Pack your hospital bag around 34 to 36 weeks, so everything is ready when labour begins. Split the contents into three parts: for yourself during the birth, for the days afterwards and for your baby. Keep documents, phone charger and a first set of baby clothes on top, and put the bag in a fixed, easy-to-reach place.
What to remember
- Pack around 34 to 36 weeks, even when you are planning a home birth.
- Think in three parts: the birth, the days after and your baby.
- Keep documents, phone charger and a first set of clothes on top.
- For a home birth you mainly prepare the bed and the room.
When to pack your hospital bag
A baby chooses its own moment. That is why it helps to have the bag ready around 34 to 36 weeks, well before your due date. Then you do not have to search for anything when the first contractions start or if you need to go in unexpectedly early.
Put the bag in a fixed, easy-to-reach place and tell your partner where it is. Keep the items you may still need at the last minute, such as your phone charger and wash bag, on top or in a separate compartment.
- Keep the bag light and clear, rather two small bags than one overstuffed case.
- Store documents and insurance details in a separate folder.
- Add a short list of emergency numbers and the number of your midwife.
For you during the birth
During the birth you mainly want comfort. Choose easy clothing you can move freely in and items that help you relax. What actually feels good differs from person to person, so choose what suits you.
- A loose, comfortable top or old dress you can give birth in.
- Warm socks, a hair tie and lip balm.
- Drinks and light snacks for the journey and in between.
- Phone with charger, and perhaps your own pillow.
- Photo ID, your health insurance card and your pregnancy notes or birth plan.
For the days after and the first days
After the birth you need things for yourself. Think of comfortable clothing and care items for the first days. If you stay in hospital longer, pack an extra set of clothes.
- Maternity pads and roomy, comfortable underwear.
- An easy-fitting nursing bra and breast pads.
- A wash bag with toothbrush, toiletries and a hairbrush.
- A cardigan or dressing gown and slippers for the corridor.
- A set of clothes to go home in.
For your baby
For your baby you need a small, warm set for the first hours and the journey home. Choose clothes in layers, so you can easily adjust the warmth to the room.
Handy little extras keep everything together. A dummy case keeps a soother clean in the bag, and a soft bottle sleeve helps keep a bottle at temperature on the way. A well-fitting car seat is required for the trip home, so set it up in the car in advance.
- Two to three bodysuits and sleepsuits in size 50 or 56.
- A hat, socks and a warm wrap or blanket.
- Muslin cloths and a few nappies for the very first change.
- A going-home outfit and a well-fitting car seat in the car.
Extra checklist for a home birth
For a home birth you do not pack a bag for yourself, you prepare the room. Your midwife or maternity carer will discuss beforehand exactly what is needed. The maternity pack you receive through your health insurer contains many of the basics.
Make sure the bed can be raised, for example with bed risers or sturdy blocks, and lay out clean towels, old bedding and the maternity pack in a fixed spot. Keep the room warm and the important phone numbers within reach.
- Bed risers or sturdy blocks to raise the bed higher.
- Clean towels, flannels and old bedding.
- The maternity pack from your health insurer, ready and unopened.
- A warm, draught-free room and a baby-clothes set laid out ready.
Frequently asked questions
When should my hospital bag be ready?
Around 34 to 36 weeks is a calm moment. Your baby can arrive before your due date, so it is better to be packed too early than too late.
What should I bring for an outpatient or hospital birth?
Comfortable clothing, care items, drinks and snacks, your photo ID and health insurance card, and for your baby a warm set of clothes with a car seat for the journey back.
What do I need for a home birth?
Mainly a bed you can raise, clean towels, old bedding, the maternity pack from your health insurer and a warm room. Your midwife will go through the details with you.
Sources and review
This guide follows the information from Thuisarts.nl and the Rijksoverheid on pregnancy, birth and maternity care. Always discuss your personal situation with your midwife or maternity carer. Last content review: 17 July 2026.
