What to Pack in Your Maternity Bag for the Hospital

As your due date approaches, it’s time to start thinking about what you’ll need to pack in your maternity bag for the hospital. After all, you’ll want to be prepared for everything, from the moment you go into labour to the minute you bring your new baby home.

Your hospital bag is one of the most important things to pack when you’re pregnant. So, what should you pack in your maternity bag for the hospital? Here’s a list of must-have items:

What to pack for you

• Clothes – A nightie or big t-shirt for labour (much easier than PJs), a dressing gown for around the ward, and some cosy socks and slippers. Bring loose fitting clothes and comfy shoes for going home (your tummy will still be quite big).
• Undies and bras – Maternity bras or singlets (ideal for feeding) and a few of your oldest pairs of undies (you might end up binning them afterwards). High-waisted nanna knickers provide good support following a caesarean, and avoid the wound area.
• A nursing pillow. This can be helpful for nursing your baby in a comfortable position
• Lip balm. Your lips will probably get pretty dry, so pack some lip balm to keep them hydrated.
• Snacks. You’ll likely get hungry at odd hours, so it’s good to have some healthy snacks on hand.
  Lip balm
  Toiletries – Toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, shower gel and shampoo, hair brush and ties, moisturiser and hand cream.
  Breast pads – A couple of boxes for when your milk comes in.
  Sanitary pads – A pack or two of ‘super’ or special ‘maternity’ pads.
  Glasses/contact lenses – Easy to forget, impossible to do without! Don’t forget your glasses case and contact lens cases/solution too.
  Mobile phone, charger and Headphones – So you can share the happy news with your friends and family.
  Your insurance card and a photo ID. You’ll need these to check in at the hospital.
  Your hospital paperwork. This includes your birth plan, if you have one.
  A going-home outfit

What to pack for your baby

• Clothes – A few onesies (or anything with press studs) for easy changing, plus scratch mitts, cosy socks/bootees, and a beanie and cardigan if it is cool.
• Disposable nappies and baby wipes – Bring your own if you plan to use them, as some hospitals don’t supply disposables.
• Muslins – Useful for swaddling and keeping your little one (and you) clean during feeding.
• Baby lotion – For a bonding massage with your baby.
• Baby blanket – To tuck around your bub in the capsule for the ride home. Make it a super cosy one if the weather’s cold.
• Capsule – Make sure it’s correctly fitted in your car ready for the journey home.
• A going-home outfit for your baby.

What your birthing partner should pack

• Toiletries and a change of clothes – Labour can take a while so a change of clothes, a toothbrush and toothpaste are a good idea for freshening up along the way.
• Food and drink – Have a supply of snacks and drinks for during and after labour.
• Loose change – Have some cash at the ready for parking.
• Swimmers and towel – If there’s a large bath at your hospital, they could join you in the bath for extra support.
• A camera/smartphone and charger – Make sure it has plenty of room on the memory card to capture those special moments.

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