Most hospital bag lists are written for the mainstream mother. They miss the things Muslim mothers actually need: a prayer garment, dua cards, adhan earpiece, dates for the Sunnah tahneek, a modest postpartum cover for visitors. Here is the complete list, organised by bag, with the Muslim essentials clearly marked with a \uFDFA emblem.
When to pack: by week 34
Pack by the end of trimester 3, week 34 at the latest. Only 5% of babies come on their due date. Keep the bag in the boot of the car once it is ready.
Bag 1: Mother\u2019s labour bag
- Maternity notes (physical copy).
- ID, insurance cards, any hospital admission paperwork.
- Phone + long charger cable (the hospital sockets are always far from the bed).
- Lip balm, hair ties, face wipes.
- Water bottle with straw (for during labour).
- Snacks: dates, nut butter packets, bananas, electrolyte sachets.
- Lightweight dressing gown (modesty-friendly, button-through).
- Slippers and thick socks.
- Flip-flops for the shower.
- A comforting object: small Qur\u2019an, tasbih beads, sajjadah, one soft pillow.
- \uFDFA Printed dua cards \u2014 Rabbi ishrah li sadri, Hasbunallah, Ya Hayyu ya Qayyum. See our dua for easy labour.
- \uFDFA Prayer garment / long abaya \u2014 for praying in the room.
Bag 2: Mother\u2019s postpartum bag
- 2\u20133 loose pyjamas or abayas with front opening for breastfeeding.
- Maternity pads (the heavy-duty kind \u2014 8 pads minimum).
- Disposable underwear (5\u20136 pairs).
- Nursing bras (2\u20133).
- Breast pads (disposable).
- Nipple cream (lanolin).
- Toiletry bag: toothbrush, paste, face wash, moisturiser, deodorant, hair comb.
- Dry shampoo.
- Going-home outfit (maternity size \u2014 you\u2019ll still look pregnant).
- Small gift for older siblings coming to meet the baby.
- \uFDFA Long hijab or abaya for if male medical staff enter the postpartum room.
- \uFDFA Modest nursing cover for feeding in front of visitors.
Bag 3: Baby\u2019s bag
- 3\u20134 newborn vests / sleepsuits.
- Hat (newborns lose heat quickly).
- Scratch mittens.
- Newborn nappies (20+).
- Cotton wool or water wipes.
- Nappy rash cream.
- Muslin cloths (4\u20136).
- Blanket or swaddle.
- Car seat (installed in car before you leave for the hospital).
- Going-home outfit.
- \uFDFA A few pitted medjool or ajwa dates for tahneek on the first day \u2014 see our tahneek guide.
- \uFDFA Small prayer or dhikr card for the crib (e.g., Qul reminders).
Bag 4: Partner\u2019s bag
- Change of clothes + prayer clothes.
- Toiletry kit + toothbrush.
- Phone charger.
- Snacks + water.
- Small Qur\u2019an or dhikr book.
- Prayer rug.
- Birth plan printout.
- A small eid-style outfit for baby\u2019s first photo if desired.
- \uFDFA Note: prepare to whisper the adhan in baby\u2019s right ear immediately after birth \u2014 memorise it now.
The Muslim-specific \uFDFA checklist
- Adhan and iqamah memorised or printed for partner.
- Dates for tahneek.
- Dua cards for labour.
- Abaya + hijab for mother and baby-holder visitors.
- Small Qur\u2019an.
- Sajjadah.
- Halal snacks \u2014 UK hospitals rarely offer halal food reliably; bring your own.
- Arabic-English translation of key medical terms if English is not your first language.
What to leave at home
- Jewellery.
- Candles, diffusers (hospital rules).
- Perfume (many hospitals now ask you not to).
- Large handbags (most postnatal wards have limited space).
Download a checklist
Inside the Sakina app, the same checklist is tickable offline \u2014 so your partner can mark items off while you\u2019re in labour. See the app.
Related reads
Content is for general information. Adapt packing based on your specific hospital\u2019s guidance.