Realistic Hospital Bag Essentials — What I Actually Used vs What Stayed in the Bag

Written By Widasari Yunida

This post contains affiliate links, including Amazon affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases — at no extra cost to you. I only recommend products I have personally used or researched thoroughly.

I packed my hospital bag at 36 weeks, fully convinced I had thought of everything. I had read every list, watched every YouTube haul, and ordered what felt like half of Amazon. And then I actually went into labour — and discovered very quickly that about half of what I packed never left the bag.

So here is the honest version. Not the aspirational list. The real one — written from the other side, with a newborn on my chest and a very clear memory of what actually mattered when things got real.

The things I used constantly

These are the items I reached for again and again. If you take nothing else from this post, pack these.

A long, loose nightgown or labour gown — not a hospital gown

This was the best decision I made. I bought a soft, long nightgown that was easy to lift and fully modest — I did not want to be in a backless hospital gown for hours on end. Look for something with a loose fit, easy front access if you plan to breastfeed, and a fabric that breathes. Cotton or bamboo is ideal. I wore mine from the moment I arrived until I left.

I actually packed two labour gowns — one from Amazon, and one I brought back from Indonesia.

The Amazon one is a solid, practical option and I will link it below. It does the job — it is long, loose, and comfortable. But the one from Indonesia was on another level entirely. It was designed specifically with modesty in mind — fuller coverage, a more generous length, a beautiful soft fabric, and cut in a way that felt dignified rather than just functional. As a hijabi woman going through labour, that difference mattered more than I expected. I felt like myself in it, rather than just a patient.

Here is the honest truth: I have not found anything like that Indonesian gown available to buy in the UK. Everything on the UK market is either too short, too revealing, or clearly designed without Muslim women in mind. I found myself thinking — why does this not exist here? If you are a pregnant hijabi in the UK and you have had the same thought, you are not alone.

I am genuinely looking into whether I can make something like this available here in the future. If that is something you would be interested in, drop your email at the bottom of this post and I will let you know if it ever happens.

In the meantime — the Amazon option linked here is the best I have found for UK hijabi mums right now.

What to look for: Long length (knee or below), front button or wrap opening, breathable fabric.

A good lip balm

Nobody warns you about this. Between breathing through contractions, gas and air, and the general dryness of hospital air, my lips were completely parched. This was the item I asked for most urgently. Pack two — one in your labour bag and one in your overnight bag.

The on I used on repeat is one from Dr. Ceuracle, it’s a korean brand. Vegan and pregnancy safe!
See my review on pregnancy and breastfeeding safe Korean Skincare here!

A portable phone charger / power bank

The most practical item in the whole bag. Hospitals have limited plug sockets, they are rarely near the bed, and your phone will be your lifeline — for music, contacting family, timing contractions, and eventually taking those first photos. Do not rely on finding a socket. Charge the power bank the night before you go in.

Snacks — the right kind

I packed snacks but I packed the wrong snacks. What I actually wanted were things that were easy to eat quickly, gave me energy, and were not too heavy. I had crisps and nut bars — apparently we’re not allowed to eat anything contains nuts, so bye bye my energy bars. My partner ate most of the crisps. Pack snacks for your birth partner too — they need to eat.

A hair tie and, simple undercap or instant hijab

If you wear hijab, an instant hijab is essential. I was not thinking about my hijab during labour but I also did not want to be without it around the various staff coming in and out. A soft, seamless instant hijab meant I felt covered without having to think about it. Pack at least two — one to wear, one spare.

Loose, dark-coloured underwear or maternity underwear — two sizes up from normal

Buy cheap. Buy dark. Buy big. You will not want to wear anything tight after birth, and the first few days postpartum mean you will want underwear you genuinely do not mind throwing away. I bought a multipack from Primark, Sainsbury and Frida Mom specifically for this purpose.

I found one from amazon from Frida Mom, soft and gentle on skin.

A going-home outfit for baby that is actually easy to put on

I had packed the cutest outfit. It had poppers down the back, a separate hat that did not stay on, and required threading tiny arms through tiny holes while everyone was watching. Pack something with front poppers, a stretchy neck, and minimal fuss. A simple sleepsuit is genuinely the right call.

