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Preparing for the arrival of your baby is an exciting time, but it can quickly turn stressful when you think about packing for a hospital stay. The secret to a calm and easy arrival is having a detailed, practical hospital bag checklist. For first-time parents and those who need a refresher, knowing exactly what to pack—and what not to pack—will free you up to focus on the truly important moment: meeting your baby.
You don’t just need one bag; you need a system. We recommend two main bags:
- The Grab Bag: Smaller and easily accessible. This has everything you need during active labour and the first few hours after the birth.
- The Main Bag: A medium suitcase with items for the post-birth hospital stay (1-5 nights depending on your delivery ) for you and the baby.
Let’s break down the essential items you need for a stress-free hospital stay.
Part 1: The Grab Bag: Paperwork and Labour Essentials
This small bag should be ready from 36 weeks and kept in an easy-to-grab location, like by the front door or in the car. It contains the immediate necessities.
Paperwork & Documentation
This is the most crucial part of your hospital bag checklist. You’ll be asked for these as soon as you arrive.
- Medicare Card: The hospital will need this for billing and identification.
- Hospital Paperwork: Any forms given to you at booking, pre-registration, or antenatal appointments.
- Birth Roadmap (if you have one): A copy for your midwife/doctors.
- Insurance Details: If you have private health insurance, have your card and membership details ready.
General Comfort & Support Items
These small additions make a big difference in a long labour.
- Charger with a Long Cable: Hospital power points are often far from the bed. A three-metre cable is a lifesaver.
- Headphones and Speaker: For music or guided meditations during labour.
- Eye Mask and Ear Plugs: Essential for blocking out noise and light, allowing you to rest in a busy hospital environment.
- Snacks and Drinks: Don’t rely solely on hospital vending machines. Pack small, high-energy snacks like nuts, crackers, muesli bars, and sweets. Lucozade Sport or other electrolyte drinks are fantastic for maintaining energy during labour. A bottle with a straw is also great for drinking in any position.
Part 2: Mum’s Hospital Bag Checklist
Your main bag should focus on comfort, recovery, and feeling a little bit like yourself again. Prioritise ease and practicality.
Labour and Immediate Post-Birth
- Birth Clothes: Choose dark colours. A button-down, loose-fitting dress or a large t-shirt is ideal, as it allows for skin-to-skin contact immediately after birth and access for monitors.
- Dressing Gown: For walking the halls and for modesty. Choose a dark one that is easily washable.
- Flip-Flops or Slippers: Non-slip footwear is a must for walking around the hospital and for the shower.
- Antibacterial Wipes: Hand sanitiser and wipes for quick clean-ups.
- Peri-Bottle: A simple item that is an absolute game-changer. Used to gently spray warm water over the perineal area while urinating to avoid the sting of stitches and allow for gentle cleaning.
Postpartum Recovery Essentials
The focus here is on managing bleeding and healing.
- Big, Comfy Pants: Forget your nice underwear! You need at least 5-7 pairs of large, dark-coloured, high-waisted briefs that can comfortably hold thick pads.
- Maternity Pads: Pack a large supply. The hospital may provide some, but you will want more for comfort and security.
- Disposable Pants: Brands like Depends or TENA offer all-in-one absorbency and can be more secure and comfortable than pads for the first 24 hours.
- Toiletries: Deodorant, soap, toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo, and conditioner. A mini dry shampoo is also a great idea. Don’t forget your hairbrush and simple hair ties.
- Baggy Outfit for Going Home: Your body won’t snap back immediately. Pack an outfit that fitted you around six months pregnant—think loose trousers and a large shirt.
- Supportive Bras: You’ll need comfortable, supportive maternity bras or nursing singlets.
- Aromatherapy Smells: Essential oils like lavender can be dabbed onto a pillow or cloth for relaxation.
Part 3: Baby’s Hospital Bag Checklist
Baby essentials are small, but they add up quickly! The hospital will have basics, but you need enough for several changes a day.
Clothing
- Sleep Suits/Baby Grows (Zip-Up): Zips are far easier than fiddly buttons in the middle of the night. Pack 2-3 in newborn size and 2-3 in 0–3-month size, as you won’t know exactly what fits until they arrive. Some hospitals still provide baby nighties & singles.
- Singlets or Vests: For layering, especially if the hospital is air-conditioned.
- Hat and Cardigan/Jumper: Even indoors, a hat helps regulate a newborn’s temperature initially. The baby needs a suitable outfit to wear home.
- Car Seat Blanket: Essential for the safe trip home.
Nappy Changing
- Nappies: Pack enough for 6-12 changes per day. Hospitals often provide a starter pack, but having your own ensures you don’t run out.
- Baby Wipes: Unscented, sensitive wipes are best for newborn skin.
- Muslin Squares: Pack 3-4. They are multi-purpose: burp cloths, lightweight covers, or simply for cleaning up spills.
The Most Important Item: The Car Seat
It’s often forgotten in the packing rush, but you cannot leave the hospital without a properly installed car seat.
- Install It Early: Have the car seat professionally fitted or install it yourself well before your due date. You do not want to be fumbling with ISOFIX anchors after a marathon labour!
- Some councils provide a rebate for installation.
Part 4: Partner’s Hospital Bag Checklist
Your partner plays a vital role and needs to be comfortable too!
- Change of Clothes: At least two days’ worth of comfortable clothes. Hospitals can be warm, so layers are key.
- Swimwear: If they plan on supporting you in the shower or a birth pool.
- Pillow: Hospital pillows are notoriously thin. A familiar pillow will help them rest between coaching you and bonding with the baby.
- Toiletries: Toothbrush, deodorant, and face wash. They may be staying longer than expected.
Things to Remember: The Final Check
A thorough hospital bag checklist goes beyond the items themselves. A little planning now prevents a lot of panic later.
Plan for Visitors and Pets
- Visitor Plan: Find out your hospital’s policy on visitor hours and waiting room rules. Due to current health and safety requirements, these can change often.
- Other Children/Pets: If you have other children, finalise a plan for who will look after them and when they can come to visit the new baby. Similarly, if you have pets, ensure someone is on standby to check in on them and keep their routine stable.
- Old Towels/Puppy Pads: Keep an old towel or two (or a small stack of puppy training pads) in the car. This is a practical, non-messy barrier in case your waters break on the drive to the hospital.
Being prepared is about feeling in control, and the best way to do that is to have your hospital bag checklist complete and ready to go. The items on this list are curated from years of experience helping expectant parents feel ready for the big day. When that day arrives, you can simply grab your bags and focus on the beautiful journey ahead.
The more you understand the logistics of birth and the early postpartum period, the calmer and more confident you will feel. Preparing your hospital bag checklist is just the first step in a thorough preparation process.
If you’re looking for in-depth, practical, and non-judgemental education that covers everything from packing your bag to the feeding and settling techniques of a newborn, book one of our comprehensive birth preparation classes. We’ll ensure you step into parenthood feeling informed and empowered.
You can view available class dates and book your class directly on our website, or if you have any questions about which class is right for you, please email Carmel at [email protected].