So, it’s time to start packing your bag for hospital! It can be very overwhelming to know what to pack, so we’ve put together this handy list to help get you started.
To make things a little easier, we suggest 2 bags – 1 small bag for labour, and 1 for your hospital stay.
Labour bag
Antenatal card or USB
Comfy nightie or oversized t-shirt to start labour in
Swimwear if planning on getting in the bath or shower during labour
Water bottle with a straw or pump top
Small, easy to eat snacks such as lollies and muesli bars (pack enough for your partner too)
Gatorade / Powerade
Any essential oils, affirmation cards, photos etc that you plan to use throughout labour
Any labour tools such as a heat pack, TENS Machine or Birth Comb
Music +/- headphones if you want to have specific music to listen to
Hair elastics / clips
Phone charger
Lip balm
Hospital bag
Toiletries – Face wash and skin care items, body wash, shampoo and conditioner, dry shampoo, toothbrush and toothpaste, deodorant, hair brush and hair ties and hand sanitiser
Toilet paper or flushable wet wipes (yes they provide toilet paper in hospital but it's usually the thin 1 ply stuff. Vaginal delivery or c-section - you're going to want something a bit more comfy when you wipe!)
Maternity pads or adult nappies (period undies are not recommended initially as you can not monitor blood loss)
Lip balm
Loose fitting clothes (our top shops for these items are Kmart, Cotton On and Bonds, but maternity clothes from your pregnancy work well too)
Nursing singlets / bras / crop tops
Button up / Front zip pyjamas
Big black granny undies
Cardigan
Slippers to wear around hospital room
Thongs to wear in shower
Socks
SRC Recovery shorts/leggings if you plan on wearing them
Hairdryer (not necessarily for drying your hair! This is handy if you have any stitches to gently dry the area – any moisture may lead to an increased infection risk)
Nipple cream, such as Lasinoh
Hydrogel discs (these are even better if you can pop them in the fridge before using)
Breast pads
Long phone charger
Notepad and pen
Pump water bottle (a really cheap and effective alternative to a peri bottle)
Snacks, such as muesli bars, lollies or crackers
You’ll also need to pack some stuff for your new baby. Depending on whether you are giving birth in a public or private hospital will determine exactly what you need to pack for your little one. If you are unsure of what your hospital will provide, it’s always best to ask them directly, but here’s a rough idea of what you will need:
0000 / Newborn size onesies (at least one for everyday you are expecting to be in hospital). If you have been told you are having a bigger baby, it might be worth packing a couple of 000 ones, and similarly, if you think your baby will be on the smaller side, pack some 00000 / premmie sized onesies. No matter what season you give birth, it’s always a good idea to pack long sleeve / long leg onsesies, as it can get quite cool in hospital with the air conditioning
Singlets (the ones that have press studs around the bottom are the best as they don’t ride up under onesies)
Announcement outfit / plaque if you have something particular in mind to announce your little ones arrival
Going home outfit (again, this is only if you have a special or particular outfit in mind)
Formula, bottles and a steriliser if you are planning on formula feeding from birth (if you are planning on breastfeeding but need to do formula top-ups until your milk comes in or to supplement breastfeeds, the hospital will usually supply these things). Hospitals can usually supply you with a breast pump as well if needed in hospital, but if you have your own, you may like to pack it
Nappy rash cream
Dummies (if you think you will use them)
Swaddles / wraps (the big jersey material ones are great)
Socks if the onesies don’t have covered feet
Beanie
In a public hospital, you will also need to pack:
Nappies
Baby wipes
Baby Bath supplies, including baby wash and moisturiser
We’ve created a handy printable checklist, plus a shopping guide to make things even easier for you. You can find the links to our lists below!
hospital bag can't handle all stuff :)