Your baby is due soon, and the big day is approaching; it is a great idea to start packing your hospital bag to ensure you are well-prepared and excited for the impending birth of your beautiful baby.
When to pack your hospital bag
To avoid the stress of packing and potentially forgetting essential items during labour, we highly recommend packing your bag at around 35-36 weeks. By doing so, you can avoid being caught off guard and hastily packing during the onset of labour.
The Ultimate Parents You've Got This Hospital Bag packing checklist is below.
What to pack in your baby’s hospital bag
Preparing for childbirth can be overwhelming, but packing your hospital bag doesn’t have to be. A well-packed hospital bag can help ease some of the stress and uncertainty of labour and delivery. We recommend packing the below to ensure you’re fully prepared for your hospital stay after childbirth.
6 x Baby singlets
6 x Baby jumpsuits
1 x Baby beanie
1 x Set of baby booties
1 x Set of baby mittens (so they don’t scratch their face)
2 x Baby pairs of socks
Nappies & wipes (some hospitals supply - check with your hospital)
2 x 3 Swaddles 2-3 (bigger the better)
Ensure you have a well-fitted car capsule or baby seat ready for your little one’s first ride home.
What to pack in your hospital bag
When packing for your hospital stay, it’s crucial to pack essentials for yourself, as well as for your baby.
2 x Maternity pad packets
1 x Box of breast pads (your breasts will leak initially, but this does settle down)
6 x Pairs of high-waisted big black undies (a size above what you would normally wear, high to avoid the scar if you end up with a c-section)
Maternity bras (your breast size can change dramatically over the first few months so only 2 to start), a crop top style bra can be good for the day your milk comes in
Comfy high-waisted pants,
Long-sleeve tops (hospitals are notoriously cold)
Maternity singlets
Thongs for the shower
PJs (which you can wear all day long and have easy access for breastfeeding - nighties leave you exposed when breastfeeding)
Slippers
A cardigan
Closed-toe shoes (hospital policy when walking with your baby)
Your pillow
Makeup bag
Toothbrush & toothpaste
Shampoo & conditioner
Hairbrush
Deodorant
Lip balm (hospital aircon makes your lips dry)
Your favourite snacks
Phone/camera charger
Notebook and pen (good to record birth details so you don’t forget and also you can keep note of when baby urinates, has a bowel motion and note which side you last breastfed from. It is also good to note who sent flowers or a gift for thank you cards.
Wallet
Phone and camera
Hospital paperwork
Medicare card
Private insurance health card
Post-birth recovery compression shorts (you may be able to purchase these from the hospital pharmacy)
Ice and heat packs for post-birth recovery (some hospitals will supply these)
Pillow, love & excitement
For the Birthing Support Person
Spare t-shirt for your birth partner (babies can be messy)
Some of your favourite snacks
A jumper (hospitals can be cold)
Closed shoes (most hospitals have a closed-toe shoe policy)
A phone list of people you want to share your big news with
Water bottle
Driver’s license and money for the car parking meter
Of course, add anything special to you which makes you feel more at ease.
To learn all about the birth process and what to expect at every stage, join our Virtual Birth Masterclass or In-person Birth Masterclass if you are in Melbourne. where you will learn practical labour and birthing skills from our Midwife and Positive Birth Expert, Narelle Tsiros and our Obstetrician Expert, Dr Peter Jurcevic.
Download our hospital bag checklist so you can easily print and tick off everything you must bring. Get excited! It is nearly time to meet your precious baby.
