Your Hospital Bag Checklist

Birth is an unpredictable, wild ride. What you can control? What's in you take with you.

“Have you got your baby hospital bag packed?” This question starts popping up a lot as your due date nears. It’s either another confusing thing on your to-do list, something you’re diligently researching, or something you really don’t see the point in — so many mum-friends have told you they didn’t use half the stuff in theirs! Totally. Birth is an unpredictable and wild ride, anything can happen. You might not have time to take your knickers off let alone set up an oil diffuser. But that’s exactly why the process of packing your hospital bag is so important, you can’t control much in birth, except what you bring to the birthing suite.

Hospital bag packing is as much about mental preparation as the stuff itself. Planning, gathering the items you’ll have with you for labour, helps you visualise the game plan. Packing your clothes, toiletries and comfort items is like putting on your armour. Picking out the first outfit your baby will wear might make your stomach flip, and remind you of the end goal. Here's everything you need.

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What to pack in hospital bag for mum?

1. Button-down pjs

After many conversations, it's been decided that an oversized button-down shirt and elasticated pants is the best hospital outfit. Easy access for medical checks, any cords, and ofcourse, breastfeeding and skin-to-skin time, but also, room for postpartum underpants. When choosing these, the more fabulous, the better. Make sure these are something you really like wearing. Comfy and functional, yes, but the feel-good factor is very important. This is when dopamine dressing is a true essential.

Why you need it?

The question of what to wear in labour has a complicate answer, sometimes it's a hospital gown, sometimes it's nothing, sometimes it's your underwear, sometimes it's your work uniform because things happened fast. You will need some clothing in the hospital, and button-down pjs is it.

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2. A great robe

Again, make it a fabulous. Your covered, but everything is accessible, and that's the point. Particularly if you have any visitors that you want to feel a little more pulled together for.

Why you need it?

Some hospital rooms are freezing and you'll wear this the whole time. Others are hot, and you might not get this out. You won't know 'til you're there, but if it's not used in the hospital, it will be part of your regular recovery looks. Treat yourself.

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3. Slippers

These should also be, you guessed it, fabulous. And new. Tried out for comfort and size, but a recent purchase. You don't want to be welcoming your new baby in dog-chewed, discoloured slippers.

Why you need it?

You're not going to be bending over to put on shoes. Slippers it is until it's home time (and even then...)

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4. Maternity bras x 3

You'll probably be wearing these during pregnancy, but one the baby arrives you get to use them in a whole new way: for feeding. Pack at least three as you won't be doing washing.

Why you need it?

Your boobs will go on quite the journey in the weeks after birth, you want them to be comfortable for the ride.

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5. Postpartum underwear and pads

Regardless of how you deliver, postpartum bleeding, known as lochia, will happen for about four weeks. In the beginning it's usually heaviest, and absorbent postpartum underwear is best, and then gets lighter, and pads may suffice.

Why you need it?

Most hospitals will provide pads and mess undies, but these are like surfboards in very uncomfortable knickers. Taking your own will feel much better.

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6. Something comfy to wear home

This can be confusing: you'll be reentering the world. You won’t be pregnant, but you'll probably still look pregnant, so you’re not exactly going to slip into your old jeans. Your best bet is a favourite (loose) dress, or soft, elasticated pants, or if you're ready, recovery tights (it can be good to get your midwife to help you put them on for the first time. Key words, as per: comfy, luxurious feeling.

Why you need it?

While you totally can, you might not want to leave the hospital in your PJs, and if you're having a longer stay, by day 3 or 4, you might be ready to get dressed.

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7. Bits for your boobs

No one knows what your experience of breastfeeding will be like, but it’s worth being prepared for those first attempts. Especially when there are so many aids (made by mums who've been there and wish they had a better solution), there's no need to suffer through. Instead, troubleshoot. Breast pads (to absorb leakage, we recommend the disposable for your hospital bag, then you can do reusable ones when you're home and have access to a washing machine), nipple shields (your midwives might discourage you using these, but if it’s the difference between being able to breastfeed and not, we think they’ve worth having), ice packs (for when your milk first comes in) and a natural nipple balm (that doubles as a lip balm). It’s also a great idea to pack your Suction Breast Pump. DUE Lots of Letdown is a very gentle pump that won't over-stimulate or mess with your supply, but will catch extra milk that can be popped in a bottle. Then someone else can feed the baby while you get some much-earned sleep.

Why you need it?

The first few days of breastfeeding can be a bit of a rollercoaster. In most cases, you'll do your first feeding attempt very soon after giving birth and continue to bring your baby to your breast 8-12+ times a day. At first, colostrum will be drawn, which is super nutrient dense and sparing. These first few days help to bring in your milk on day 2-5, which is usually coupled with engorgement, and a lot of milk more the texture that you expect. Your nipples and boobs are doing a lot for the first time, so there can be pain and some teething issues. Having aids ready to use can help.

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8. Toiletries

Include whatever you’ll need to feel normal, but don’t forget cleanser (scent-free body wash is recommended to help your baby know your smell), moisturiser, body wash, toothbrush, toothpaste, a pack of hairbands, bobby pins, a hairbrush, shampoo, conditioner, dry shampoo, deodorant and makeup wipes.

