Hospital Bag Checklist for Expecting Mothers

I’ve always been inclined to be in control of my life so with motherhood, I knew it was going to rock my world. I always thought of myself as being fairly organised, so preparing for the hospital bag part was no problem and I completely threw myself into it. If I was going to be prepared for anything, at least this was something that I could 100% control. Physically, I had bags packed now. Mentally, I was packing myself! Sure, I had a birth plan, but we all know that it doesn’t always go as planned.

Having this hospital bag checklist made me feel much less anxious. I have since shared this list to multiple first-time mothers. It can be overwhelming at first, but once you get started with packing your bags, I can only hope that this has eased some of that anxiousness.

I understand that there is so much that goes into preparing for your first time going to the hospital to give birth, that the packing of the hospital bag is a sliver in all things, but it does seem to take up lots of your mental load.

It’s important to ask your hospital for advice on their “what to pack” list, as each provider will suggest different amenities. Some hospitals may already provide everything for the baby’s arrival, so you only need to pack for yourself. However, others may only provide towels and the first nappy. For me, that was my hospital. I was provided with the first nappy, first outfit and all the towels. But loads of free samples for the baby; an assortment of nappies, baby moisturiser, baby shampoo/conditioner, baby wash and sudocrem. When I didn’t have enough milk for my daughter, they also provided a breast pump, bottles, teats and formula. You can also check with your hospital what their lactation consultants provide if an issue arises with your milk supply.

What week should you pack your hospital bag?

I had my bags packed two weeks in advance. It was a massive brain dump. It then gave me mental space to prepare for anything and everything else. I could focus on my breathing, my growing baby, positive affirmations, reading, relaxing, massages, pilates-ing, and last-minute nesting.

Let me help you take some of that mental load by putting it down on paper for you so that you can prepare yourself in other areas.

Hospital Bag Checklist

I have broken down the packing into 3 separate bags because it was easiest to know which one to grab straight away. You’ll most likely go straight into the birthing room and just need to grab the one bag that would contain everything you need for the first 24 hours or so. No need for your partner to lug all the bags into the suite: the other two bags will be for later once you’ve settled into your room at the Maternity Ward.

Tip: If you don’t have bags big enough for all the things, attach the separate bags together with a scrap of material/rope and label them so your partner knows which ones to grab without having to double (or triple or quadruple!) check and/or running back and forth to the car.

Birth Suite Bag:

• Documentation/paperwork, notebook, and pen
• Water bottle with a straw
• Snacks (e.g., small lollies, frozen grapes)
• Swimwear for mum and partner
• Change of clothes for mum (black lounge pants, nursing-friendly top or dress)
• Underwear and maternity pad or adult diaper (1-2)
• Nursing bra
• Slippers
• First clothes for baby (onesie size 0000 or 00000, singlet size 0000, swaddle)
• Toiletries bag (travel-size soap, shampoo/conditioner, moisturizer, toothbrush, toothpaste, lip balm, face cleanser, toner, face cream/tinted BB cream, hairbrush, hair ties, deodorant, toilet wet wipes)
• Birth plan accessories (LED fairy lights, LED candles, aroma diffuser/bluetooth speaker, music playlist, massage oil, camera and charger)

Baby Bag:

• Nappies (8 per day)
• Baby wipes
• Onesies (2 x size 0000 newborn, 1 x prem size 00000 with zips; 1 x size 0000 newborn with snap buttons)
• Singlets (2)
• Milestone announcement cards
• Going-home outfit/photo clothes
• Beanie (for outside)
• Swaddles (2)
• Bassinet blanket
• Dummy (1)
• Bottle and teats (check with hospital)
• Formula (optional)
• Bibs (4 dribble bibs)
• Bassinet fitted sheet/pillow slip from home
• Gift for older sibling

Parent Overnight Bag:

• Phone charger
• Spare clothes for partner
• Socks, jocks, pants, tops, jumper
• Slippers
• Spare toiletries for partner (toothbrush, deodorant)
• Going-home outfit for mum (loose button-up dress)
• Jacket
• Shoes
• Mixed trail nuts/snacks
• Nursing bra
• Nipple cream
• Nipple shield (optional)
• Breastmilk pads
• Adult diapers/incontinence underwear (1 packet)
• Black period underwear
• Maternity pads
• Aloe vera and witch hazel
• Breast and perineal cool/heat pack
• Dirty laundry bag
• Extra bag
• Gift for the midwives
• Your own pillow
• iPad/laptop, charger, headphones, and books

Final Thoughts

Preparing your hospital bag can be an exciting part of your pregnancy journey. It’s a tangible way to prepare for the arrival of your baby and can help ease some of the anxiety surrounding labor and delivery. By following this hospital bag checklist and personalising it to fit your needs, you can ensure that you have everything you need for a comfortable and stress-free experience at the hospital.

Hospital Bag Checklist Summary

Remember, every mother's needs are different, so feel free to adjust quantities and items based on your personal preferences and hospital requirements.

If you want to explore some other options, we have also written:

• Minimalist Hospital Bag Checklist
• Twin Hospital Bag Checklist
• C-Section Hospital Bag Checklist

Wishing you all the best for your journey.