Hospital bag checklist

For mumAntenatal card and hospital registrationKeep on top of the bagHMO card or receipt of paymentAsk your ward which they needTwo loose nightdresses that open at the frontFor feeding in comfortMaternity pads, two packsIn store, ₦4,200Disposable underwear, sixIn store, ₦2,500Nursing braIn store, ₦6,000Two wrappersOne to wear, one to tie babySlippers and a light shawlWards can be cool at nightToothbrush, toothpaste, small towelFlask for hot water or teaMany wards do not supply itIn store, ₦7,500Phone charger and power bankFor when the light goesIn store, ₦9,500Light snacks and drinksLabour can be long

For babyFour bodysuits, newborn sizeIn store, ₦6,000Two sleepsuitsIn store, ₦5,500Cap, mittens and socksIn store, ₦2,800Receiving blankets, twoIn store, ₦4,900Baby shawl for going homeIn store, ₦6,500Newborn nappies, one packIn store, ₦5,200Cotton wool and baby wipesIn store, ₦2,400Cord clamp and methylated spiritOnly if your ward asks for themIn store, ₦1,800Mackintosh sheetOften on hospital listsIn store, ₦3,500Small basin and soft towelIn store, ₦4,500

For the birth partnerTransport plan and fuel moneyKnow two routes in case of trafficCash and transfer details for feesSome wards ask before dischargeList of phone numbers on paperIf a phone diesChange of clothesTorch with fresh batteriesIn store, ₦3,200Bottle of water and snacksCar seat fitted before the dayFor the ride homeIn store, ₦85,000A notebook for doctors' instructions

Notes

How the checklist was made

We compared the lists handed out by eleven Ibadan wards, public and private, then added what families told us they wished they had packed.

Wards differ. A teaching hospital may ask for a mackintosh, cord clamp and methylated spirit; a private clinic may supply all three. That is why the list marks a few items "only if your ward asks". Always bring your own clinic's list and tick it against this one.

Paperwork comes first because it is the only thing a ward cannot lend you. Antenatal card, registration and your HMO card or proof of payment go in one clear folder on top of the bag, with a sheet of phone numbers in case your phone is flat.

The partner column exists because birth partners are usually the ones searching for a torch or fuel money at 3am. Give them the list a week before your due date and agree two routes to the hospital.

Week 32

Wash and fold

Baby clothes washed in a mild wash, dried in the shade and zipped into a bag to keep dust out.

Week 34

Fill the gaps

Use the top-up box to see what is missing. Order on WhatsApp and we deliver the next day inside Ibadan.

Week 36

By the door

Bag packed, folder on top, power bank charged. Tell your driver where it is.

Mother sitting on the floor with her baby

Or let us pack it

The ready-packed bag, ₦68,000

Every item on the mum and baby columns that we stock, packed into a wipe-clean holdall with a printed copy of this list. Bring your ward's own list and we swap items to match it at no charge.

See hospital bag items Questions