and skin-to-skin contact, such as a kimono or button-down shirt
- Warm socks
- Slippers
- Toiletries in a wash bag, e.g. toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, hair ties, skincare products and hairbrush
- Terry cloth bathrobe, if you are planning to use the bath during labour
- Shampoo, conditioner and shower gel
- Peri bottle
- Lip balm
- Snacks and drinks
You may also want to pack nasal spray, medication for heartburn that is safe to use during pregnancy, a sleep mask or earplugs.
Checklist for the baby
- Baby clothes (4–5 bodysuits, 4–5 pairs of trousers, onesies/pyjamas, socks)
- Outdoor clothes and a hat for going home, depending on the season
- Sleeping bag (choose the TOG rating according to the season)
- Baby nest or sleep carrier
- Baby carrier for a newborn and/or a baby wrap
- Infant car seat (the first car seat)
- Blanket to use in the car seat on the journey home
Checklist for partner
- Phone and phone charger
- Wallet
- Toiletries in a wash bag
- Comfortable changes of clothes for 3–4 days (preferably clothes that can be easily opened for skin-to-skin contact)
- Slippers
- Snacks and drinks
- Camera and charger, if desired
Bonus tips for labour and delivery
- Electric candles and fairy lights for cosy lighting
- Massage oil (e.g. cold-pressed almond oil)
- Heating pad
- Portable speaker, if desired
What is usually available at the labour ward and maternity unit?
You usually do not need to pack these:
- Hospital gown
- Large maternity pads
- Comfortable mesh underwear
- Waterproof covers
- Soap in the shower
- Pilates ball
- Painkillers, such as paracetamol and ibuprofen
- Bed sheets
- Pillows and hospital blankets
- Large and small towels
- Nappies for the baby
- Baby bassinet or plastic cot
- A speaker for music may sometimes be available
Please check with your specific hospital what they provide, as this can vary between hospitals and birth units.
Borrow, rent or buy second-hand
Buying everything new before your baby arrives can quickly become expensive. However, many of the products available or recommended are not actually necessary. Buying second-hand is therefore a great alternative, as is borrowing or accepting items from friends, family or colleagues.
You can also rent baby products instead of buying them. Parently offers both new and second-hand products through a subscription service. Renting can be a cost-effective and sustainable option, especially for products that are only needed for a short period of time. It also gives you the opportunity to try a product before deciding whether to buy it.
Written by guest writer Hanna Pauser, an experienced doula and founder of Doulabyn. Doulabyn offers support from experienced doulas in Stockholm, as well as birth preparation courses in Stockholm and online.
