What to pack in your hospital bag: an Australian checklist
Packing your hospital bag is one of those jobs that feels huge until you do it. Most mums aim to have it ready by 36 weeks, just in case bub arrives early. This checklist covers what you actually need, and what you can leave at home.
It's general guidance only. Your hospital or midwife will have their own list, so check it as well.
The paperwork
Put these in a folder at the top of the bag so they're easy to find:
- Medicare card and private health fund details, if you have them
- Your pregnancy notes and any hospital booking forms
- Your birth preferences, if you've written them down
- A list of phone numbers for your support person to call
For you during labour
- Comfortable, loose clothes you don't mind getting messy
- Lip balm, a hair tie and a water bottle with a straw
- A phone charger with a long cable, because power points are never close to the bed
- Headphones and a playlist, if music helps you stay calm
- A heat pack or hot and cold gel pack for sore muscles
For recovery after birth
This is the part many first time mums skip, and it's the part you'll be most grateful for. The fourth trimester starts the moment bub arrives.
- Super absorbent maternity pads and a few pairs of comfortable, high waisted undies
- Perineal ice and heat packs to ease soreness after a vaginal birth
- Silicone gel strips if you're having a caesarean, to care for your scar once it has healed
- A soft robe, slippers and a loose nightie that opens at the front
- A pillow from home, because hospital pillows are rarely your favourite
Browse the Mumasil hospital bag range to bring the recovery items together, so you're not hunting for them at 38 weeks.
For feeding
- Two or three nursing bras that fit comfortably now, and a size up for when your milk comes in
- Breast pads, either reusable or disposable
- Nipple balm
- Hot and cold gel breast packs to soothe sore, full breasts
- A silicone milk collector, which catches the milk from the other side while you feed
If breastfeeding feels tricky, that's normal. Ask your midwife or lactation consultant for help early, and don't wait until you're home.
For bub
- Two or three newborn outfits and a couple of beanies
- Wraps or swaddles
- Newborn nappies and wipes (most hospitals provide some, but check)
- A properly fitted, approved baby capsule. You can't take bub home in a car without one.
For your support person
- Snacks, a water bottle and a charger
- A change of clothes
- Some cash or a card for the car park and the cafe
What you can leave at home
You won't need much makeup, a hairdryer or more than a few outfits for you. Hospitals usually supply sheets, towels and basic toiletries. You're there for a few days, not a holiday.
Last thing
Pack the bag, put it by the front door, and tell your support person where it is. Then take a breath. You've got this, and you're supported.
Shop the recovery range: Hospital Bag Must Haves or browse our Postpartum Recovery Essentials and Breastfeeding Essentials.
