Hospital Bag Checklist for Mum, Baby & Partner
, by Tivoli Media, 4 min reading time
Getting ready to welcome your baby? Our hospital bag checklist covers everything you need to pack for mum, baby, and your birth partner. Based on advice from real Irish parents, this guide makes sure you’ve got all the essentials — from cosy clothes to snacks, baby wipes to car seats — so you can feel calm, prepared, and ready for the big day.
What to pack for the big day!
Packing your hospital bag is one of those big milestones as your due date gets closer. In Ireland, most maternity hospitals recommend having your bag ready by around 36 weeks. But what exactly should you pack — and what can you leave behind?
At Happy Baby, we’ve created a practical, no-nonsense checklist based on what real Irish parents say they actually used. Whether it’s your first baby or your third, this guide is here to help you feel more prepared (and a little less overwhelmed) as you get everything ready for the big day.
What to Pack for Mum
Think comfort, recovery, and practicality. Labour and postnatal stays vary — so pack enough for at least two nights, and a few extras just in case.
Essentials:
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Your hospital notes or Maternity Record Folder (the yellow folder from your GP)
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Lightweight dressing gown (hospital rooms in Ireland are often very warm)
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Slippers or flip-flops (especially for the shower)
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Loose nighties or oversized t-shirts for labour
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Maternity bras and breast pads
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Maternity pads (bring a few full packs)
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Comfortable, high-waisted underwear (dark colours are best — ideal post-section)
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Toiletries: toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo, face wipes, deodorant, lip balm, hairbrush
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A towel and face cloth
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Large water bottle (a straw lid can be handy)
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Phone and charger (a long cable is useful as sockets are sometimes awkwardly placed)
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Snacks: cereal bars, fruit, jellies — anything you’ll actually want to eat. Many mums say the tea and toast after birth is magic, but it doesn’t last long!
Nice-to-haves:
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Nipple cream
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Your own pillow (bring a coloured pillowcase to distinguish it from hospital linen)
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Hair bobbins or headband
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Headphones or earplugs
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A cosy going-home outfit (something stretchy and comfy)
What to Pack for Baby
For baby, it’s worth having a few outfit changes and all the essentials within easy reach.
Essentials:
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A full pack of newborn nappies – most Irish hospitals don’t supply them
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Cotton wool or water-based baby wipes
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4–6 babygrows / sleepsuits
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4–6 vests
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Muslin cloths or bibs
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Hat & scratch mitts
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Baby towel (or soft towel from home)
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Baby blanket
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Going-home outfit with cardigan, hat, and socks
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Rear-facing infant car seat (fitted and ready in the car). Shop here!
Tip: Wash baby’s clothes with a gentle, baby-safe detergent before packing.
What Birth Partner should Pack
Partners or support people often forget they might be there a long time too — so ideally they'll have a hospital bacg ready too!
Essentials:
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Change of clothes
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Toiletries & deodorant
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Snacks & drinks (for them and you)
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Phone, charger, and headphones
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Loose change for vending machines or parking
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A warm jumper or hoodie (mainly for comfort)
Tip: Irish hospitals can be unpredictable when it comes to visitor times and parking, so make sure your partner has essentials packed in one place just in case they’re staying longer than expected.
Shop Your Hospital Bag with Happy Baby
You don’t need to run all over the place to find the bits and pieces on your list. At HappyBaby.ie, we stock all the essentials in one place — with fast delivery anywhere in Ireland.
From nursing bras and maternity pillows to newborn babygrows, blankets, and car seats, our curated collections are designed to take the stress out of getting ready.
Explore our:
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Breast Feeding Essentials Collection here.
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Bottle Feeding Essentials Collection here.
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Travel & Car Seats Collection here.
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Newborn Clothing & Blankets here.
- Hospital pants here.