Preparing your Hospital Bag

What should you pack in your Hospital Bag?

Having a baby is a special and exciting time, but it can also be stressful as you prepare for the arrival of your little one. One important task on your to-do list should be packing a hospital bag, which you'll need when you go into labor and delivery.

It's important to pack the bag well in advance of your due date, as you never know when labor might start.  The last thing you want to be worrying about is packing a bag between contractions or adding any stress during the labour.

It is possible to pack too much in your hospital bag, an overpacked bag can make finding items difficult.  Try to pack the items you will actually need and not any items that you think you might use.

There are lots of things that are not "essential" to birthing your baby, quite a few help mumma's comfortable, relaxed or could be part of your ideal birth plan.   

A prepacked Hospital Bag helps expecting new parents feel prepared for the onset of labour and can reduce some stress as the due date approaches.

To help make the process easier, here's a list of things to pack in your hospital bag for the birth of a baby:

Things to pack for Mums

• Clothing:
  • Comfortable clothes to wear during labour, such as a gown or loose-fitting clothes.
  • Old Underwear
  • Pajamas or a nightgown for after the birth of your baby.
  • Nursing bras and tanks which support breastfeeding. 
  • Socks or slippers to keep your feet warm.
  • An outfit for leaving the Hospital, something comfortable.
• Toiletries:
  • Toothbrush, toothpaste, and other personal hygiene items.
  • Lip balm and lotion.
  • Hair ties or headbands to keep your hair out of your face.
  • Hairbrush
  • Absorbent Breastpads 
  • A natural Nipple Balm 
  • A small towel or washcloth.
• Other essentials:
  • Phone and charger.
  • If you plan to use the shower or tub: a loose bra or top for you
  • Spotify playlist and a bluetooth speaker
  • Snacks and drinks, such as water and electrolyte beverages.
  • Entertainment, such as books or a tablet.
  • A birthing plan, if you have one.
  • Contact list for sharing your big news
  • Pregnancy or Baby Journal, Notepad and Pen

Things to pack for the baby:

• Clothing:
  • A Birth Announcement Outfit and Milestone Card - Prepare a complimentary Swaddle and Announcement card ready for the perfect shot of your new bub.
  • A going-home outfit, including a hat to keep your baby warm.
  • Rompers and Onesies: ​ Newborns need a number of onesies which are comfortable and easy to take on and off. Its a good idea to pack a few additional outfits in different sizes, as you won't know how big your baby will be.
  • Baby booties and mittens to keep your baby's feet and hands warm
• Nappies and wipes:
  • Consider packing disposable or cloth nappies, depending on your preference.  While most hospitals and birthing centres will provide some, its a good idea to bring some with you also
• Other essentials:
  • A car seat, which is required to take your baby home from the hospital. 
  • Swaddles and wraps - a few muslin or jersey swaddles are a great idea
  • A Knitted baby blanket to keep your baby warm.
  • A dummy/pacifier, if you plan to use one.

Things to pack for the partner or support person:

• Clothing:
  • Comfortable clothes to wear during the hospital stay.
  • A change of clothes for after the delivery.
• Toiletries:
  • Toothbrush, toothpaste, and other personal hygiene items.
  • A towel or washcloth.
• Other essentials:
  • Phone and charger.
  • Snacks and drinks.
  • Entertainment, such as books or a tablet.
  • Watch or smartphone app to time contractions

By packing these items in advance, you'll be prepared for the arrival of your baby and can focus on the important task of welcoming your little one into the world.

Remember to customise your hospital bag to meet your own needs and preferences, and don't forget to pack the bag well in advance of your due date. Pregnancy and childbirth can be unpredictable, so it's best to be prepared.