What are the best homebirth kits and supplies?

Choosing the right homebirth kit is essential for a safe, natural, and comfortable birthing experience. With so many options available online, it can be overwhelming to decide which kit best suits your needs. Whether you’re a first-time mom or planning your next homebirth, having the right supplies in your kit can ensure a smooth and stress-free labor, delivery, and postpartum recovery.

In this post, I’ll break down what a home birth kit is, review some of the most popular options, and share what worked for me during my two homebirths. From midwife-approved essentials to custom kits tailored to your birth plan, I’ll help you discover the best tools and products to bring your baby into the world with confidence and peace of mind.

What Is a Home Birth Kit and Why Is It Essential?

A homebirth kit is a collection of essential supplies designed to support a safe, comfortable, and natural birthing experience at home. It includes tools and items needed to align with your birth plan, prepare for labor, and ensure both mom and baby are cared for during delivery and postpartum recovery.
Why Is a Home Birth Kit Essential?
- Safety: Having sterile equipment, such as gloves, pads, and umbilical cord clamps, ensures a clean and safe environment for delivery.Convenience: A well-stocked kit keeps all necessary items organized and ready, reducing stress during labor.Preparedness for Emergencies: Kits often include emergency supplies, such as gauze and antiseptics, in case of unexpected situations.Postpartum Support: Many kits also contain essential postpartum recovery items, such as heavy-duty pads, a peri bottle, or herbal products to promote healing.
For both of my homebirths, I made sure to be fully prepared, which gave me peace of mind. Everything was kept in one place, and my husband was fully aware of where each item was, so I didn’t have to worry about finding anything during or after birth. I also made sure to have postpartum essentials fully stocked in every bathroom in the house, which made the recovery period much easier. In the UK, gas and air was sent to us in a box without the key, which the midwives brought when they arrived during labor. Midwives also bring everything that might be needed during or after birth, such as sterile supplies and emergency equipment. However, knowing we had everything we might need if we gave birth without a midwife present was incredibly reassuring. I felt confident knowing my husband and sister knew exactly where to find every item, just in case. A home birth kit ensures you’re fully prepared for a natural birth, whether attended by a midwife or as a freebirth. It also allows expectant mothers to customize their experience, bringing personal comfort items or tools for relaxation, like massage oils and herbal teas.

Types of Home Birth Kits Available for Every Birth Plan

There are many types of home birth kits available, each designed to meet different needs and preferences. Whether you prefer a pre-assembled kit or want to create a custom birth kit, having the right supplies can ensure a smooth and stress-free experience. Pre-Assembled Home Birth Kits Pre-assembled home birth kits are designed by professionals, such as midwives or doulas, and include all the essential items for a safe and clean home birth. These kits are ideal for first-time moms or those who need help organizing their supplies.

What They Typically Include:

Sterile supplies: Gloves, umbilical cord clamps, and scissors.Hygienic essentials: Disposable underpads, waterproof sheets, and antiseptic wipes.Emergency items: Gauze, alcohol pads, and bulb syringes.

Benefits:

Convenient and ready-to-use.Midwife-approved supplies give peace of mind.Ideal for moms who don’t want to gather items individually.

Best For:

Moms planning a midwife-attended birth.Those who prefer a one-stop solution for their home birth essentials.

Custom Home Birth Kits For me, assembling my own birth kit was the only option. I’m too much of a control freak to leave it to someone else, and honestly, I think if you have the knowledge, it’s worth doing it yourself to ensure everything is exactly how you want it. A custom home birth kit allows you to tailor the items to your unique birth plan, personal preferences, and comfort. What to Include in a Custom Kit Essentials

Cord Ties: Believe me, these are worth it! I found beautiful, soft cord ties on Etsy that worked so much better than traditional clamps.Sterile Scissors and Gloves: For hygiene during labor and delivery.Disposable Underpads: To protect surfaces and make cleanup easy.Shower Curtain or Tarp: Perfect for waterproofing large areas like beds or floors.

