What to Pack in Your Hospital Bag: A Complete Checklist for Parents-to-Be
As your due date approaches, one of the most common questions expectant parents ask is: what should I pack in my hospital bag?
Many maternity care providers recommend having your hospital bag packed by around 36 weeks pregnant, so you're prepared if your baby arrives earlier than expected.
Whether you're planning a public or private hospital birth, being organised ahead of time can help you feel more relaxed and ready for the big day.
Hospital Bag Checklist for Mum
Hospital paperwork and maternity records – Keep all your medical notes, identification and hospital documents together in an easy-to-reach folder so they’re on hand when needed.
Medicare card and health details – Ensure you have your Medicare card and any private health insurance information if applicable.
Birth plan – If you’ve created a birth plan, bring a few printed copies to share with your care team.
Nightdresses or button-front sleepwear – Comfortable, loose-fitting options are ideal, especially if you’re planning to breastfeed.
Maternity pads – Heavy-duty maternity pads are essential for postpartum recovery, and while hospitals may provide them, many parents prefer to bring their own.
Comfortable underwear and nursing bras – High-waisted underwear and supportive nursing bras help with comfort in the early days after birth.
Loose-fitting clothing – Soft, breathable outfits are ideal for your hospital stay and the journey home.
Dressing gown – A lightweight gown can help you stay comfortable between checks and feeds.
Warm socks – Hospital wards can feel cool, especially overnight.
Slides, thongs or slippers – Easy-to-wear footwear for walking around the ward and showers.
Toiletries kit – Toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo, conditioner, body wash and deodorant to help you feel refreshed.
Lip balm and moisturiser – Helpful in air-conditioned hospital environments.
Hair ties and brush – Useful for keeping hair comfortable during labour and recovery.
Nipple cream and breast pads – Helpful if you’re planning to breastfeed.
Towels – Optional, for added comfort.
Phone and charger – For updates, communication and those first precious photos.
Tablet, books or magazines – Useful during downtime.
Eye mask and ear plugs – Helpful for resting in a shared maternity ward.
Healthy snacks and drinks – Labour can be unpredictable, and familiar snacks can help maintain energy.
Refillable water bottle – Staying hydrated is important throughout labour and recovery.
Portable fan or water spray – Especially useful in warmer weather or during labour.
Personal pillow (optional) – Some parents find this helps with comfort and rest.
Hospital Bag Checklist for Your Birth Partner
Comfortable clothing – Long hospital stays are common, so comfort is key.
Spare change of clothes – Useful for extended or unexpected stays.
Toiletries – Toothbrush, deodorant and basic essentials.
Phone and charger – For updates, photos and communication.
Snacks and drinks – Helps maintain energy during long hours.
Refillable water bottle – Important for staying hydrated.
Books, magazines or entertainment – Helps pass time during quieter moments.
Small pillow or blanket – Hospitals can be uncomfortable for long stays.
Camera (optional) – For capturing special first moments.
Hospital Bag Checklist for Baby
Newborn nappies – Babies may use 8–12 nappies per day in the early weeks, so pack enough for your hospital stay.
Newborn growsuits – Soft all-in-one outfits for comfort and easy changes.
Bodysuits or singlets – Useful layering essentials.
Socks and scratch mittens – Help keep baby warm and protect delicate skin.
Newborn hat – Useful for warmth when moving between environments.
Extra changes of clothes – For spills and accidents.
Muslin cloths – Essential for feeding, burping and clean-ups.
Lightweight baby blanket – For warmth and comfort during cuddles and travel home.
Dummy (optional) – Can help soothe some newborns.
Weather-appropriate going-home outfit – Choose something comfortable and suited to the season.
Maxi-Cosi infant car seat – Ensure it is correctly installed before your due date, and practise fitting it in and out of the car.
Many parents also choose to have their car seat professionally installed for added peace of mind. To help make every journey safer and more comfortable, it’s also worth setting up your car with essentials like protective sun visors and a safety mirror, as included in our car safety travel kit.
If you're still preparing for your newborn setup, a travel system can help make transitions from car to pram easier without disturbing your baby.
Preparing Beyond Your Hospital Bag
Packing your hospital bag is just one part of preparing for life with a newborn.
In the final weeks before birth, many parents also organise key essentials such as:
Newborn pram – A comfortable everyday solution for walks and outings.
Travel system – Designed for smooth car-to-pram transitions from birth.
Slumber Travel Cot – A practical sleep solution for travel and overnight stays.
Having these essentials ready in advance can help make those first weeks at home feel calmer and more supported as you settle into life with your baby.
