When Should You Start Packing Your Hospital Bag?
Hey, I’m Ada the founder of My Baby Nest and a mum who learned the hard way that babies don’t always stick to the schedule.
When I was pregnant with my son, I kept telling myself I had loads of time to pack. I was busy nesting, rearranging cupboards, folding tiny baby clothes… everything except packing my hospital bag. I thought I’d do it around 36 weeks.
But surprise! My baby had other plans and arrived a whole month early. Cue the chaos: I was frantically throwing things into a bag between contractions, grabbing random items like two bottles of shampoo, no pads, and a single newborn onesie. Not ideal.
So if you're wondering “When should I start packing my hospital bag?” let me save you the stress:
🎯 Aim to Have It Packed by 30 Weeks
Yep, before you hit 30 weeks is the sweet spot.
Why? Because:
- Babies can come early (trust me on this one) Mine came at 35 weeks.
- It gives you time to calmly check off everything you need.
- You can actually enjoy those final weeks without running around looking for nipple cream and giant knickers.
- If you end up needing hospital care earlier than expected (for scans, monitoring, or anything else), you’ll be SO glad it’s ready to go.
So What Does “Packed” Actually Mean?
It doesn’t have to be perfect, just ready. Think of it like a backup plan in your boot. Even if you don’t think you’ll need it early, it’s there. Peace of mind = priceless.
I recommend:
- Keeping your hospital bag by the door or in the car once it's packed.
- Letting your birth partner or family member know where it is (just in case you’re not the one grabbing it!).
- Packing things in sections: one bag for you, one for baby, and a small one for your birth partner (they’ll thank you later).
Don’t Want to Overthink It?
That’s exactly why I created My Baby Nest. After my chaotic hospital dash, I knew mums needed a no-fuss, ready-to-go solution. Our Ultimate Hospital Bag is packed with everything I wish I had the first time — mum-curated, NHS-approved, and stress-free.
So whether you're 24 weeks or just realising you're 32 weeks and haven’t packed a thing (no judgment!), you can skip the panic and feel instantly prepared.
With love,
Ada x
Founder, My Baby Nest