Hospital baby bag checklist: The essential items you and bub REALLY need

If your baby’s due date is fast approaching, it’s time to pack your hospital bag.

When it comes to preparing for your hospital stay and bub’s grand arrival, it’s helpful to know exactly what you need and what you can safely leave behind.

We’ve rounded up the key essentials in the handy checklist below, so all you need to do is pack and go.

Hospital baby bag checklist

What to pack in your bag for your birth

• Medicare and private health fund details
• Birth plan
• Watch or smartphone to monitor contraction times – there are also some great contraction-tracking apps now available
• Birthing props, such as heat packs, stress balls, massage or aromatherapy oils
• Music
• Light snacks – labour can be long and exhausting
• A water bottle

Clothes for mum to pack in hospital bag

• Loose tops
• Loose-fitting pants
• Button-up pyjamas or nighties
• 10 pairs comfortable underwear, like Bare Mum high-waisted, reversible postpartum briefs that have a special pocket on the front to can pop in a cool or warm pack to soothe your perineum or c-section.
• Socks
• Maternity bras, Mumma Milla
• Slippers/thongs – make sure your birthing partner has closed shoes or they might not be able to be with you when you give birth.
• Going-home outfit

Hospital bag essentials for mum

• Phone and charger
• Your favourite pillow
• Maternity sanitary pads, U by Kotex
• Disposable breast pads
• Tissues
• Soap, shampoo and conditioner
• Hand wash
• Deodorant
• Face wipes
• Hair elastics
• Moisturiser

Hospital bag essential for your baby

• Nappies, Huggies Newborn Nappies
• Wipes, Huggies Wipes
• Singlets
• Onesie
• Blanket or wrap
• Socks/bootees
• Scratch mittens
• Warm hat

What to take to hospital  bag for ‘going home’

Before you leave the hospital, you’ll need to install an approved rear-facing baby capsule or convertible car seat. Some hospitals hire them out, but check with your state transport authority for standards and approved fitters.