What to pack in your Hospital Bag

07 Apr 2015

Those final weeks before baby arrives are filled with so much excitement! And perhaps a few nerves.

To help you to be as prepared as you can be, we’ve asked Midwife Zoe from BornOnline to share her many years of experience to help you to pack exactly what you need in your Hospital Bag.

What to Pack in your Hospital Bag, by Midwife Zoe:

Now’s the time to gather together all the essentials you’ll need during labour and birth and for after your baby is born. Even if you’re not planning a hospital birth, you may need to go in unexpectedly, so try to have a bag packed by the time you are about 36 weeks pregnant.

A lot of women wonder what they need to pack in their hospital bag. Do you need to pack nappies? What clothes will the baby need? What do you need when you’re in labour?

Firstly, check with your hospital. Some may provide things like nappies and wipes, but many don’t. They may have a birth ball in all of the birth suites – but if they don’t you might want to bring your own. You may want to bring your own pillow for comfort.

If you are a little unsure, I have put together a basic list for what to pack in your hospital bag.

For the labour and birth:

Birth plan and pregnancy record
Snacks and drinks (things that will rehydrate you and give you energy)
Water bottle
Massage oil
Lip balm
Calming music on CD or iPod if dock will be available
Hair bands
Toiletries – choose a soap with minimal fragrance
Swimmers if planning on using bath/shower and not wanting to be naked
Board shorts for your partner so he can help you if you’re in the shower/bath
Loose night shirt or nightie (Something you can throw out if it gets messy)
Aromatherapy and electric oil burner (If that’s something you will use)
Cheap black large high wasted undies (Definitely ones you can throw out)
A list of phone numbers/people to notify when the baby is born
A camera and video camera if you’re planning on photographing/videoing
A stress ball/ tennis ball (For you to squeeze or your partner to rub on your back)
A microwaveable heat pack

For the baby:

Newborn nappies x 20 should be sufficient
Singlets x5
Onsie suits x5 (Full body suit)
Going home outfit
Wraps x4
If you are planning on bottle feeding: bring bottles, formula and steriliser

For your stay in the hospital after the baby is born:

Black large high wasted undies that can be thrown out. Usually 5 – 10 is enough
Maternity pads
Breast pads
Maternity bras
Comfy pyjamas that open at the front to allow for breastfeeding
Dressing gown as it can get quite cold in the hospital air-conditioning
Slippers
Magazine/Books to read
Ear plugs in case you’re sharing a room
Pen and paper so you can write down the visitors and presents for thankyou cards and to fill out any paperwork needed
Camera for capturing all those precious moments
Your own comfy pillow! Hospital pillows are terrible
Comfy clothes to go home in
Snacks for in between meals
Spare change for things from the café or of the trolley that comes around
Toiletries
A few plastic bags for dirty washing to be sent home in
The Baby Diaries App to start keeping track of baby’s daily routine, but also to capture photos of those first precious moments.

Make sure you have had the car seat installed before you are picked up from the hospital. Ensure an authorised instillation centre installs it. This is usually the transport authority for your state or the baby shop that sold you the seat. There is no harm having it in the car prior to 36 weeks so you’re prepared.

Pack your hospital bag before 36 weeks and leave it either in the car ready or by the door. Somewhere easy for your partner to grab it on the way out of the house. Remember, sometimes they get very flustered so make it obvious.

Happy packing!

Written by Midwife Zoe

Midwife Zoe is the Co-Owner of BornOnline. BornOnline is a website that provides Online Antenatal Classes and gives you Midwife support no matter where you are at the click-of-a-button. Check out the classes and all the awesome blogs here.

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