The Nasal Spray Bottle

If I could go back and make one addition to my hospital bag, it would be this. A nasal spray bottle (a small squeezy bottle you fill with warm water) makes going to the toilet after birth so much more comfortable. People will usually suggest Frida Mom peri bottle, but trust me, nasal spray bottle works the same and way cheaper.

Find Nasal Spray bottle here.

Straws

Underrated item to bring, but during my labour I had to be infused and had a limited mobility with my hands and arms being sore. I couldn’t lift my hands to drink from a glass and my partner has to bring it to my mouth. So straw was definitely needed!

Find a reuseable one so you can use it again & again!

Hand Warmer - yes, hand warmer!

Also another underrated item to bring, but after labour I had to breasfeed my newborn with a swollen and hard boob. It was painful feeding with that condition, as suggested by the midwife I should warm the boob so the milk will flow. Luckily I have some packs of hand warmer with me (initially I brought it in case the hospital was cold) and it was a life saver!!!

The things I packed but barely touched

A full makeup bag

I packed a whole makeup bag for "after." I used lip balm and that was it. For your hospital stay, a basic wash bag with the essentials is enough: face wash, moisturiser, dry shampoo, deodorant, toothbrush and toothpaste. Save the full kit for going home day if you want it.

Multiple outfits for me

I packed three outfits for myself. I wore the same nightgown the entire time. One comfortable outfit for going home is plenty. Everything else is extra weight.

A full-size towel

Hospitals provide towels. They are not luxurious but they are functional. If you want your own, pack a small travel towel — not a full bath sheet.

Books and entertainment

I downloaded three podcasts, two playlists, and had a book on my Kindle. I used the playlists only. Keep entertainment simple — your focus will be elsewhere.

The full list — what to actually pack

Here is a clean packing list based on what genuinely mattered, with Amazon links for the items easiest to find there.

Labour bag (take in with you)

Overnight bag (for after)

For baby

  • Sleepsuits x3 (newborn and 0–3 months size — babies are unpredictably sized)

  • Vests x3

  • Scratch mitts x2

  • Soft hat x1

  • Cellular blanket

  • Muslin or burp cloths — shop on Amazon

  • Nappies — a small pack of newborn size (shop on Amazon)

  • Cotton wool or water wipes — WaterWipes on Amazon

  • Car seat — already fitted in the car before you go in

A note for hijabi mums specifically

Nobody writes this part and I really wish someone had told me.

Pack more undercaps or instant hijab than you think you need. I packed two and wished I had four — they are small, they get warm, and having a fresh one made a real difference to how I felt. A soft jersey hijab in a neutral colour is also worth having in your bag for when you want to feel more put together — whether that is for visitors, for photos, or just for yourself.

On the labour gown specifically: as I mentioned above, the Indonesian gown I brought with me was genuinely the most hijabi-friendly thing I wore during my entire hospital stay. There is a real gap in the UK market for modest maternity and labour wear that is designed thoughtfully — not just a long version of something that was never designed for us. I am thinking seriously about whether I can change that. If you feel the same way and want to be the first to know if anything comes of it, sign up below.

→ Sign up to be notified when a UK modest maternity gown becomes available

Also: do not worry about looking good during labour. Truly. Focus entirely on what your body is doing. The photos from those hours will be precious regardless of what you are wearing.

What I wish I had known

The honest truth is that you will not need as much as you think. The most important things in that room are your birth partner, your midwives, and you. Everything else is secondary.

Pack light. Pack practical. And pack at least two lip balms.

If you found this helpful, save it to your Pinterest for when you need it — and check out my full newborn Amazon essentials post for everything you need for when you get home.

Want to know when a UK modest maternity gown is available?

As I mentioned in this post, I wore a labour gown from Indonesia that was far better designed for hijabi women than anything I could find in the UK. I am seriously exploring whether I can make something like it available here. If you are interested, drop your email below and you will be the first to know.

Notify Me

All Amazon links in this post are affiliate links. I only recommend products I have personally used or researched thoroughly. Prices correct at time of publishing.

If you are preparing for birth, always discuss your birth plan and any medical questions with your midwife or healthcare provider.

Widasari Yunida
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