In the maternity hospital you will spend most of your time in a nightdress. The midwives examine you in it, you breastfeed in it, go to the shower and change your pads. So it is worth choosing one for practicality, not just looks.
For the hospital bag, the NHS recommends nightwear that opens at the front or is loose, if you plan to breastfeed.2 The UK charity NCT adds that a nightdress tends to be more practical when changing maternity pads and having any stitches checked.3 So a nightdress with buttons or poppers solves three things at once: breastfeeding, examinations and hygiene.
| Feature | Why |
|---|---|
| Front opening (buttons, poppers) or a nursing neckline | breastfeeding and skin-to-skin contact without undressing |
| At least knee-length | comfortable for walking down the corridor and to the shower |
| A darker colour or a pattern | blood and milk are normal in the first days |
| Cotton or viscose | breathes; maternity hospitals tend to be warm |
| A loose cut over the tummy | your bump doesn’t disappear straight after the birth |
| Short or roll-up sleeves | blood tests, a cannula, hand-washing |
Žilina University Hospital, for example, lists two nightdresses.1 Check your own maternity hospital’s list. If there is no one to bring you more and your stay is longer, a third will come in handy. Have a dressing gown ready too; you will appreciate it in the corridor and the dining room.
You will find the full tick-off list for the maternity hospital, including documents, in the guide What to pack for the maternity hospital.
After you get home, many women go back to pyjamas. The same applies as with a nightdress: a front opening or a nursing neckline, a soft waistband and a fabric that stands up to frequent washing. If you breastfeed lying down at night, you will appreciate a top that doesn’t ride up.
With night feeds, think about your baby’s safe sleep too. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that your baby sleep in your room, but on their own firm, flat surface.4 Details and sources are in the article Safe sleep for your baby.
Žilina University Hospital, for example, lists two on its list. If you can do some washing or someone can bring you more, two are enough; if you want a spare, pack a third.
In the first days after the birth a nightdress tends to be more practical, because it makes it easier to change pads and to be examined. At home, many women go back to pyjamas, which are warmer and better for breastfeeding lying down.
The numbers in the text refer to these sources. The links go to the publishers’ own pages; we simply cite them.
We last checked these sources on 13 October 2026.
A complete list of what to take to the maternity hospital, based on Slovak maternity hospitals and the NHS. Documents, things for the birth, for you afterwards, for the baby and for the journey home. With an interactive tick-off list.
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