Comfort Items

Massage Oils: I highly recommend Neal’s Yard Remedies or doTERRA oils for relaxation.Heat Packs: Ideal for soothing back pain or tension during labor.Aromatherapy Diffuser: Helps create a calming atmosphere; my favorites are frankincense and lavender oils.Handheld Electric Fan: A lifesaver for cooling off, especially during a water birth.

Water Birth Supplies

Birth Pool, Liner, and Pump: Essential for moms planning a water birth. I used the La Bassine Birth Pool and loved its design and comfort.

Postpartum Recovery

Peri Bottles: The Frida Mom peri bottle is a must-have for postpartum care.Herbal Teas: I found some wonderful postpartum tea blends on Etsy that helped with recovery and relaxation.DIY Padsicles: These were incredibly soothing. You can make them with aloe vera, witch hazel, and lavender oil.Postpartum Underwear: Frida Mom makes the best postpartum recovery packages, and I truly think they’re worth the investment.

Personal Touches

Affirmation Cards: Place empowering affirmations around your birth space for mental and emotional support.Photos and Salt Dough Decorations: These add a meaningful, personal touch. Making salt dough decorations with my kids was such a special part of preparing for birth.Fairy Lights: Everywhere! Seriously, even under the birth pool liner—this small touch can transform the space into something magical.Camera: Don’t forget to record everything! These moments are priceless, and you’ll thank yourself later for capturing them.

Why I Chose to Assemble My Own Kit For both of my homebirths, I opted to assemble my own kit because I wanted full control over what was included. I knew exactly what I needed, and putting it together myself gave me the confidence that everything would be perfect for my birth plan. It also allowed me to include personal touches and choose specific products I trusted. If you feel comfortable and have the knowledge, assembling your own custom kit is, in my opinion, the best way to ensure your kit meets your expectations. A Complete Review of Popular Home Birth Kits

Selecting the appropriate home birth kit is essential for a safe and comfortable birthing experience. This section reviews and compares popular home birth kits available in the U.S. and U.K., and discusses the benefits of assembling your own custom kit. Pre-Assembled Home Birth Kits United States

Cascade Health Care Cascade Health Care offers three home birth kits:
- Standard Home Birth Kit – Priced at $45.00, this kit includes essential items such as underpads, sanitary pads, a perineal irrigation bottle, gauze, alcohol prep pads, flexible straws, an infant tape measure, and a baby cap. Cascade Health
- Deluxe Home Birth Kit – Available for $65.00, this kit builds upon the standard kit with additional supplies to support a more comprehensive home birth setup. Cascade Health
- Super Home Birth Kit – At $95.00, this kit offers the most extensive selection of supplies, catering to those seeking a thorough preparation for home birth. Cascade Health
In His Hands Birth Supply In His Hands provides a variety of customizable birth kits, allowing midwives and families to tailor the contents to specific needs. Prices vary based on the selected items, offering flexibility to include essentials and personal preferences. In His Hands

United Kingdom In the U.K., purchasing pre-assembled home birth kits that include medical supplies can be challenging due to regulatory restrictions. Families often need to source items separately. Platforms like Etsy may offer some supplies, but it’s essential to ensure that all necessary medical-grade items are obtained from reputable sources. Pros of Pre-Assembled Kits:

Convenience: All necessary items are included, saving time and effort.
Professional Selection: Items are chosen by professionals, ensuring essential supplies are provided.

Cons of Pre-Assembled Kits:

Lack of Personalization: May include items you don’t need or miss personal comfort items.
Quality Variations: The quality of certain items may not meet personal preferences.

Custom Home Birth Kits Assembling your own birth kit allows for complete control over the items included, ensuring they align with your specific needs and preferences. Benefits of Custom Kits:

Personalization: Include items that provide comfort and align with your birth plan.
Quality Assurance: Choose high-quality products you trust.
Flexibility: Add personal touches like affirmation cards, photos, or decorations to create a special atmosphere.

Considerations:

Time-Consuming: Gathering all items individually requires time and effort.
Requires Knowledge: Understanding what’s necessary is crucial to ensure all essential items are included.

