Hospital Bag Checklist: What to Pack for Mum & Baby

Getting your hospital bag ready is one of the most exciting steps in preparing to meet your little one. But with so many things to remember, it can be hard to know exactly what you need to pack.

Whether you're planning a vaginal birth or a caesarean, this hospital bag checklist will help you prepare for labour, your hospital stay, postpartum recovery and those precious first days with your newborn.

Save this checklist, tick off each item as you pack, and enjoy one less thing to worry about as your due date approaches.

1. Mum's Hospital Bag Checklist

Pack comfortable clothing and essentials to help you feel as relaxed as possible during labour and recovery.

Clothing & Comfort

☐ 2–3 comfortable pairs of pyjamas or nighties

☐ Nursing bras or comfortable feeding-friendly tops

☐ Comfortable underwear or disposable maternity underwear

☐ Dressing gown

☐ Slippers or comfortable slides

☐ Non-slip socks

☐ Loose, comfortable going-home outfit

☐ Comfortable maternity clothes for your stay

☐ Hair ties or headband

Toiletries & Personal Care

☐ Toothbrush and toothpaste

☐ Shampoo and conditioner

☐ Body wash and deodorant

☐ Hairbrush or comb

☐ Lip balm

☐ Moisturiser and skincare essentials

☐ Maternity pads

☐ Breast pads

☐ Nipple cream, if needed

☐ Peri bottle for postpartum care, if desired

☐ Towel, if not supplied by your hospital

☐ Glasses or contact lenses and supplies

Labour & Recovery Essentials

☐ Phone and long charging cable

☐ Water bottle with a straw

☐ Snacks and drinks, if permitted by your hospital

☐ Birth plan or birth preferences

☐ Headphones or portable speaker

☐ Massage oil or other comfort items

☐ Pillow from home, if desired

☐ Any prescribed medications

☐ Hospital admission paperwork☐ Going-home outfit

2. Baby's Hospital Bag Checklist

Your newborn won't need a huge wardrobe, but packing a few extra outfits is helpful in case of spills, nappy leaks or unexpected changes.

Clothing & Essentials

☐ 4–6 newborn onesies or sleepsuits

☐ Singlets, depending on the weather

☐ Socks or booties

☐ Going-home outfit

☐ One or two outfits in a larger size

☐ Season-appropriate layers

☐ Muslin wraps or swaddles

☐ Soft baby blanket for the trip home

☐ Milestone discs

Nappy Changing Essentials

☐ Newborn nappies, if not supplied by the hospital

☐ Fragrance-free baby wipes or cotton wool

☐ Nappy bags, if desired

☐ Burp cloths

☐ Extra muslin cloths

Feeding Essentials

☐ Breastfeeding pillow, if desired

☐ Breastfeeding supplies, if needed

☐ Formula and feeding equipment, if required, following hospital guidance

For the Journey Home

☐ Correctly fitted, rear-facing baby car seat

☐ Baby's going-home outfit

☐ Weather-appropriate blanket or extra layer

☐ Nappy and wipes for the trip home

3. Important Documents & Paperwork

Keep your essential documents together in a folder so they're easy to find when you arrive at the hospital.

☐ Medicare card and identification

☐ Hospital admission paperwork

☐ Pregnancy records and antenatal notes, if requested

☐ Private health insurance details, if applicable

☐ Birth plan or birth preferences

☐ Relevant medical information and medication list

4. What Your Birth Partner Should Pack

If your partner or support person will be staying with you, they'll need a few essentials too.

☐ Change of clothes

☐ Comfortable shoes

☐ Phone and charger

☐ Snacks and water bottle

☐ Toiletries

☐ Jumper or warm layer

☐ Cash or card for parking and meals

☐ Any regular medication

☐ Pillow or other comfort items, if permitted

5. Optional Extras for a More Comfortable Stay

These little extras aren't essential, but they may make your hospital stay feel more comfortable and familiar.

☐ Eye mask

☐ Earplugs

☐ Your own pillow with a coloured pillowcase

☐ Small portable fan, if permitted

☐ Book, tablet or e-reader

☐ Extra snacks for overnight feeds

☐ Reusable bag for dirty laundry

☐ Special newborn outfit or swaddle for photos

☐ Keepsake for baby's first days

☐ Camera, if you prefer not to use your phone

6. Last-Minute Checklist Before Leaving Home

Keep these items somewhere easy to grab when it's time to head to the hospital.

☐ Phone and charger

☐ Wallet and identification

☐ Glasses, if needed

☐ Daily medications

☐ Water bottle

☐ House and car keys

☐ Baby's going-home outfit

☐ Hospital bag

☐ Confirm the baby car seat is installed correctly

When Should You Pack Your Hospital Bag?

It's a good idea to have your hospital bag ready by around 35–36 weeks of pregnancy, or earlier if your maternity care team recommends it or you may be at risk of an early delivery.

Keep your bag somewhere accessible, and let your birth partner know where it is so they can help if you need to leave home quickly.

Bejbi tip: Check your hospital or birth centre's own packing list before buying anything. Many hospitals provide some essentials, such as baby nappies, maternity pads and basic toiletries, so you may not need to pack everything on this list.

Hospital Bag Essentials Worth Considering

If you're still shopping for your hospital stay, these are some useful essentials to consider adding to your checklist:

☐ A spacious maternity hospital bag with separate compartments

☐ Comfortable maternity pyjamas or a nightie

☐ Postpartum recovery essentials

☐ A water bottle with a straw

☐ Soft newborn sleepsuits and muslin wraps

☐ A practical nappy bag for outings after birth

Explore Bejbi's maternity, newborn and postpartum essentials to help you prepare for your baby's arrival.

A little reminder from Bejbi: You don't need to pack everything perfectly. Every birth and hospital stay is different, and the most important thing is that you and your baby are cared for. Use this checklist as a guide, adjust it to suit your needs, and focus on getting ready for the beautiful journey ahead.

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