Packing a hospital bag for Mum & Baby

Compiled with thanks to Vanessa Sutherland, The Baby Consultant

CLEVER TIPS!

• Pack early – pack your bag around 8 months into your pregnancy
• Pack a small bag for the delivery suite & another bag for post-birth
• Prepare for the trip to hospital by leaving a towel, heat pack and plastic bag in the car
• Make sure important numbers are saved in your phone (OB, Midwife, Doula, Birth Suite etc)
• Create a contact group for the birth announcement
• Pre-book newborn hire items during your last trimester (ie, bassinet, car restraint / baby capsule, breast pump)

PACKING FOR MUM

Must haves:

• PJs and gown (breast accessible)
• Toiletries (moisturisers, tissues, hair brush and hair products, hair bands, toothbrush, toothpaste, deoderant, makeup, hairdryer, straightener, shampoo)
• 8 pairs of comfy underwear in a roomy size
• Warm socks
• Loose t-shirt / gown for birth
• Maternity pads (1 or 2 packs)
• Disposable breast pads / nipple cream
• Three maternity nursing bras
• Watch / smartphone for timing contractions
• Camera / Camcorder (batteries and cords)
• Mobile phone and charger
• List of people you want to contact
• Plastic bag for dirty washing
• Any medications you are currently taking
• Going home outfit
• Pen / notebook
• Slippers and socks
• Lip balm
• Eye glasses / contact lenses
• Small amount of cas
• Snacks for post labour (juice, muesli bars)

Optional:

• A copy of your birth plan and antenatal card
• Comfy, loose fitting clothes for during the day (breast accessible)
• Relaxing music / white noise for baby
• Ipad / laptop ad DVDs
• Massage oils
• Bikini for birth pool / swimwear for support partner
• Quality toilet paper / flushable wipes
• Gel breast pads
• Your favourite magazine

PACKING FOR BABY

Must haves:

• A correctly fitted AS approved car restraint
• 4-6 onesies (season appropriate – 0000 to 000)
• 3 x socks / booties
• 4-6 singlets
• 2 x muslin wraps
• 2 x bunny rugs (heavier wraps)
• Nappies & wipes (check what your hospital provides)
• 2 x beanies / hat
• Mittens
• Going home outfit

Optional:

• Formula, bottles, teats, sterilising equipment (if required – check what your hospital provides)
• A newborn dummy (just in case, sterilised)
• Gift from baby to older siblings
• Baby nail scissors

Download the Packing for Hospital Guide (PDF – 2.2MB)