Louise 
Funny Things People Packed in Their Hospital Bag!
Let’s be honest — packing your hospital bag can bring out a certain… energy. One minute you’re calmly folding babygrows, the next you’re wondering if you need six types of lip balm, a hot water bottle, or a fondue set. It’s amusing to consider all the funny things people pack in their hospital bag for their hospital trip. (Spoiler: you don’t.)
We recently asked our community to share the funniest, strangest, or most “what was I thinking?” things they packed for birth — and as always, you did not disappoint. Among the responses, there were many amusing items people pack in their hospital bag that made us chuckle about certain funny bag choices.
From whole chickens to glitter and Idris Elba, here are some of the highlights, reflecting how entertaining the funny hospital bag packings are…
1. A Rotisserie Chicken
Yes, really. A whole one. Apparently it was her favourite comfort food and she couldn’t face labour without it. One midwife walked in to find the birth partner carving it with a plastic knife between contractions.
10/10 for protein. 0/10 for hospital corridor smell.
2. Hair Straighteners (and the full salon kit)
We get it — you want to look nice in the first baby photo. But the reality is: you’ll care far more about snacks than slick hair. Still, one community member brought straighteners, curlers, full-size hairdryer, velcro rollers… the works.
No judgment — but if you’re short on space, maybe swap them for extra maternity pads when packing your hospital bag to avoid running out of essentials amidst the amusing items.
3. A Scented Candle…and No Matches
We love a calming vibe. But one mum packed a beautiful lavender candle and then realised she hadn’t brought any matches. It sat, unused, like a very pretty paperweight.
Tip: try battery-powered tealights or a diffuser instead in your hospital bag for a more practical solution amidst the funny packings.
4. A Bottle of Champagne
Honestly? We loved this one. A couple packed a chilled bottle and plastic glasses to toast their baby’s arrival. Unfortunately, the postnatal ward was not in the mood for a party. Cheers (quietly).
5. Four Pairs of Heels
One mum admitted she brought heels in multiple styles — just in case. Platforms. Wedges. Stilettos. She left in slippers, of course, but she had options. We admire the optimism in her choice of packing funny things in their hospital bag.
6. A Framed Photo of Idris Elba
When we asked why, she said: “For motivation.” Fair enough. If looking into Idris’ dreamy eyes gets you through a contraction, we support your choices.
7. An Entire Cheeseboard
Not just a Babybel. We’re talking Brie, chutney, crackers, olives. When asked if they were planning to share, they said no. Iconic behaviour that truly defines funny things people pack in their hospital bag.
8. A Full Face of Festival Glitter
This baby was born under fairy lights, with mum wearing glitter on her temples and cheeks. Was it essential? No. Was it brilliant? Yes.
We absolutely loved hearing what you packed from the surprisingly useful to the utterly random. And honestly, if it brought you joy, comfort or just a laugh on the ward, it was worth it.
While many items were funny things people pack in their hospital bag, just don’t forget your phone charger and maternity pads.
Need a practical list too?
We’ve also put together a no-nonsense hospital bag checklist that covers everything you’ll actually need… with room for one or two wildcards, obviously.
Download our free hospital bag checklist here
And if you’ve got something funny to add — drop us a DM. We’re always here for a good story and a new list of funny hospital bag packings.
