Bringing your little one into the world can be an exciting, anxious, and emotional time for everyone. As you move closer to the end of your pregnancy, being prepared for your delivery can help you and your partner feel more comfortable in the days leading to your baby’s arrival.
A good start to easing into your due date preparations is setting a hospital bag checklist. Having your essentials ready within the third trimester can make a big difference, especially in the event your baby is set on arriving much sooner.
To make packing easier, you can organise your before and after labour must-haves into 3 designated bags:
Each list will help you and your partner see what things to bring during labour and plan when it will be best to pack your hospital bag. As for your little one’s items, you can keep these in a separate bag so you and your partner have better access to their belongings. We understand that preparing takes time, so here are checklists that you and your partner can refer to and make packing a much easier experience.
What to Pack in the Hospital Bag for Mum
When packing hospital bags, it’s important to consider what you will be needing before, during, and after labour. This hospital bag checklist for mums offers a few recommendations that you or your partner could pack into your maternity bag to help you stay as comfortable as possible during your hospital stay.
Hospital Bag Checklist for Mum
| Before Labour | After Labour Vaginal Delivery | After Labour C-Section Delivery |
|---|---|---|
| Medicare details* | Medicare details | Medicare details |
| Birthing preferences (if any) | Birthing preferences (if any) | Birthing preferences (if any) |
| Loose clothes | Loose clothes | Loose clothes |
| Heat bag | Postpartum pads | Postpartum pads |
| Energy boosting snacks | Maternity bra | Postpartum underwear |
| Water bottle or drinks with electrolytes | Painkillers | Painkillers |
| Water spray to cool down after contractions | Nursing pads | Perenium ice & heat packs |
| Socks | Socks | C-section Recovery shorts |
| Slip on shoes / slippers | Silicone scar sheets | |
| Toiletries | Compression socks | |
| Postpartum underwear | Maternity bra | |
| Perenium ice & heat packs | Breast ice & heat packs | |
| Breast ice & heat packs | Nursing pads | |
| Recovery shorts | Silver Nursing Cups | |
| Compression socks | Toiletries | |
| Silver Nursing Cups | Phone charger | |
| Phone charger | Headphones | |
| Headphones |
You can also explore packing other optional items beyond this list that could help you, your partner, and your baby have a more comfortable hospital stay. For more details, check the 'Other Stuff to Pack' section below.
Quick Tips on Maternity Bag items:
- Choose comfortable clothes. Wearing comfortable clothes goes a long way during and after delivery. To narrow down your options, opt for items that are washable, easy to remove, and free flowing.
- Hydration is essential. Labour can make you really thirsty. Make sure you have water in hand to keep you hydrated. Straws make it easier to drink too.
- Don’t skip on self-care items. Birth can take a lot of energy. Bring items that can help you relax or relieve you during and after delivery such as essential oils, energy boosting snacks, ice & heat packs, chamomile tea, an extra pillow or even lip balm.
- Have a hair tie ready. While it’s a small, optional item, having a hair tie, hair band or clips can keep your hair out of your face while delivering your baby.
What to Pack in the Hospital Bag for the Baby
As your little one arrives soon, it’s essential to have these baby items ready to ensure everyone stays comfortable during the hospital stay. Here is a hospital bag checklist for the baby you can refer to for topline items.
| Nappies (at least 10 per day) | Burping cloth |
| Going home outfit | Singlets |
| Wipes | Onesies |
| Blankets | Socks and mittens |
What to Pack in the Hospital Bag for Your Partner
While knowing what to pack in a hospital bag for both mum and baby are important, your partner should also be prepared to bring a few items for themselves to stay comfortable and be prepared during and after the birthing experience.
Hospital Bag Checklist for Your Partner
| Copy of Mum's Medicare details | Copy of Mum's birth preferences (if any) |
| Insurance information | Driver's licence |
| Cash and card | Obstetrician contact information |
| A change of clothes and shoes | Snacks / food |
| Phone numbers of family and friends | Toiletries |
Other Stuff to Pack
Everyone’s list is different. Outside of essentials, what matters is that you bring items that will help you stay comfortable and take better care of your little one after their arrival.
Optional Items You Can Bring to The Hospital
| Snacks like nuts, fruits, and crackers | Water spray to cool down after contractions |
| Extra pillows | Hair ties, hair band or clips to keep your hair away from your face |
| Music | Lip balm |
| Tablet or book to occupy time | Swaddles |
| Essential oils to help soothe or relax | Affirmation cards |
| Comforter | One or two hats for the baby |
When to Pack Hospital Bag for New Mums
As you enter your third trimester, you can begin checking off your hospital bag checklist as early as three weeks before your due date. Having your bags ready at 36 weeks is ideal in the event your little one decides to arrive earlier. If you are showing signs of labour much sooner, best to consult your doctor to prepare ahead.
Preparing your hospital bag is an important step in ensuring a smoother and stress-free hospital experience. Everyone’s birthing experience is different, so it’s important to focus on what you and your loved ones will need for your hospital bag checklist.
Choose items that will cater to your immediate needs to avoid unnecessary packing. By referring to this guide, you and your partner can cover all the basics and be better prepared for your new, exciting journey.
FAQ
1. What to wear while giving birth?
Wear loose, free flowing clothes that are washable and easy to open so you and the birthing team have easier accessibility during labour and delivery. If you are giving birth at a hospital, it is likely you will be provided a gown to wear.
2. What do mums need after a c-section?
From post c-section clothes to painkillers, here are a few things you can pack to help you feel more comfortable after surgery:
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You can also consult your doctor beforehand and read more about what to wear after a c-section.
3. What to take for an overnight stay in the hospital?
| For mum | For partner | For baby |
|---|---|---|
| Loose clothes | Insurance information | Nappies |
| Postpartum pads | Medicare details for mum | Going home outfit |
| Painkillers | Birth plan | Wipes |
| Maternity bra | Driver's licence | Blankets |
| Nursing pads | Cash and card | Burping cloth |
| Nipple balm | Obstetrician contact information | Singlets |
| Socks | Phone numbers of family and friends | Onesies |
| Slip on shoes / slippers | A change of clothes and shoes | Socks and mittens |
| Toiletries | Toiletries |
Having your items ready can help you and your partner feel more comfortable in the days leading to your little one’s arrival. If you have any questions or concerns about birth or what else to bring, you can also reach out to ask your obstetrician.
4. How long do you stay in hospital after birth?
Some mums choose to stay for a day, while others may be there for up to 4 days. Your hospital stay will depend on whether you are doing a vaginal birth or a c-section delivery, and if you experience any complications when your baby arrives.
5. How many nappies do you need to pack for your stay in the hospital?
Newborn babies can go through several nappies in a day in their first few weeks. When packing for your hospital stay, try to have at least 10 nappies ready per day. Whether your baby needs more or less, having extra nappies can go a long way.
