Wondering what you should pack in your hospital bag? Worried you’ve under or over packed? Stress no more!
We’ve created the ULTIMATE hospital bag checklist to ensure you’re ready to go with all the essentials, plus some lesser-known items from experienced Mummas!
Hospital Bag Checklist for Mum:
- Antenatal Record Card/Pregnancy Health Record
- Hospital paperwork
- Medicare card
- Labour supports eg. Birth ball, Rebozo, candles (if allowed), essential oils, massage oil, glucose drinks, snacks, music/bluetooth speaker, affirmation cards, TENS machine, heat pack (if allowed)
- Bikini (optional, if planning on using water during labour/birth) and swimmers for partner
- Birth plan
- Old t-shirt for labour
- 1x packet Depend Super Underwear (adult nappies – the best!)
- 3 x packets of maternity pads
- 2 x maternity bras
- 8 x black comfy undies
- 1 x packet of disposable breast pads
- Nipple cream/Rite Aid Hydrogel Breast Discs
- 3 x feeding singlets
- Comfortable clothes – leggings/trackpants, zip-front tops and jumper for ease of breastfeeding
- 2 x Pyjamas (button-front for ease of breastfeeding)
- Dressing gown
- 4 x socks
- Slippers
- Toiletries – Shampoo, Conditioner, Shower gel, Face wash, Moisturiser, Toothbrush, Toothpaste, Hair brush, Lip balm, Hair elastics
- Tissues
- Medications you’re currently taking
- Phone and charger (with an extra-long cord)
- Pen and notepad
Optional:
- Own pillow
- Eye mask and ear plugs
- Change for vending machines
- Books or magazines, games, playing cards
- Perineal bottle/spray or pump water bottle
- Soft toilet paper or flushable wipes
Hospital Bag Checklist for Baby:
- 3 x Bonds zipper long-sleeved onesies size 00000 (these have built-in socks and gloves – separate socks never stay on otherwise!)
- 4 x Bonds zipper long-sleeved onesies size 0000
- 3 x Bonds zipper long-sleeved onesies size 000 (only really needed if bub is measuring big)
- 1 x short-sleeved onesie size 0000 (only if its summer, for going home)
- 6 x Singlets/vests, newborn size 0000
- 2 x pairs of socks
- 2 x beanies
- 1-2 packets of Newborn size nappies
- 1 packet of water-based wet wipes
- 2 x blankets
- 3 x Burp cloths
- 2 x Wraps or swaddles
- Baby capsule or car seat, properly installed inside your car
Optional:
- Dummies, if planning to use them
- Formula and bottles, if planning to bottle-feed
- Bow, if having a girl (for photos)
- Announcement card/plaque and pen (for photos)
- Bottle with a straw, or just a plastic bendy straw (so you can drink while lying down/in labour)
Give birth with confidence
