When and how to pack your hospital bag?

Did you know that only 5% of babies are born on their due date! Your baby may arrive a few weeks before or after the expected date.

We therefore recommend preparing your hospital bag from the start of the eighth month of pregnancy, in case your baby decides to arrive a little early.

Your hospital will provide the basic items you need to care for yourself during and after birth, but there are other essentials to pack in your hospital bag.

In summary

• For an uncomplicated pregnancy, prepare your bag from 32 to 34 weeks of gestation, at the start of the 8th month.
• In the case of a high-risk pregnancy, prepare from 28 weeks of gestation. For a twin pregnancy, from 24 to 26 weeks of gestation.
• In France, 7.5% of babies are born before 37 weeks of gestation. It is best to be prepared in advance.
• The average hospital stay after giving birth is 3 days for a vaginal birth and 5 to 6 days following a caesarean section.
• This article covers the checklist for the mother, baby and co-parent, as well as specific circumstances. It does not cover birth preparation.

Updated on 5 May 2026 

Maternity units provide a list of what you need to bring for your baby. You are generally asked to bring:

• 5 or 6 bodysuits (for sizing, go for newborn to 1 month, or a mix of both! Some bigger babies can go straight into 1-month size)
• 5 or 6 warm sleepsuits,
• 2 or 3 wool vests,
• A pair of booties,
• A hat,
• A bath towel,
• A sleeping bag,
• A thermometer,
• A few bibs and muslin squares,
• Possibly nappies (a hospital or maternity unit may not provide them — check in advance).

Take the time to read the list provided carefully, and adapt your bag according to what you know you will need.

Clémentine P. · Tisane milky mama · ⭐ 5/5 · 18/07/2022

"Our little girl decided to arrive 15 days early. But as the delivery was incredibly quick, I had slipped some into my bag so I had them when I headed to the maternity unit. My midwives were amazed! Milk came in within a day and a half, and our little one had regained her birth weight from the very first day."

The essentials are fairly straightforward: comfortable clothes, a pair of socks, cotton underwear, towels and sanitary pads, slippers, nightwear, a toiletry bag, medication, administrative documents: medical file, health insurance card, complementary health insurance details, family record book, health booklet, etc.

Here are a few "essentials" (pack a large bag!) to add to your maternity bag, in addition to the basics indicated by your place of birth:

A skin-to-skin band

It looks like a wide elasticated bandeau top, but wider so you can tuck your baby inside and keep them close without having to hold them. It is an extremely beneficial practice that encourages bonding, the release of hormones and supports lactation.

A breastfeeding pillow, even if you are not breastfeeding

Really useful even for mamas who are not breastfeeding. It helps you find a comfortable sleeping position and is very handy for breastfeeding mamas to prop up their baby!

Hot/cold gel pads

Gel bead compresses, which can be used hot or cold, will help to relieve discomfort. They are available in the form of cold gel pack to soothe the perineal area after the birth, as well as in the form of breast pad to help reduce engorgement related to milk coming in.

Nursing bra or support bra

Whether or not you intend to breastfeed, your milk will likely come in within hours or days of the birth. A support bra can help to ease any discomfort. A nursing bra will allow you to feed your baby with ease.

➜ Discover our breastfeeding supplements

Breast pads

A breast pad will help to absorb leaks when your milk comes in. Choose ones that are GOTS and OEKO-TEX® certified. Also remember to pack a nipple cream.

A breastfeeding necklace 

Among the handy little accessories to slip into your maternity bag, some mamas also appreciate a breastfeeding necklace. Worn by the mother during feeds or babywearing, it helps to keep baby's little hands occupied, reduces hair and clothing pulling, and stimulates their sensory development through different textures. The models from Mawen Materne are handmade in France, using materials suitable for very young babies such as food-grade silicone and natural wood.

Nourishing foods

Your stay will not necessarily be restful — you will need energy both before and after the birth. You need to eat nourishing foods to support your body. You are about to go through the equivalent of a marathon! If you have a low-risk pregnancy, you can eat and drink during labour. Opt for small, easily digestible portions, and make sure you stay well hydrated.

Pack a few snacks in your bag to help you regain your strength. Jolly Mama snacks are high in fibre and contain protein — including the collagen snack — everything you need to help you recover.

Helna, 5/5 - 24/04/2026

On Post essentials: "Really effective! I've been using them since giving birth and they help me feel my best. If I forget to take them, I notice straight away. Nearly 9 months postpartum and I still need them!"

The bone broth will be your ally. It is a warming, comforting, remineralising dish rich in collagen — everything you need in the days around the birth.

Don't forget to bring your postpartum food supplement, to begin after the birth.

Extra accessories

A camera (to capture those precious moments with your baby), phone charger, something to read…

A night light — the fluorescent lighting in maternity wards can be quite harsh, so when you wake up at night to tend to your baby, it is always more pleasant to have the soft glow of a night light.

A mineral water mist spray, which can be useful during labour before the birth and also for cleaning your nipples after breastfeeding.

If you know you are going to have a caesarean, also think about these products:

Support or recovery underwear for a caesarean, as they are high-waisted and well suited. You can also opt for fold-down styles that sit below the incision.

Loose-fitting clothing — you may feel more comfortable wearing relaxed clothes that do not rub against your incision.

Plan ahead and pack your maternity bag at a relaxed pace during your pregnancy. By following these tips, you should be perfectly equipped for one of the most beautiful moments of your life!

Liza M. · Mama Poule · ⭐ 5/5 · 27/07/2022

"I did a course for 3 days before my caesarean and for a week afterwards. It helps to restore bowel function after the anaesthetic. It is also comforting to drink warm in the evening at the maternity unit to help you reconnect with yourself."

Extra accessories

A camera (to capture those precious moments with your baby), phone charger, something to read…

A night light — the strip lighting in maternity wards can be quite harsh, so when you wake up at night to tend to your baby, it is always more pleasant to have the soft glow of a night light.

A mineral water facial mist, which can be useful during labour before the birth but also for cleansing your nipples after breastfeeding.

If you know you are going to have a caesarean, also think about these products:

Supportive or recovery underwear designed for caesarean sections, as they are high-waisted and well-suited. You can also opt for fold-down styles that sit below the incision.

Loose-fitting clothing — you may feel more comfortable wearing relaxed pieces that do not rub against your incision.

Plan ahead and pack your hospital bag at your leisure during pregnancy. By following this advice, you should be perfectly prepared for one of the most beautiful moments of your life!