Your Ultimate Hospital Bag Checklist

EXCITING TIMES!

There is a frisson of excitement that goes with the very practical task of packing your hospital bag! It compels you to run through every possible scenario to think what you might need. Luckily for you we’ve been there and done that, so we know all the essentials and the just nice-to haves!

WHEN TO PACK YOUR HOSPITAL BAG

Ideally, you should have your bag ready to go (besides last-minute items like your phone) by 36 or 37 weeks of pregnancy just in case you go into labour early. Babies often have their own time schedule!

We’ve divided our lists up into the essentials (eg a car seat for bringing baby home) and the items that you don’t strictly need but can help you feel more comfortable.

WHAT TO PACK IN YOUR HOSPITAL BAG FOR YOURSELF

Must-haves

Mobile phone and phone charger

Snacks (glucose tablets, muesli bars, crackers, chocolate, dried/fresh fruit)

Drinks (electrolyte drinks, bottled water)

Contact lens supplies/glasses

Toothbrush and toothpaste (you could buy a spare one to pack early)

Front-opening pyjamas for breastfeeding

Dressing gown

Comfortable clothes including warm socks

Cheap black cotton underwear x 10 pairs

Breastfeeding bras x 3

Maternity sanitary pads*

Hairbrush/comb

Hairties/clips/headband

Shampoo and conditioner (travel size are great)

Body wash and sponge

Face cloths/wipes

Natural deodorant

Face moisturiser and body lotion

Disposable breast pads and nipple cream

Comfortable clothing to wear home – don’t forget shoes, slip-on are recommended in case your feet are swollen

Any medications you're currently taking

A copy of your birth plan – perhaps a few extra in case of a change of staff.

Any relevant information on the medical history of your pregnancy – specialist details etc

Little extras

Sleeping mask and earplugs

Soft facial tissues

Massage oil

Bikini (for the birthing pool)

Favourite coffee or tea bags from home

A mini bottle of 'bubbles' for toasting the occasion

Nipple cream if you're planning on breastfeeding

Nice-to-haves

Pillow from home (with a bright or coloured pillowcase so you don’t forget it!)

Your own soft towel

Lip balm

Wheat bag

Your own hand sanitiser

Rescue Remedy or similar

Pen and paper/small notebook

Soft toilet paper or disposable wipes

Book or magazines for any downtime

Flip-flops for in the shower

Slippers 

Makeup

Cash for the snack machine or parking

* These may be provided depending on where you will give birth

WHAT TO PACK IN A HOSPITAL BAG FOR BABY

Carseat – this is an essential because you won’t be allowed to drive home without one (make sure you’ve already installed it before you go to hospital!)

Light blankets or muslin wraps x 2

Disposable baby wipes

Baby face cloths

Newborn-sized dummy

Size 0000 or 000 bodysuits x 2 each

Size 0000 or 000 pyjamas if colder weather

Socks x 2 pairs

Booties

Cotton hat

Going-home outfit

A natural baby oil (great for cleaning up baby’s bottom after meconium nappies)

Read about what you'll need for setting up your baby's nursery or other essential baby items for once you get home.

YOUR BIRTH PARTNER

 Don’t forget your birth partner will also need some supplies to get through! Here's our helpful list of what your birth partner will need in their own bag.