Not sure what to pack in hospital bag for delivery? Our hospital bag checklist is an invaluable resource to help you prepare for the arrival of your little one.
For those of us who love a physical copy to check off, download the printable version of our Hospital Bag Checklist.
For Baby
Bodysuits & Singlet
Newborn bodysuits make for easy layering when worn under a growsuit or sleepsuit. Bodysuits with press studs are a great choice during the day, as they don’t ride up when picking up your little one. Our Essentials bodysuits also come in 2-packs and sets.
Sleepsuit
Our sleepsuit is like a nightie for a newborn. Sleepsuits feature an envelope neckline, an elastic opening at the base and no zips or press studs, making changing your little one day or night an absolute breeze!
Nappies
Newborns need to be changed up to 12 times per day, so ensure you pack enough reusable or disposable nappies for your stay in the hospital.
Socks and Booties
Socks and booties will help keep your little one warm, especially if using a growsuit without in-built feet. Our booties are designed with a wide fold-over cuff to ensure they stay on little feet.
Booties and socks can also be worn over growsuits for additional warmth in cooler weather.
Mittens
Mittens will not only keep your baby's hands warm, but they will also prevent little hands from scratching their delicate face. These are important if your growsuits don’t have in-built mittens.
Bibs
Bibs are great to use from birth to clean up any spills from feeding your newborn. Our Essentials Bibs have a terry towelling back, making them a perfect makeshift face washer.
Pack of Baby Wipes
Not only great for changing, but baby wipes are also helpful when wiping up spills, cleaning messy hands and more.
Muslin Face Washers
Muslin face washers are soft, absorbent, quick-drying and non-bulky, perfect for washing your little one's folds and creases. A 2-pack of muslin face washers can be found in our Essentials collection.
Baby Towel
It can be nice to have your own towel for your baby’s first bath. Made from the softest 100% organic cotton, our towels are soft on delicate newborn skin.
Muslin Wraps
A swaddling essential, most hospitals and midwives recommend newborns be swaddled in a breathable muslin wrap. Our muslin wraps are 125x125cm and are sold individually or in packs of two.
Muslin wraps also double as a breastfeeding cover, a light blanket for warmer weather and more!
Bunny Rugs or Cocoon Wraps
Like blankets, our bunny rugs can provide extra warmth to a swaddled newborn, or can be a swaddling alternative for muslin wraps.
Cocoon wraps make swaddling a breeze, with three foldable flaps to easily secure your little one!
Going Home Outfits
Leaving the hospital is such a special moment for you and your family. It’s important to pre-plan a growsuit, jacket, hat and booties you’d like to take your baby home in. To make life easier, we’ve put together a few ideas for their coming home outfit.
Ohmybebe tip: pack a spare outfit, just in case one gets soiled.
This newborn checklist ensures you won’t miss any important baby essentials when preparing for your baby’s big arrival.
For Mom
With baby now organised, it’s time to ensure mom and support person get their own hospital bag checklist ready. When packing, consider how long you’ll be in the hospital for. Longer stays will need more changes of clothes, while for a shorter stay, you might not need as much.
Documents & Essentials:
● ID and wallet
● Private health insurance card (if applicable)
● Medicare card
● Smartphone (don’t forget your charger or power bank!)
● Camera for photos or video, if using
● Water bottle Ohmybebe tip: a bottle with a straw is handy as you don’t need to tip your head back to drink during labour!)
● Snacks and drinks for you and your partner/family
● Pen and paper or notebook
Toiletries:
Ohmybebe tip: look to pack all of your toiletries into a toiletry bag with compartments, so items can be located easily.
● Skincare, such as moisturiser and facial spray
● Items for the shower, such as body wash, shampoo and conditioner
● Toothbrush and toothpaste
● Deodorant
● Lip balm
● Hairbrush, hair tie or clips
● Massage oil and/or lotion if you would like to be massaged during labour
● Prescription glasses, if applicable (contact lenses may need to be removed prior to a C-section)
● Maternity pads
● Breast pads
● Ice/heat packs
● Peri bottle
Clothes:
● Comfortable clothing to wear during labour and the hospital stay, such as a nightie, baggy t-shirt, pyjamas, sweats or a robe. Ohmybebe tip: look for options that are breastfeeding-friendly, if choosing to breastfeed.
● Casual clothes with front-opening tops for breastfeeding
● A few pairs of socks
● Slippers or slip-on shoes, to wear around the hospital
● Plenty of comfortable underwear and support garments
● Breastfeeding bras (if choosing to breastfeed)
● Clothing for the trip home (make sure they’re roomy and comfortable)
● Bags for dirty clothes
What Else Might You Need?
Apart from the list above, there are a couple of other things to consider with your hospital bag for both you, your baby and your support person:
● Pram: When leaving the hospital, you may prefer to push your baby in a pram rather than carry them if you’re feeling tired.
● Entertainment: There might be some downtime in between those hectic periods, so having a few preloaded movies on your laptop or a book or two will keep you occupied during those periods.
● Pillow: If you find hospital pillows uncomfortable, it might be worth bringing your own pillow from home.
● Slides, thongs or sandals: After pregnancy, your feet may swell, making sneakers and other shoes uncomfortable.
Ohmybebe tip: when packing your hospital bag, consider choosing one with wheels, as this is a safer option for when you are leaving the hospital with your new bundle of joy.
Don’t forget! Your baby MUST travel home from the hospital in a suitable infant car seat, which for newborns, is a rear-facing capsule. Make sure you have a capsule correctly installed in your car prior to birth.
Packing your hospital bag is such a momentous occasion. You'll find all the baby essentials for your Hospital Bag and baby's first wardrobe in our customisable Hospital Bag Checklist creator.
