Aim to have your hospital bag packed and by the door by 36 weeks. Babies don’t always keep to the due date, and the last thing you want in early labour is to be hunting for a phone charger or your maternity chart.

This checklist covers what to bring for you, your baby and your birth partner, plus the Irish paperwork that’s easy to forget. Every maternity unit in Ireland is a little different, so check your own hospital’s list at your antenatal appointments or on its website. Ask what they provide, as some units supply things like nappies or pads and others don’t.

Top tip: pack two bags. A small labour bag goes in with you. A bigger bag for your postnatal stay can stay in the car until you’re settled on the ward.

What to pack for mum

For labour

• Loose, comfortable top or nightdress you don’t mind getting messy (front-opening helps with skin-to-skin and feeding)
• Dressing gown and slippers or flip-flops, for walking the corridors in early labour
• Warm socks, since feet often get cold during labour
• Hair bobbins and a hairbrush
• Lip balm, as hospital air and gas and air can be very drying
• Water bottle with a sports cap or a few bendy straws
• Snacks and energy drinks: cereal bars, jelly sweets, crackers
• Phone, a charger with an extra-long cable and a portable power bank
• Headphones and a playlist, plus anything else that helps you relax (a pillow from home, a massage ball, a battery candle)
• Your birth preferences, if you’ve written them down

For after the birth

• 2–3 nightdresses or pyjamas, front-opening if you plan to breastfeed
• Maternity pads, at least two packs. You’ll need more than you think.
• Big comfy knickers, either disposable or cheap high-waisted cotton ones (5–6 pairs)
• 2–3 nursing or soft non-wired bras
• Breast pads and nipple cream
• Toiletries: toothbrush, toothpaste, shower gel, shampoo, deodorant, moisturiser
• Your own towel, as hospital ones can be small
• Any medicines you normally take, in their original packaging
• Glasses or contact lenses and solution
• A loose, comfortable outfit to go home in. You’ll still look around six months pregnant for a while, and that’s completely normal.
• Eye mask and earplugs for a busy ward

What to pack for baby

Newborns don’t need much, but they get through vests and nappies quickly. Pack each outfit in a labelled freezer bag so your partner can find things easily.

• Newborn nappies (size 1), about 20–30
• Cotton wool . Plain water is recommended for newborn skin.
• Barrier cream for nappy changes
• 4–6 vests (bodysuits)
• 4–6 babygrows (sleepsuits), in newborn and 0–3 month sizes in case your baby is bigger than expected
• 2 soft hats and a pair of scratch mittens
• Socks or booties
• Muslin cloths for spills and burping
• A cellular blanket
• A going-home outfit, plus a warm cardigan or jacket depending on the Irish weather

The car seat

You’ll need a rear-facing infant car seat to drive your baby home, so fit it in the car before your due date and practise using it. Have it checked by an expert if you can: the Road Safety Authority’s free Check it Fits service can help. Don’t put your baby in the seat wearing a snowsuit or thick coat, as it stops the harness fitting snugly. Tuck a blanket over the straps instead.

What to pack for your birth partner

Labour can last many hours, and your partner will be more help if they’re fed, comfortable and not worrying about the car park.

• Snacks and drinks, as the hospital shop or canteen may be closed at night
• A change of clothes, or at least a fresh T-shirt
• Comfortable layers, since labour wards are often very warm
• Toothbrush, toothpaste and deodorant
• Phone charger and power bank
• Coins, a card or the right parking app for the hospital car park. Check the parking options and costs before the day.
• A list of who to ring or text with the news
• Something to pass the time in the slower stretches: a book, headphones or downloaded shows

It’s worth checking your hospital’s current guidance on birth partners and visiting, as rules on overnight stays and visiting hours vary.

Documents and paperwork

 

The essential documents and paperwork you need to bring include:

 

• Your Maternity Healthcare Record / Chart: This is the most critical item. Depending on your hospital, this is either the “yellow folder” given to you by your GP/midwife or the handheld pregnancy record book issued at your first booking appointment. Keep this in or right next to your hospital bag at all times during the third trimester]
• Your Birth Plan (If you have one): If you have specific preferences written down, bring a printed copy to hand to the admitting midwife so it can be discussed and placed directly into your active medical chart.
• List of Current Medications: A clear, printed list of any prescription medications or supplements you are taking, along with the “My Medicines and Supplements” leaflet if your hospital provided one.
• Photo ID: A driver’s licence or passport. While you are already in their medical system, it is standard practice to confirm identity upon emergency admission or during shifts.
• Healthcare Record Number: If your hospital issued a specific patient card or label sheet with your unique chart number, keep it easily accessible.

 

 

Save the hospital’s labour ward phone number in your phone and your partner’s phone now. You’ll be asked to ring before you come in.

What to leave at home

• Jewellery, large amounts of cash and other valuables
• Lots of outfits for you. You’ll mostly live in pyjamas.
• Baby gadgets and toys that you won’t need in the first few days
• Scented candles or oils, which most wards don’t allow

Final tips

• Show your partner where everything is. They’ll probably be the one rummaging through the bag.
• Keep a last-minute list on top of the bag for things you can’t pack early, such as your phone, charger and glasses.
• Think about older children. Arrange childcare in advance, with a back-up for a middle-of-the-night labour.
• Don’t worry if you forget something. The hospital will look after you, and someone can always bring it in later.

Watch our Whatsupmum videos on preparing for birth and your first days with your newborn for more tips from Irish maternity experts.