These are the only essentials you need to pack in your hospital baby bag

So much consideration goes into packing for baby, but what about mum-to-be? It's important not to forget about the person in the room who is going to be doing all of the work.

Charlotte Willis

@lottiewillis

3 min read

March 1, 2024 - 10:05AM

NB: Adorable little booties are not a necessary item in your hospital bag. Photo: iStock

Pregnancy

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Packing the hospital bag for your first baby can be a daunting task. For many women, almost as daunting as the prospect of labour itself.

Which is why, for so many of us, that suitcase sits empty in the corner of the room for months - only to be finally packed in a flying panic in between contractions.

So, what do you REALLY need to remember before setting off for the maternity ward?

Soft toys for your little one? Several super cute outfits for bub to wear in hospital? Candles to set the mood in the delivery room? A bunch of carefully curated playlists? Books or magazines to distract yourself? A mountain of food and beverages?

Understanding newborn skin with Dr Deshan Sebaratnam

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That's a firm no on all of the above. The truth is, you actually need very little in that hospital bag as you head off to finally meet your newborn baby.

Before you even begin to plan what to pack, it's a good idea to check with your hospital to see what they have on hand. Many hospitals in Australia provide so much for free, such as onesies, blankets, newborn nappies, baby wipes, period pads, breast pads, hand sanitiser, barrier cream, as well as ample snacks and meals. Of course, this will depend on whether you go public or private and the hospital itself.

What did you pack in your bag? Photo: iStock

What to pack in your hospital bag for bub

4-5 zippys (remember to only buy the onesies with zippers. Anything with buttons or snap buttons simply takes too long)
4-5 singlets (factoring in the occasional poo explosion here)
2-3 swaddles / muslin wraps (the hospital will also supply these, so it just depends on whether you want your own adorable ones for photos)
1-2 outfits for bub to leave the hospital, including a beanie and socks if the weather is cool (don't go overboard here, and absolutely NO need for tiny shoes)
A baby blanket (to tuck around your bub in the capsule for the ride home if you don't want to use the generic hospital blanket)
An extra packet of baby wipes (we love Huggies' 99% purified water wipes for super sensitive newborn bottoms)
An extra packet of newborn nappies (Huggies' new range of zinc-enriched nappies are clinically proven to help protect against irritation and maintain healthy skin PH)

What to pack in your hospital bag for Mum

The most important thing to remember is that you need to be comfortable. These essentials will set you up for success:

Your Medicare card and/or private health insurance details
A phone charger
A super comfortable nursing bra or singlet (I lived in these Bonds singlets for months after the birth of my babies)
Cosy, loose-fitting tracksuit pants (size up in these, you don't need anything snug around your waistline)
Warm grippy socks (expect to be a little wobbly after giving birth, so some non-slip socks are essential)
Slippers and a snuggly bathrobe (for when you're on the move and keen on a few laps up and down the corridor)
Toiletries (just the essentials. Trust me, you won't have the energy or the care for makeup. You'll be safe with a toothbrush, toothpaste, hairbrush, a couple of hair ties, deodorant, lip balm, face wash and moisturiser)
Postpartum underwear (many hospitals provide these, but it's a great idea to have some very big, comfortable, black underwear for those first few days after giving birth)
Period pads
A heat pack
Some snacks (think about snacks that are high in energy, protein and easy to eat - muesli bars, trail mix, bananas, crackers, dried fruit, popcorn, Hydrolyte, coconut water)
A comfy outfit to head home in, such as a button-down dress or a cute set (because every new mum needs a fresh ensemble to wear out of the hospital to feel a little more human)