Hospital bag checklist for babies, mums & support people
Whether you’re packing for the long game or packing in a hurry, a hospital bag checklist never goes astray! Whether you’re hunting for inspo, or want a list to follow step-by-step, you’ll love this comprehensive checklist for what to take to hospital when you give birth.
What is a hospital bag, and do I need one?
Your hospital bag is the bag you’ll grab when it’s go time, or if you head to the assessment centre at any point in your pregnancy if you have concerns. It will have everything you need for yourself and for your baby, so you can hopefully stay comfy and calm throughout the experience. Save the checklist, and read on below for why you might want each item.
Baby hospital bag checklist
Starting with one of the stars of the show, your little one will need a few essentials once they’re born.
Some hospitals provide items like nappies and wipes during your stay, so be sure to ask your midwife or obstetrician what your hospital has on hand for new babies, so you know what not to pack!
Nappy bag
A nappy bag is perfect as your baby’s hospital bag. With compartments and pockets galore, you can easily find the teeny tiny baby socks that otherwise might disappear in regular bag. Haven’t got one yet? Not to toot our own horn, but we have an amazing range of nappy bags to suit any budget or style.
Nappies
Make sure to pack plenty of nappies as your little one will go through more than their fair share in the first few days. You’ll go through more changes than you might expect, so make sure packing enough is a priority. Whether you are using disposable or reusable nappies for your newborn, a good rule of thumb is to have 12 nappies per day in the hospital.
Wet wipes
Gentle, baby-safe and fragrance-free baby wipes are a handy all-purpose product to have at the ready for both parents and baby. Make sure to bring at least one full pack of gentle wipes for your hospital stay. Keep these in an easy-to-reach pocket in the nappy bag.
Singlets or bodysuits
It can be a little chilly in a hospital, so you’ll want to have layers for your little one. Newborn bodysuits or singlets are great layering pieces, and they make it easy to dress your baby quickly in the hospital – and easier to undress in a hurry in the event of a blowout or milk spill.
Swaddle or wrap
Some parents find their baby enjoys being swaddled (though some babies don’t, and that’s OK!). You might like to take some options for swaddling with you – even if you don’t use them for wrapping your baby, they can be handy to lay underneath your little one while you change a nappy or just gaze at them, or you can use them to wipe up messes. There are different types of swaddles or wraps, like jersey, muslin, or cotton – none are necessarily better or worse, it’s usually just personal preference. You will want to bring 1–2 swaddles to the hospital for your little one.
Baby beanies, mittens, and socks
Your little one is used to a temperature-controlled environment. The ultimate method of keeping baby at the perfect temperature once they are out is to do as much skin-to-skin with mum as possible – mothers’ chests responsively change temperature based on their baby’s temperature to keep them safe. But if you need a little break from holding your little one, you may want to have some options for warmth, such as beanies, mittens and socks. Remember to watch your baby for signs of getting too hot, especially if their head is covered.
Coming home outfit
Leaving the hospital is a special moment for your new family, and many new parents have fun choosing the perfect outfit for the occasion. If possible, purchase this outfit as close to the big day as you feel comfortable doing, so you can find outfits appropriate to the season in stores.
Hospital bag checklist for mum
Mum’s hospital bag might be a little heavier than baby’s – ideally, you’ll have everything you need or want for labour, birth, and early post-partum. Every mum’s list will look a bit different based on your type of birth, your personal needs, and what you want to have around you. This list is an awesome starting point, but it’s worth thinking about what else you might want or need to feel safe, calm, and empowered throughout your birth experience.
Hospital bag
Consider the type of bag you want to pack your items in. Choose a bag that’s easy to carry and has enough compartments to keep your necessities organised. An overnight bag or duffel will be a great size to fit all your essentials.
Comfortable clothing
How many items of clothing you pack depends on how long you plan on staying in the hospital following childbirth. Regardless of how long you stay, you will want comfortable and casual clothes with front-opening tops to help with breastfeeding, if you’re planning to breastfeed your baby. A dressing gown may also help with midnight food runs, feeding sessions, or trips to the bathroom.
Don’t forget to pack socks in your hospital bag since hospitals tend to be a little cooler. For undergarments, stretchy, high-waisted underwear is ideal; if you end up having a c-section, you won’t want your underwear near your wound, and even if you have a vaginal birth, high waisted undies are often more comfy. Many people like nursing singlets for those early days, as they’re easy to layer, keep your tummy covered while you’re feeding, and still offer easy access for feeds.