Personal Experience: For both of my homebirths, I assembled my own kit to ensure everything was exactly how I wanted it. This approach provided peace of mind, knowing that all items, from essential supplies to personal comfort touches, were prepared according to my preferences. Comparison: Pre-Assembled vs. Custom Kits Aspect Pre-Assembled Kits Custom Kits Convenience High; ready-to-use with all essentials included. Lower; requires time to gather individual items. Personalization Limited; standard items may not meet all needs. High; tailored to personal preferences. Cost Varies; can be cost-effective. Potentially higher; depends on chosen items. Quality Control Variable; depends on the supplier. High; you select each item. Recommendation:

First-Time Mothers: A pre-assembled kit provides convenience and ensures all essentials are included.
Experienced Mothers: Assembling a custom kit allows for personalization and inclusion of preferred items.

Selecting the right home birth kit depends on individual preferences, experience, and specific birth plans. Whether choosing a pre-assembled kit for convenience or creating a custom kit for personalization, ensuring all essential items are prepared will contribute to a positive and empowering home birth experience.

My Personal Experience with Birth Kits and Supplies

For both of my homebirths, I chose to assemble my own kit because I wanted complete control over every item. I’m the type of person who needs to know that everything is exactly how I want it. If you’re like me and prefer to customize your birth experience, creating a custom home birth kit is the way to go. What Worked for Me 1. Essentials
I prioritized items that ensured safety and hygiene during labor and delivery:
- Cord Ties: I say ties because I would suggest buying two in case something happens to one before you put it on. I found beautiful, soft cord ties on Etsy that were much gentler and more comfortable for my babies than traditional clamps.Sterile Scissors and Gloves: Although these were provided by my midwives, having them on hand gave me peace of mind. These are crucial for handling the umbilical cord and maintaining a clean environment.Disposable Underpads and Shower Curtains: Perfect for protecting surfaces and making cleanup easy. I used a tarp under the pool and a shower curtain between the sheets for easy cleanup.Towels: Keep plenty of clean, soft towels on hand for drying off after a water birth, skin-to-skin contact, or general cleanup. Trust me, you can never have too many towels during a birth.
2. Comfort Items
Creating a soothing and supportive environment during labor was a top priority:
- Massage Oils: I used Neal’s Yard Remedies and doTERRA oils for relaxation and pain relief.Heat Pack and Handheld Electric Fan: Both were lifesavers for managing back pain and cooling off, especially during labor.Aromatherapy Diffuser: My go-to oils were frankincense, bergamot, and lavender, which created a calming atmosphere.
3. Water Birth Supplies
For both my homebirths, I planned a water birth, and these items made all the difference:
- La Bassine Birth Pool: I used both the Maxi and the Original. Both were spacious, comfortable, and easy to set up. Adding fairy lights under the liner made the space feel magical.Liner, Pump, and Hose: These were essential for setting up and maintaining the pool. The hose made it easy to fill and drain the water as needed.Sieve: Yes, it might sound a little gross, but it’s practical! The human body has a way of clearing space during labor, and a sieve is helpful for catching anything that might come out in the water. It’s just part of the incredible process of birth.
4. Postpartum Recovery
Having everything I needed for recovery prepared ahead of time was a game-changer:
