Hospital Bag Checklist
Everything to pack for mum, baby and the trip home, in one hospital bag checklist you can tick off.
Most Australian hospitals expect you to stay one to three nights after birth, or longer after a caesarean. Pack your bag by about 36 weeks so you are ready to go when labour starts. Your progress is saved on this device.
Pack by 36 weeks
For mum
Postpartum care
Maternity pads, comfortable disposable underwear and perineal care make the first days after birth easier. Pack more pads than you think you need, as you may stay two or three nights.
Shop postpartum care →Breast pads and nipple balm
Breast pads and a nipple balm help while feeding settles in. Your milk usually comes in around day three, often after you are home.
Shop breast care →Nursing pillow
Hospital beds are not built for feeding. A nursing pillow lifts your baby to the right height and supports your arms, especially after a caesarean.
Shop nursing pillows →For baby
Bodysuits and going-home outfit
Pack four to six bodysuits or onesies in newborn (0000) size, plus one outfit for going home. Wash everything before you pack it.
Shop newborn clothing →Wraps and swaddles
Light cotton or muslin wraps keep your baby settled and double as a cover for feeding. Bring two or three, as they often need changing.
Shop wraps and swaddles →Newborn hat
Newborns lose heat quickly in the first days. A soft cotton beanie helps keep them warm, but take it off for sleep.
Shop baby hats →Baby blanket
A light blanket for the car seat trip home and for cuddles on the ward. Never put a blanket inside the car seat harness, so tuck it over the top once your baby is buckled in.
Shop baby blankets →Newborn nappies and wipes
A newborn goes through eight to twelve nappies a day. Some hospitals supply them and some do not, so check with yours and pack a newborn pack to be safe.
Shop nappies →Burp cloths
Muslin or burp cloths catch milk and dribble during the first feeds.
Shop burp cloths →For the trip home
Nappy bag
A nappy bag keeps baby things separate from your own bag, so your partner or midwife can find them quickly. It then becomes your everyday bag.
Shop nappy bags →Baby capsule or car seat
In Australia your baby must travel home in an approved, correctly fitted rear-facing restraint. Fit it by about 36 weeks, and have it checked by a professional fitter if you are unsure.
Shop baby capsules →Do not forget
Pack these too. They are the things most often left behind:
- Front-opening pyjamas or a robe, two or three feeding bras and slippers
- A loose, comfortable outfit to go home in
- Medicare card, ID and hospital paperwork
- Birth plan, if you have one
- Phone, charger and a long cable
- Toiletries, hair ties and lip balm
- Snacks and a refillable water bottle
- Glasses or contact lenses
- Any medication you take
- A pillow from home (with a coloured pillowcase)
Hospital Bag Checklist FAQs
When should I pack my hospital bag?
Aim to have your hospital bag packed by about 36 weeks. Babies can arrive early, so if you are expecting twins or have been told an early birth is likely, pack it sooner and keep it by the door or in the car.
What should I pack in my hospital bag for baby?
For your baby, pack four to six bodysuits in newborn size, a going-home outfit, two or three wraps, a hat, a light blanket, newborn nappies and wipes, and burp cloths. You also need a correctly fitted baby capsule in the car.
What should I pack in my hospital bag for mum?
Pack maternity pads, comfortable underwear, front-opening pyjamas or a robe, feeding bras, breast pads, nipple balm, toiletries, a phone charger with a long cable, snacks, a water bottle and a loose outfit to go home in. Bring your Medicare card, hospital paperwork and birth plan too.
Does the hospital provide nappies in Australia?
It depends on the hospital. Some public and private hospitals supply nappies and wipes, while others ask you to bring your own. Check with your hospital or birth centre, and pack a newborn pack just in case.
Do I need a car seat to take my baby home from hospital?
Yes. Australian road rules require babies under six months to travel in an approved rear-facing restraint, such as a capsule or convertible car seat. Fit it well before your due date so it is ready to go.
How many outfits does a newborn need in hospital?
Most babies stay one to three nights, so four to six bodysuits and one going-home outfit is plenty. Pack a size up as well, in case your baby is bigger than expected.
What should my birth partner pack?
A birth partner should pack a change of clothes, toiletries, snacks, a drink bottle, a phone charger, any medication they need, and coins or a card for parking. A pillow from home can help if they are staying overnight.
Getting the rest ready? Start with the nursery checklist and car checklist, then the feeding checklist for the first weeks at home.
More BLP checklists:
The Nursery Checklist The Feeding Checklist The Bath and Care Checklist The Out and About Checklist The Car Checklist The Play and Bonding Checklist The Family Travel Checklist All checklists