What to actually pack in your hospital bag (from someone who forgot the important things)

The hospital bag. It looms large in pregnancy lore — the subject of entire Reddit threads, Instagram reels, and well-meaning WhatsApp messages from your mother-in-law. Everyone has an opinion. Very few of them have actually had a baby in Ireland recently.

So here is the definitive, unsentimental guide. No unnecessary aromatherapy diffusers. No "in case you feel like doing your skincare routine at 4am" items. Just what you actually need, in the order you'll actually reach for it.

Before we start: the Irish hospital context

Maternity wards in Ireland are different from the UK in a few important ways. Most importantly: many hospitals still have visiting restrictions that mean your partner may not be present for parts of your labour, and some hospitals discharge you within hours of a straightforward birth. Know your hospital's policy before you pack.

The other Irish hospital reality: it can be cold. Even in summer. Bring layers.

The bag itself

Two bags. One for labour, one for after. Keep them separate and clearly labelled. Your partner should know exactly which is which, because you will not have the bandwidth to direct traffic during active labour.

Labour bag

• TENS machine (if you're using one — rent or borrow, they're expensive to buy)
• Water spray bottle and lip balm (gas and air is drying)
• Hair ties, a headband, or clips — anything to get hair off your face
• Bendy straw (you'll want one)
• Snacks. More than you think. Labour is long. Bring snacks for your partner too or they'll hover around your food
• A warm pair of socks — the floor is cold
• Loose, comfortable clothing or a nightdress you don't mind if it gets stained. (It will.)
• Flip-flops or slippers for the bathroom
• Your birth preferences, printed, in a clear plastic wallet (not on your phone — no one has time to unlock your phone at the relevant moment)
• Phone charger with a long cable
• Earphones and a pre-downloaded playlist or podcast
• Any medication or supplements you take regularly

• Cash (hospital vending machines and car parks)
• Their own food and drink
• A phone charger
• Something to do during the slow parts

After-birth bag

• Maternity pads — bring a lot. Hospital-grade are the most comfortable at this stage, not the thin everyday type
• Disposable underwear — four to six pairs. No argument.
• Loose pyjamas or a nightdress, ideally front-opening if you're planning to breastfeed
• Nursing bra or soft bralette (our [Nursing Bralette](/shop/the-nursing-bralette) is perfect)
• Toiletries — travel-sized, in a clear bag. Shampoo, conditioner, shower gel, face wash, moisturiser, deodorant, toothbrush, toothpaste
• Going-home outfit — something loose and comfortable. Your body immediately postpartum is not the same size as your body pre-pregnancy, so bring something with a stretch waistband

• Three sleepsuits in newborn size (one to wear home, two spare)
• A pair of scratch mitts
• A hat
• A cellular blanket
• A snowsuit or warm layer if it's winter
• Car seat, already fitted to the car

Things people pack that they never use

• A full makeup kit (you won't)
• Books (also won't, during the newborn days)
• Fancy snacks for "the birth" (you may not be able to eat at all in active labour — bring easy, small snacks)
• A pillow from home (hospitals provide them, and your pillowcase will get ruined)

Things people forget and deeply regret

• The phone charger cable (the most common hospital bag regret in recorded history)
• Their notes (midwives need these immediately)
• Change of clothes for their partner for a second day
• A going-home outfit for the baby that actually fits a real newborn (hint: it is very small)

A note on Irish hospital bags for repeat mothers

If this is your second or third baby, pack for a faster birth and consider packing the after-birth bag first. Second labours are often shorter, and you may find yourself in transition faster than you expect.

The most important thing in your hospital bag is your birth preferences — a clear, concise one-page document that tells your care team what you want and what you need, written with the awareness that plans change and that's okay. Write it in bullet points. Keep it to one page. Date it. And bring six copies because they have a habit of disappearing.

You've got this. Really.