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What to pack in hospital bag for baby?

1. Singlets x 6

Invest in some breathable singlets, size 0000, to help keep your newborn warm and secure. These will go under all their outfits.

Why you need it?

Pure and simple, singlets are a newborns wardrobe staple, perfect for layering. The general rule of baby dressing is they should have on the same layers of clothing as you, plus one.

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2. Grow Suit x 6

A staple in baby's wardrobe, we love the kimono onesies from Nature Baby. The relaxed and easy design is perfect for newborns.

Why you need it?

Growsuits are an easy clothing item to keep your newborn dressed and cosy day and night.

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3. Socks x 3

Another basic to pack is some socks to keep your baby’s feet warm and cosy. Your want them to be organic cotton so they are soft, gentle and breathable on your newborn's skin.

Why you need it?

To keep little tootsies warm when they aren't in a footed onesie.

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4. Knotted Hats x2

So cute! So cosy! Baby beanies or knotted hat features a soft ribbed band and a knot that can be adjusted to suit the size and shape of your baby's head.

Why you need it?

Babies lose most of their body heat through their heads, so it's important to keep newborn heads covered with a lightweight cotton beanie.

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5. Swaddle wraps x 2

Something warm and cosy to help baby feel safe and cocooned. We love a generously sized stretchy wrap for first wraps, and 100% organic cotton is always light and breathable.

Why you need it?

Swaddling your baby is one of the first things you'll learn how to do with the midwife. It's important for settling your newborn and letting them know they are safe and secure and ready for sleep.

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6. Wipes x 1 pack

The Tooshies by TOM Aloe Vera & Chamomile wipes are made with plant-based materials and are free from alcohol, parabens, phthalates and phenols. Babies’ skin is ten times thinner than adults, so can be sensitive and prone to irritation. These wipes are kind on the body and will give a pure clean from head to toe.

Why you need it?

Ultra practical, you'll want to keep these on hand for nappy changes and the like! Depending on your hospital and if you go public or private, you won't be provided with these either.

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7. Newborn nappies x 1 pack

These high-performing eco nappies are made from organic bamboo, are naturally insulating, anti-microbial and offer 12-hour leak-proof protection to keep your baby dry all day and night. Softer and more absorbent than before, the organic materials make this nappy super soft, breathable and free from nasties to soothe sensitive bottoms.

Why you need it?

Keep things easy at the hospital with eco friendly disposable nappies.

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8. A sterilised dummy x 1

The power of a dummy can never be underestimated. This one from BIBS has nipples made of 100% natural rubber latex, which is soft, flexible and natural for the little ones. The round and soft shape resembles the mother's breast while the shield is convex which allows airflow to ventilate the delicate skin.

Why you need it?

(even if you don’t plan to use a dummy, it’s not a bad idea to have one ready to go. It might bring your baby extra comfort when you both really need it).

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9. Coming home outfit

Choose something warm, soft and super easy to get on-and-off. May we suggest a onesie, cardi, a bonnet and booties (for extra adorableness)?!

Why you need it?

Sure it's not essential, but boy is it cute! It's a lovely idea to mark this milestone with an extra special outfit.

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What to pack in hospital bag for your support crew?

Snacks! Pack a variety, because you never know what you’ll feel like, just be sure to include something with some sustenance like protein balls, dried fruit or a yummy trail mix.
Travel pillow
Reusable water bottles
Phone chargers (one for each phone)
Laptop with pre-downloaded movies, TV episodes, audiobooks, podcasts and music.
Cordless Headphones (there’s enough cords and wires in a birthing suite. You don’t want to add more)
Change of clothes
Swimwear (if a waterbirth is on the cards)
A notebook with all your existing medical details, and to write down any medical information you receive about the birth.

What is the best way to pack your hospital bag?

It's a great idea to group different things together in your bag for the hospital into separate ziplock bags or little bags. For example, keep all your toiletries together in a cosmetic bag, keep all baby clothes in a little bag inside your hospital bag. You can also use packing cubes to keep your bag organised and easy to find things.

When to pack your hospital bag?

There's no hard and fast rules, but during month seven or eight is a good time to start packing your maternity hospital bag. You want to be sure you're all organised and minimise your stress levels if your baby comes early, so it's better not to leave it until the last moment.

Who will be using the hospital bag checklist?

Whether you're an expecting new mum or partner, or part of the support crew, this hospital bag checklist is perfect for you. Print it out and tick things off as you pack!

Some final tips

Do the washing: The cutest load of washing you’ll ever do, is the tiny singlets, onesies, hats and wraps that will clothe your newborn in their first few days. Use normal washing powder (unscented), skip the softener, and peg it out in the sunshine to dry.
Choose your maternity hospital bag: If you thought your new baby bag could double as your hospital bag, you’d be wrong. Don’t worry, you’re not the first woman to underestimate her packing. We recommend a small(ish) suitcase. Wheels make it extra easy and there will be extra room for gifts and paperwork when you’re packing to come home.
Pop your bag by the door: Now you pack, seal it up, and put it by the door ready to go. Goodluck pal, you got this.

Keep this list handy while you pack, and download the printable baby hospital bag packing list, or shop it directly now.