- Frida Mom Peri Bottle: This made postpartum hygiene much easier.DIY Padsicles: I made these using aloe vera, witch hazel, and lavender oil—they were so soothing.Herbal Teas: I found amazing teas on Etsy, or you can buy individual herbs and make your own herbal tea mixture. I loved using my glass teapot with a removable infuser.Postpartum Underwear: I used Frida Mom’s postpartum underwear and highly recommend their postpartum package—it’s worth every penny.Stocked Freezer: Having a freezer full of hearty meals, such as soups, casseroles, and stews, was a lifesaver in the early postpartum days.Bathroom Essentials: I stocked all the bathrooms in our home with postpartum essentials in little baskets, including pads, peri bottles, and other recovery items. This simple preparation made the early days so much easier.Medela Breast Pump: I used multiple Medela pumps, including the Flex and hospital-grade options. These helped me build a stash and manage feeding in the early days.Supplemental Nursing System (SNS): The Medela SNS saved my breastfeeding journey, especially when establishing milk supply. It extended our feeding journey with my second baby and has been a game-changer with my third.Haakaa Silicone Pump: Perfect for collecting let-down milk and building a stash effortlessly.
5. Placenta Preparation
The placenta is such an extraordinary part of birth, and there are many ways to honor it. For my births, I took time to plan what I wanted to do with the placenta:
- Keepsakes: I created beautiful placenta prints and preserved the umbilical cord as a keepsake.Encapsulation: I had my placenta encapsulated to support postpartum recovery.Smoothies: I used small pieces of placenta in smoothies during the early postpartum days for added nutrients.Practical Tools: I kept a zip-lock bag and a bowl on hand for storing or handling the placenta right after birth. These are useful regardless of how you plan to use your placenta.
These practices made the experience more meaningful and allowed me to celebrate the incredible work my body had done. If you’re curious about placenta preparation, check out my blog posts:
- What to do with your placenta after birth?
- My Placenta Journey: What Every Mom Should Know About This Wonderful Organ
6. Personal Touches
Adding personal and meaningful items helped create a beautiful and empowering birth space:
- Affirmation Cards and Photos: I surrounded myself with positive affirmations and family pictures, which boosted my confidence and focus.Salt Dough Decorations: My boys and I made these together before the birth, and they added a sentimental touch to the space.Camera: Recording the birth and capturing photos were some of the best decisions I made. I cry every time I look back on those moments. (You can read about my experiences here or watch my homebirth-related videos on our YouTube channel.)
Lessons Learned From my experience, being fully prepared was key to having smooth and empowering homebirths. I learned that:
- Assembling Your Own Kit Is Worth It: Even if it takes extra time, it ensures you have everything you need and nothing you don’t.Include Your Support Team: My husband and sister knew exactly where everything was, so I didn’t have to worry about finding items during or after labor.Plan for Postpartum Recovery: Stocking all the bathrooms in our home with postpartum essentials in little baskets and having a freezer full of hearty meals made the early days much easier.
Final Thoughts Creating my own kit gave me peace of mind and allowed me to make my homebirths truly my own. Whether you assemble your own or opt for a pre-assembled kit, the key is to prepare in a way that aligns with your birth plan and gives you confidence for the big day.

