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What to Pack in Hospital Bag for Mum & Baby
We recommend keeping everything organised by packing 3 separate bags - one for labour, one with baby essentials and one with everything you need during your hospital stay. Remember to include a bag to put your dirty laundry in. You are likely to stay at the hospital for anywhere between 1 to 5 nights, so either take enough clothes and toiletries for 5 days for you and your baby, including pyjamas and nappies (if not provided by the hospital), or have a backup supply bag at home that hubby can bring in on day 2 or 3 for you.
Make sure you check with your hospital on what paperwork they need for birth - this may include your medicare card, your health care card (if you have one), your private health care card (if you have one), as well as maternal health records, your birth plan, your hospital pre-admission paperwork (if provided).
The following lists for each of the three bags (labour, hospital stay and baby essentials) includes all the items you may want to take to the hospital with you.
Hospital Bag Checklist - Bag 1: What To Pack For Labour and Birth
Regardless of whether you have a natural birth, some intervention or a c-section, you can create a relaxing and positive environment around yourself by preparing yourself with information about your birthing options, and by bringing your choice of music, aromatherapy, and positive affirmation cards. Educating yourself and your support team about what to expect during birth is a great idea so you can feel more empowered during labour.
During a natural labour you may find you spend time in the shower or bath (water is very good for relaxation), and during a c-section you might find your playlist and essential oils are helpful for relaxation. It is a great idea to have a think about what kinds of things you normally would find relaxing and include those.
Make sure you check with your hospital what paperwork they need. At a minimum you will need to take your health insurance information, hospital forms and Medicare cards. You can also think about what information or moments you want to record for your Baby Book as a keepsake!
Essentials
For you:
- big loose t-shirt, or sarong or wrap around gown to wear when you're not in the shower. If you are being induced or need antibiotics you may have a cannula/IV to navigate around - a sarong is a great option to work with this!
- thongs or slip on shoes that are easy to put on and off and that can get wet
- hair tie, bobby pins, or hair band to hold your hair back off your face
- lip balm
- sports drink or lollies for an energy boost - you may also want fruit and nut mix, muesli bars or crackers
- music and music player (some labour rooms include cd players or docking stations. Check with your hospital) You may want to have relaxing or meditative music, or more intense music to match your labour!
- Some mums also swear by taking an iPod filled with your favourite music and ear phones to help you tune out the other noises in the room. On the other hand having music for everyone gets the whole support team in the same 'zone' as you, which can be helpful!
- Birth Plan - several copies for your husband to give to the midwives, plus any other documentation you have been asked to bring by the hospital.
- Nursing tops to wear after your birth
- Maternity pads, socks, shoes and comfy undies to wear afterwards. Loose pants (you may be feeling tender all over).
- Plastic bag to take soiled clothes home in
For your support team:
- board shorts or swimmers to help you while you're in the shower or bath
- a change of clothes for afterwards
- snacks and drinks (it's a looooooonnnng haul!)
- Pain killers in case of headache!
- mobile phone charger (you don't want a flat phone when it's time to send out the news!)
Optional Extras
For you:
- Positive birthing affirmations printed out that you can read if you want inspiration
- a camera or video (or just your iphone with a charger)
- hair brush
- aromatherapy
- extra soft toilet paper for afterwards!
- a breastfriendly top to wear afterwards
For your support team:
- a box of roses or packet of chocolates to give to the midwives who supported you.
- a thank you card (or maybe a couple in case there is someone in particular you would like to acknowledge) to fill in before you leave the hospital
Bag 2: What to pack for Mum after birth
Generally you will stay for between 2 - 7 days at hospital, depending on a range of outcomes. You will still have all of the items you took in for your labour, and it can be a good idea to ask your partner/support team to reorganise your bag for you for easy access, and take home any soiled clothes after the labour. Remember that your partner will be able to leave and pick up anything in particular that you need if you've forgotten something or run out!
Essentials
- comfortable, dark coloured undies (yes there will be leakages and the maternity pads are rather large!). Some mums swear by granny undies to help hold your stomach, another mum recommends taking soft cotton boxers in case you have a ceasarean (even if you're not planning to), so that the boxers can go up over the scar (or hipsters to sit under the scar) to avoid irritation.
- lots of maternity pads (at least 2 packets - these are larger than regular pads. You may continue bleeding for up to 6 weeks after giving birth, however the bleeding should subside after the first few days)
- Nipple balm to help heal your nipples while breastfeeding (it does get better!)
- Breast pads / nursing pads (disposable is good for hospital, cloth is great once you're home)
- scent free toiletries - small shampoo and conditioners OR dry shampoo plus your normal toiletries (toothbrush, toothpaste, face wash, moisturiser etc). Your baby will be overwhelmed with smells, sounds and lights. It is best to avoid fragrances in the first few months so that your baby can just smell you and be comforted.
- relaxed fit breastfeeding singlets/tops and sleepwear with easy nursing access or your transitional maternity wear (maternity wear with breastfeeding access), if you have it, to get you through at least a 4 day stay, PLUS
- an expectation that your stomach will probably still look about 20 weeks pregnant (it takes a while to go back to its pre-pregnancy size!)
- nursing bras (no underwire to make sure you're not cutting off any milk ducts)
- Socks/slippers and robes/jumpers (hospitals are cold!)
- Phone charger
- change for vending machine (just in case!)
Optional Extras
- Your own pillow if you're particular about pillows :)
- Moisturiser - we like coconut oil butter, which is also great for your baby if they have some dry patches, others also recommend pawpaw
- Any other body wash or moisturiser with no or low fragrance
- Any snacks e.g. fruit and nut mix, snakes etc
- a good book to read
- eye mask if you're sensitive to light
- ear plugs (but be sure you can still hear your baby!)
- a newbaby keepsake book to start recording details about your new baby
- A list of potential baby names!
If you have older children
- a gift from your newborn to any siblings is a great idea
- activities (coloured pencils, books, stickers) for any older children to keep them occupied during visits
Bag 3: What to pack for your new baby after birth
- Many hospitals include nappies, onesies, and blankets so check with your hospital before packing your bag
- Newborn Nappies, wipes, blankets (if not supplied by the hospital)
- 4 x warm rompers, singlets, socks (if not supplied by the hospital)
- Baby hats and mittens (although we recommend only using the hat/beanie while your bub is sleeping, and not when bub is attached to you or partner, especially straight after birth. Your body temperature will keep your baby warm, and smelling your baby’s head is important for bonding – it can stimulate the flow of oxytocins which is also good for breastfeeding)
- Baby Moisturiser – we love organic coconut oil, but always test for allergies before using all over! Other baby toiletries are not usually necessary – just water is enough in the early days, and is better for sensitive skin.
- Going home outfit
- REMEMBER to have your approved car seat fitted well before your due date! Alternatively, you can find a capsule hire service that you can get someone to install for you while you're at the hospital.
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