What to Pack in Your Hospital Bag: The Complete Checklist for New Parents

What to Pack in Your Hospital Bag: The Complete Checklist for New Parents

Expecting a new baby is such an exciting time. One task that can sneak up on us is packing the hospital bag, it's a good idea to do this around the 36 week mark, that way you can grab it and go if you need to!

Here's our tried and tested list:

1. Essentials for Mum

Comfortable Clothing

  • Loose-fitting nightie or pyjamas (front-opening can be helpful for breastfeeding)
  • Comfy clothes, socks, and slippers
  • Underwear and nursing bras. Big undies with a decent-sized gusset are helpful so that they can fit the big pads. You can get 5 packs of big undies from places like KMart and The Warehouse. For nursing bras we love the Cadenshae breastfeeding bras, so comfy and smooth!
  • Going-home outfit (something soft and stretchy)

Toiletries

  • Toothbrush, toothpaste, hairbrush, lip balm
  • Hair ties or clips
  • Your favourite shampoo and body wash 
  • Maternity pads (the hospital usually provides some, but it might be helpful to take your own, just in case)
  • Nipple balm
  • Breast pads- try our new Waterproof & Thirsty Washable Breast Pads, or take some disposable ones.

Extras

  • Phone charger (with a long cord if possible)
  • Reusable water bottle
  • Snacks (labour can be long, and hospital food isn’t always 24/7)
  • Money for more snacks from the cafeteria or vending machine
  • Jandals, especially if your hospital has communal bathrooms

2. Essentials for Baby

Clothing

Think natural fabrics like merino, cotton, and wool for baby's delicate new skin. 

  • 4–6 newborn onesies or zip-up suits
  • A few singlets or bodysuits for layering
  • A warm cardigan or jacket if it’s chilly
  • Wool socks or booties
  • Warm hat (even in summer, babies aren't so good at regulating their body temperature)
  • A going-home outfit for baby’s first big trip

Swaddles & Blankets

Other Baby Must-Haves

  • Newborn nappies & wipes (the hospital will probably provide them, but take your own just in case)
  • Baby washcloths (great for gentle clean-ups)
  • Car seat / baby capsule. The hospital won't let you leave without one installed. 

3. Nice-to-Haves

These aren’t strictly necessary but can make your stay more comfortable:

  • A playlist of calming music or a meditation app
  • A journal or notebook to record those first precious moments
  • A night light, so you don't need to switch on the big light for night feeds
  • Ural sachets
  • Snacks, sometimes you don't get to eat while you're in labour, so you wind up quite hungry the next day and the hospital food doesn't seem to hit the spot. I took the photo above the day after I gave birth to my third child. LOL.

Final Thought
Your hospital bag doesn’t need to be perfect — the most important thing is bringing yourself, your support person, and your excitement for meeting your baby. The rest you can figure out as you go.

Browse our Ohbubs newborn essentials for swaddles, blankets, and baby accessories designed to make your first days together as comfortable as possible.

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