Slippers and thongs
No one wants to mess around with their shoes while they’re in hospital – go comfy, easy shoes to pop on so you can take a stroll to the tearoom or stretch your legs.
Maternity and breast pads
Postpartum bleeding is normal, and can be quite heavy in the first days, so stock up on maternity pads before you go to the hospital. Look for pads that are absorbent, comfortable to wear and fit well in your chosen undergarments. Some people also like to have breast pads to help absorb any milk that leaks between (or during!) feedings, but you can also use a wrap or cloth to do the job.
Toiletries
After birth, it will be nice to have your familiar toiletries to bring you comfort as you recover in the hospital. Don’t forget your toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant and a hairbrush. You may also want to bring basic skincare items, such as moisturiser, lip balm or massage oil for use during labour. You may also want to bring birth-specific items, such as a peri bottle to offer relief after birth.
Birth and government documents
Make sure to have any necessary documents you need for your hospital stay, including your ID, wallet, insurance or Medicare card. If you have a birth plan, bring that as well so you can feel prepared going into birth.
Comfortable pillow and entertainment
Hospital pillows are typically uncomfortable, so you may want to bring your own comfort pillow or blanket for your stay. For any downtime you have at the hospital, you may also want to have a few books or preloaded movies on your phone to keep you entertained. Snuggle into a cosy pillow and blanket and enjoy those days of being looked after.
Hospital bag checklist for partners and support people
Mum and baby get lots of attention, but don’t worry – we haven’t forgotten support people! You’re an important part of creating a supportive and safe environment for the person giving birth, whether it’s your partner, sister, friend, or daughter. Here’s what you might want or need for the big day.
Phone and charger
From capturing the important moments to post-birth family selfies to sharing the news of your new arrival, your phone is about to running hot. Don’t forget it – and don’t forget your charger! It’s worth grabbing an extra charger well before the baby is due and keeping it in your bag so there’s no chance of forgetting as you’re about to leave the house.
Contact list for loved ones
Some parents choose to be radio silent about labour and birth to prevent well-meaning but potentially overwhelming loved ones from getting impatient. Other families love keeping their near and dear in the loop the whole way through. And if you’re the support person – this might be your job. Make a list of people who need to be updated to help avoid hurt feelings or people finding out before you’re ready.
Camera and battery charger
If you have a separate camera from the one on your phone, bring it so you can capture precious moments and memories that you can cherish for a lifetime. Make sure to pack the camera battery as well, so you don’t miss any moments because of a dead camera.
Toiletries
You may be at the hospital for the entirety of the mum’s stay, and you will need your own toiletry bag. Don’t forget your toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, and hairbrush.
Swimming clothes
Many women in labour utilise the shower or bath to help them manage contractions – if you’re on nozzle-holding duties or supporting her body as she moves through contractions, you’ll want clothes that can get wet and not get too uncomfortable.
Snacks
As the support person, you’re on snack duty for yourself and the person giving birth. Staying nourished and hydrated is especially important for longer labours, so pack options that will offer quick energy hits and some which will last a bit longer – but keep in mind many labouring women won’t want a 3-course meal in the throes of contractions. Think light, simple, quick bites of food.
Hospital bag checklist FAQ
When should I pack my hospital bag?
Packing a hospital bag is all about being prepared, so it’s best to start getting items together around 32–36 weeks pregnant, and toss them into a bag — just in case your little one decides to arrive early. Then packing the bag nicely can be a fun activity later on while you wait for your little one to decide it’s time!
How will my hospital bag checklist differ if I’m having a c-section?
If you plan on having a caesarean birth, your c-section hospital bag checklist should include more clothes as you may have a longer hospital stay. You will want to pack a comfortable pillow for your back, loose clothing and comfortable undergarments that won’t rub and irritate your incisions.
What do people often forget?
Snacks and drinks are often forgotten when packing, but labour can be a long process so make sure to pack healthy and energising foods that don’t need any prep.
Hopefully you feel more confident and prepared for your upcoming trip to the hospital. This is an exciting and emotional time, and having everything you need will help you focus on what really matters – welcoming your new little human into the world. At Baby Bunting, you can find several of the checklist items that you will need in your hospital bag, including singlets, nappy bags,breast pads, and more.