Hospital Bag Checklist

It’s a good idea to have your hospital bag packed and ready from around 35 weeks of pregnancy. However, it’s really never too early to gather together all the essentials you’ll need during labour and birth. That way your bag is all organised so you can be ready to go at a moment’s notice.

You won’t want to eat a lot in labour but it’s definitely recommended to take high-energy, easily digestible food to the hospital. Making a fruit salad in early labour is a good idea – watermelon, berries and grapes – and storing it in an insulated container. You may also want to pack muesli bars, bliss balls, apples and bananas with a nut butter dip and if you’re liking cool foods, greek yoghurt, green smoothies and coconut water will provide you with energy and comfort you if you’re feeling hot. You may also want to think of a few snacks for your partner and something to eat after you’ve birthed your baby. Generally hospitals will provide you with a sandwich and a fruit juice immediately after birth but it may not be fresh or particularly what you feel like eating, especially if your baby is born in the middle of the night. Pack your favourite tea bags (and your favourite tea cup), a few sandwiches and some comfort food snacks.