How to Design a Custom Home Birth Kit That Meets Your Needs

Designing your own home birth kit allows you to tailor every item to your preferences, ensuring you have everything you need for a safe and empowering birth experience. Here’s how to create a kit that aligns with your birth plan and provides peace of mind. 1. Start with the Essentials Every custom home birth kit should include key supplies for hygiene, safety, and comfort during labor and delivery:
- Sterile Tools: Cord ties (get two, just in case), sterile scissors, and gloves.
- Hygiene Supplies: Disposable underpads, a shower curtain or tarp for easy cleanup, and plenty of towels.
- Waterproof Layers: For a land birth, use a shower curtain or tarp between layers of your bedding for a quick and easy cleanup post-birth.
2. Plan for Your Birth Type
- Water Birth: Include a birth pool (I loved the La Bassine), a liner, pump, and hose (keep it sealed and sterile until labor), and a sieve for practical cleanup. Fairy lights under the liner can add a calming, magical touch to the space.
- Land Birth: Focus on creating a comfortable and cozy environment with disposable underpads, blankets, and pillows for support.
3. Add Comfort and Relaxation Tools Your comfort is just as important as practicality during labor:
- Massage Oils: Neal’s Yard Remedies or doTERRA oils for pain relief and relaxation.
- Aromatherapy Diffuser: Use calming scents like frankincense, bergamot, and lavender.
- Handheld Fan and Heat Pack: Great for managing temperature and soothing back pain during labor.
4. Include Postpartum Recovery Essentials The postpartum period is just as important as the birth itself. Stock up on:
- Frida Mom Peri Bottle: A must-have for postpartum hygiene.
- DIY Padsicles: Make these with aloe vera, witch hazel, and lavender oil for soothing relief.
- Postpartum Underwear: Frida Mom’s postpartum package is a game-changer.
- Herbal Teas: Choose relaxing blends or create your own with loose herbs.
- Stocked Freezer: Prepare hearty meals like soups and casseroles to make life easier in the early days.
- Breastfeeding Supplies: Include a Medela pump, an SNS system for supplementing when needed, and a Haakaa silicone pump for easy milk collection.
- Nursing Comfort Items: Nursing pads, lanolin cream, and a comfortable nursing pillow are worth adding to your kit.
5. Don’t Forget the Placenta Planning for your placenta is an important part of designing your kit:
- Zip-Lock Bag and Bowl: Use these to store or handle the placenta immediately after birth.
- Keepsake Supplies: Consider items for making placenta prints or preserving the umbilical cord as a keepsake.
- Preparation Tools: If you plan to encapsulate or use your placenta in smoothies, include everything needed for proper storage and preparation.
(For more inspiration, check out my blog posts: Unlock the Incredible Benefits: Empower Your Journey with Placenta Insights and My Placenta Journey: What Every Mom Should Know About This Wonderful Organ.) 6. Personalize Your Kit Adding personal touches can help create a supportive and empowering environment:
- Affirmation Cards and Photos: Surround yourself with positive affirmations and meaningful images.
- Decorations: Salt dough ornaments, fairy lights, and flowers can make the space feel more special.
- Camera or Tripod: Record the birth or take photos to capture the incredible moments forever.
7. Test Your Tools (With Care) Before labor begins, test what you can without compromising sterility:
- Set up the birth pool and ensure the liner fits correctly.
- Practice using comfort items like heat packs and your aromatherapy diffuser.
- Keep items like the hose sealed to maintain sterility until the birth.
8. Involve Your Support Team Make sure your partner, doula, or family members know where everything is stored. Organize the kit in clearly labeled bags or boxes so they can easily find what you need during labor. Final Thoughts Designing your own custom home birth kit ensures that every item is carefully chosen to meet your needs. It’s an opportunity to prepare not just physically but emotionally for the birth experience you envision. A well-thought-out kit can give you confidence, allowing you to focus on the incredible journey of bringing your baby into the world.

