The bump is growing, the nursery is taking shape… and one question keeps coming back: what should go in your hospital bag? Here is a simple checklist to help you arrive calm and ready.

When should you pack your hospital bag?

Ideally, pack it during your seventh month, at around 34 weeks. Your baby may decide to arrive a little early, and a packed bag is one less thing to worry about. Ask your maternity unit for their own list too: some provide nappies and linen.

For the labour ward

• A long, comfy t-shirt or nightdress
• A pair of warm socks (very important!)
• A water spray and lip balm
• Snacks and a bottle of water for your birth partner
• A calming playlist and a phone charger with a long cable
• Your baby’s first vest, a hat and a cardigan

For mum, during your stay

• Comfortable clothes that open at the front if you plan to breastfeed
• Nursing bras and breast pads
• Disposable or cotton knickers, and maternity pads
• Your toiletry bag: gentle soap, toothbrush, hair ties, moisturiser
• A breastfeeding pillow, if you have one
• A going-home outfit in your six-month size

For baby

• 6 vests and 6 sleepsuits in newborn size (plus one or two in 0–1 month)
• Hats, socks and scratch mitts
• A baby sleeping bag or a light blanket
• Muslin squares: you will use them for everything
• The comforter you have chosen for your baby
• The car seat, fitted in the car before the big day

Documents not to forget

Your ID, health insurance cards, pregnancy records and latest test results, and any family or parental recognition documents. Keep them together in a folder at the top of your bag.

What we (almost) always forget

Slippers, your own pillow, hair clips, a notebook to log feeds… and a little treat just for you. For many mums, that is a soft fragrance that becomes the scent of those first days. Premier Sourire en format voyage 15 ml fits in any washbag: an alcohol-free, hypoallergenic baby perfume made with over 95% organic ingredients, designed to be shared with your baby from birth. Wondering about wearing perfume during pregnancy? Read our advice here.

Le plus beau des voyages vous attend ❤️