Gifting has never been easier
Perfect if you're short on time or are unable to deliver your gift yourself. Enter your message and select when to send it.
Hospital Bag Checklist
Back to Baby Sleep
There's a lot about labour you can't plan. Your hospital bag is one of the things you can. Packing it early means that when the moment comes, you're grabbing one bag by the door, not talking your partner through which drawer the "good" pyjamas are in. Here's a simple hospital bag checklist for you, your baby and your support person, plus when to pack it and what to leave at home.
The short answer
Aim to have your hospital bag packed by around 36 weeks, so you're ready if your baby arrives early. For you, pack comfy clothes, maternity pads, nursing bras, toiletries, snacks, your phone charger and your pregnancy paperwork. For your baby, pack nappies, wipes, a few bodysuits or rompers, a swaddle and a going-home outfit. Your support person needs snacks, a change of clothes and a charger. And have an approved car seat fitted before the big day.
When Should I Pack My Hospital Bag?
Aim to have your bag packed by around 36 weeks. Babies don't always stick to their due date, and packing a few weeks early means you're not hunting for a phone charger between contractions.
If you're expecting twins, have a planned caesarean or your care team has mentioned an early arrival, pack a little sooner. Leave a few last-minute items off (like your phone, charger and toiletries you use every day) and pop a sticky note on the bag so they don't get forgotten.
Hospital Bag Checklist for Mum
This bag is all about getting you through labour and the first few days feeling as comfortable as possible. You won't use everything, and that's fine. What you need can vary with your hospital, your birth plan and how long you stay, so Better Health Channel suggests checking with your hospital too.
Your bag
Tick these off as you go:
- Pregnancy paperwork: Medicare card, private health details, hospital records and your birth plan
- A few changes of loose, comfy clothes, plus an outfit to go home in
- Front-opening pyjamas or a nightie for feeding, and a light dressing gown
- Nursing bras and breast pads
- Big, comfy undies (more than you think you'll need)
- A couple of packs of maternity pads
- Toiletries: toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo, deodorant, lip balm and hair ties
- Slippers, plus thongs for the shower
- Phone, charger and an extra-long cable
- Snacks and a drink bottle
- Your own pillow, if you'd like it
- A card or coins for hospital parking
Hospital Bag Checklist for Baby
Your baby's kit is small but mighty. Pregnancy, Birth and Baby suggests allowing for 8 to 10 nappies a day, plus wraps, wipes, clothing and something to go home in. Some hospitals supply a few basics, so it's worth asking what's covered.
Many parents like to pack a swaddle for those first nights. The Swaddle Up™ zips on in seconds, which helps when your hands aren't quite steady yet, and lets your baby sleep with their hands up near their face, just like they did in the womb.
Your baby's bag
Small but mighty:
- Newborn nappies (allow for 8 to 10 a day)
- Wipes or cotton wool
- 3 to 4 bodysuits or rompers
- A swaddle or a few wraps
- A beanie and a couple of pairs of socks
- A going-home outfit in two sizes (0000 and 000), just in case
- An approved car seat, fitted before your due date (not in the bag, but the most important item)
Packing for your newborn
Hospital Bag Checklist for Your Support Person
Birth is a big day for your support person too, and a hungry, flat-phoned partner isn't much help to anyone. Ask them to pack their own bag, so they know where everything is.
Your support person's bag
Happy helper, happy birth room:
- A change of clothes and a toothbrush
- Plenty of snacks and drinks (for them, not just you)
- Phone charger or power bank
- Swimmers, if you might use the shower or bath in labour
- A card or coins for parking and vending machines
- A pillow, if they're staying overnight (check your hospital's policy)
Extra Things to Pack for a Caesarean
If you're having a planned caesarean, you'll likely stay a little longer and move a little slower. Add these to your bag:
- High-waisted undies that sit well above your wound.
- Loose dresses or soft pants without a tight waistband.
- Dry shampoo, in case you can't shower straight away.
- Slip-on shoes, so there's no bending down to do up laces.
- An extra day or two of clothes for a longer stay.
What to Leave at Home
Space is tight on a maternity ward, so travel light:
- Valuables and jewellery. Leave them somewhere safer than a shared room.
- A whole wardrobe for your baby. Most newborns live in bodysuits and a swaddle for the first few days.
- Candles. Naked flames aren't allowed in hospitals. Check before packing oils or a diffuser too.
- Anything you'd be sad to lose. Things go missing in the chaos, and that's OK when it's replaceable.
Hospital Bag Packing Tips
- Pack two bags. A small one for labour and a bigger one for your stay, so the essentials are easy to find.
- Put your baby's first outfit on top. A zip-lock bag with a nappy, bodysuit and beanie means your support person can find it fast.
- Pack together. If your support person helps pack, they won't need to ask where things are at 3am.
- Keep it by the door. From around 36 weeks, leave the bag near the door or in the car.
- Get the car seat fitted early. Have it installed and checked by an authorised restraint fitter before your due date.
Planning ahead for the drive home? Our guide to bringing baby home from hospital covers what comes next.
Every hospital is different
What's provided, how long you'll stay and what's allowed in the birth suite all vary. A quick call to your hospital or midwife before you pack can save a lot of lugging.
FAQs About Packing Your Hospital Bag
When should I pack my hospital bag?
Aim for around 36 weeks. If you're expecting twins, have a planned caesarean or your care team expects an early arrival, pack a little sooner.
What do I need to pack for my newborn in hospital?
Nappies, wipes, 3 to 4 bodysuits or rompers, a swaddle or wraps, a beanie, socks and a going-home outfit. Have an approved car seat fitted before you go.
How many nappies should I pack for hospital?
Pregnancy, Birth and Baby suggests allowing for 8 to 10 nappies a day. Pack for a couple of days and check whether your hospital supplies any.
Do hospitals provide nappies and pads?
It depends on the hospital. Some supply a few basics, many don't. Check with your hospital before you pack.
What size clothes should I pack for my baby?
Pack a going-home outfit in size 0000 and a spare in 000. It's hard to know exactly how big your baby will be until you meet them.
Do I need a car seat to take my baby home?
Yes. In Australia, babies must travel in an approved, correctly fitted car seat, including the very first drive home from hospital.
Key Takeaway
Pack your hospital bag by around 36 weeks, keep it by the door, and don't overthink it. Comfy clothes, pads, snacks and chargers for you. Nappies, bodysuits, a swaddle and a going-home outfit for your baby. Snacks and a change of clothes for your support person. Have the car seat fitted early, and you're ready to go. Everything else can wait until you're home, and the rest of the adventure begins.
Getting ready for life with a newborn? Explore the Love to Dream baby sleep blog.