What to Look for in a Home Birth Kit or Product

Choosing the right home birth kit or individual products is essential to ensure a safe, comfortable, and empowering birth experience. Here’s a comprehensive guide on what to consider when selecting supplies for your kit, whether pre-assembled or custom-made. 1. Start with the Essentials Every home birth kit should include supplies that ensure safety, hygiene, and practicality during labor and delivery:
- Sterile Tools: Include cord ties (always have a spare!), or umbilical cord clamp, sterile scissors, and gloves.
- Hygiene Supplies: Stock up on disposable underpads, shower curtains or tarps for easy cleanup, and plenty of towels.
- Waterproof Layers: Use a shower curtain or tarp between bedding layers for quick cleanup after a land birth.
2. Consider Birth-Specific Supplies Your birth type will determine additional supplies:
- Water Birth: A high-quality birth pool (like the La Bassine), a liner, pump, hose (kept sterile), and a sieve for water cleanup are must-haves. Adding fairy lights under the liner can enhance the calming ambiance.
- Land Birth: Focus on comfortable bedding, disposable pads, and supportive pillows to create a cozy birthing space.
3. Include Comfort and Relaxation Tools Labor can be intense, so prioritize items that promote relaxation:
- Massage Oils: Neal’s Yard Remedies or doTERRA oils are great for soothing pain and creating a spa-like atmosphere.
- Aromatherapy Diffuser: Essential oils like frankincense, bergamot, and lavender are perfect for calming and grounding.
- Heat Pack and Handheld Fan: Heat packs help alleviate back pain, while fans are invaluable for cooling off during labor.
4. Postpartum Recovery Must-Haves A smooth recovery starts with preparation:
- Frida Mom Peri Bottle: This is essential for postpartum hygiene.
- DIY Padsicles: Make these with aloe vera, witch hazel, and lavender oil to soothe postpartum discomfort.
- Postpartum Underwear: Frida Mom’s postpartum package is highly recommended for both comfort and practicality.
- Herbal Teas: Etsy has great postpartum blends, or you can create your own with loose herbs.
- Stocked Freezer: Prepare hearty meals like soups, casseroles, and stews to simplify mealtime in the early postpartum days.
- Breastfeeding Tools: Choose a high-quality breast pump like Medela, an SNS for additional feeding support, and a Haakaa pump for hands-free milk collection.
- Supplementing Tools: If needed, the Medela SNS is invaluable for establishing and maintaining breastfeeding in challenging circumstances.
5. Plan for Placenta Handling If you’re unsure what to do with your placenta, having supplies on hand can help:
- Zip-Lock Bag and Bowl: Essential for storing or handling the placenta immediately after birth.
- Keepsake Supplies: Tools for making placenta prints or preserving the umbilical cord as a keepsake.
- Preparation Tools: If encapsulating or consuming the placenta, ensure you have the necessary items for storage and preparation.
(Learn more in my related blog posts: Unlock the Incredible Benefits: Empower Your Journey with Placenta Insights and My Placenta Journey: What Every Mom Should Know About This Wonderful Organ.) 6. Prioritize Quality Over Quantity When selecting products, choose high-quality items over cheaper alternatives. Look for trusted brands, such as:
- Frida Mom: Known for postpartum care products like their peri bottle and underwear.
- La Bassine: Highly regarded for its spacious and durable birth pools.
- Etsy Finds: Cord ties, herbal teas, and affirmation cards can be personalized and made with care.
7. Add Personal Touches Transform your birth space with items that inspire and comfort you:
- Affirmation Cards and Photos: Surround yourself with positive affirmations and meaningful images.
- Decorations: Salt dough ornaments, fairy lights, and flowers create a magical and empowering space.
- Camera or Tripod: Capture every special moment with photos or videos.
8. Involve Your Support Team Make sure your partner, doula, or family members know what’s included in your kit and where to find it. Label everything clearly for quick access during labor. 9. Test Your Tools (Where Safe) For certain items, a pre-birth test run can help you feel prepared:
- Birth Pool: Ensure it inflates and fits your space.
- Comfort Items: Try out heat packs, diffusers, and fans to confirm they meet your needs.
- Hygiene Products: Keep items like hoses sealed and sterile until the big day.
Final Thoughts Choosing the right home birth kit or products is about more than just checking boxes—it’s about creating a space that feels safe, comfortable, and uniquely yours. Whether you purchase a pre-assembled kit or design your own, prioritizing quality, essentials, and personal touches will make all the difference in your home birth experience.

Conclusion

Preparing for a home birth is a deeply personal journey, and having the right supplies can make all the difference. Whether you choose a pre-assembled kit or take the time to design your own, the goal is the same: to create a space that feels safe, empowering, and uniquely yours.

From essentials like cord ties and birth pools to personal touches like affirmation cards and fairy lights, each item in your kit plays a role in supporting a calm and comfortable environment. Postpartum recovery is just as important—stocking bathrooms with essentials and preparing hearty meals can help ease the transition into motherhood.

For me, assembling my own home birth kit gave me confidence and peace of mind, knowing I was fully prepared for every stage of labor, delivery, and recovery. I hope this guide has inspired you to think about what matters most to you and how you can tailor your kit to your needs.

Remember, this experience is yours to design. Trust your instincts, involve your support team, and prioritize the items that will make you feel safe and cared for. Whether it’s your first home birth or your third, preparation is key to embracing the beauty and magic of welcoming your baby into the world at home.

If you found this helpful, I’d love to hear about your experience! Share your thoughts, tips, or questions in the comments, and don’t forget to check out my related blog posts and videos for more insights into home birth planning.