“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 baby?

What to pack in hospital bag for mum?

• Button-down pjs, the more fabulous the better
• Robe. Again, fabulous
• Slippers. You guessed it! Fabulous.
• Maternity bras
• A pack of postpartum briefs
• Maternity pads
• Something comfy to wear home. This can be confusing: you won’t be pregnant, but you’re not exactly going to slip into your old jeans. Your best bet is a favourite (loose) dress, or soft, elasticated pants or tights. Activewear is in. Embrace it.
• Bits for your boobs. Again, no one knows what your experience of breastfeeding will be like, but it’s worth being prepared for those first attempts.
• Breast pads (to absorb leakage), 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 (it doubles as a lip balm). It’s also a great idea to pack your Haakaa Breast Pump (this little pack comes with breast pads). The Haakaa 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.
• Toiletries. Include whatever you’ll need to feel normal, but don’t forget cleanser, moisturiser, body wash, toothbrush, toothpaste, a pack of hairbands, bobby pins, a hairbrush, shampoo, conditioner, dry shampoo, deodorant and makeup wipes.

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.