My Bub Hub
Forums, blogs and more
checklist - hospital bag packing list
home > info directory > checklist - hospital bag packing list
bub hub supporters
|
We've created a suggested hospital packing list for labour and birth. Different hospitals provide different equipment, so it's always a good idea to ask your hospital what they have available for you during labour and once the baby is born. You can also consider keeping some additional supplies in a handy bag at home for your partner or family to bring in the day after the birth rather than trying to lug a really heavy bag in with you whilst you are in labour! Print out this page and 'customise' it to suit your needs.
for labour- hospital paperwork - registration card/health record or similar
- medicare card and/or private health insurance company card
- birth plan
- cardboard/plastic folder to keep all your paperwork in (you'll get given more when the baby is born)
- comfortable, old, t-shirt
- nightgown
- warm socks - feet can get cold during labour
- flat slip-on shoes or slippers
- lollies to suck on
- snacks for you and your birthing partner
- drinks for you and your birthing partner - sipper bottles are best
- books/magazines - for your partner too
- iPod or stereo
- massage oil
- face cloth / face spray
- hair band to keep your hair out of your face
- lip balm - lips can get dry during labour
- camera and/or video camera - with spare film & batteries/charger!
- extra clothes for partner - they may get wet helping you in shower or bath
- phone card for public phones - mobile phones must often be switched off in hospital wards and there will often be a public phone by your bed
- list of important phone numbers - family, friends, older children's carers/school
- change for parking, snacks, phones anything you've forgotten to pack!
- plastic bag for dirty clothes
for mum post-birth
(some of the items from your labour bag can be re-used)
- day-time clothes - pjs, nighties or casual clothes with front opening tops for breastfeedings (don't expect to get into your 'pre-pregnancy' clothes straightaway, take loose fitting or maternity clothes)
- flat slip-on shoes and/or slippers
- night-time clothes - front opening tops for breastfeeding
- dressing gown
- maternity sanitary pads - plenty
- undies - plenty of pairs (use disposables if you prefer)
- breastfeeding bras
- absorbent breastpads
- toiletries
- hairbrush
- hairdryer (good for drying stitches too)
- body wash
- shampoo
- conditioner
- make-up (you might feel more comfortable having make-up on for those special keep-forever photos)
- face wash
- moisturiser
- tissues
- deodorant
- toothbrush
- toothpaste
- change to pay for newspapers, tv connection, phone calls, snacks, etc
- pen, paper/notebook
- clock
- leave valuables - including jewellery - AT HOME
- gifts for siblings from new baby
if you have other children, you might like to have a small gift for each that is 'from the new baby' and which is given to the children when they arrive to visit you in hospital - going home outfit
- plastic bag for dirty laundry
- mobile phone and charger
for baby
- nappies
- singlets
- jumpsuits
- socks / booties
- scratch mittens
- hat
- going home outfit x 2 (just in case the one gets dirtied)
- wipes or cotton wool balls
- baby bath solution / baby wash
- face washers
- baby towel
- wraps / blankets
DON'T FORGET
Your baby MUST travel home from the hospital in a suitable infant car restraint, which
for newborns is a rear-facing capsule. Make sure that you have purchased or
hired a capsule and have it correctly installed into your car in plenty of time.
where to buy
See our comprehensive shops directory for local and online stores selling everything from labour and birthing equipment to baby clothing, breastfeeding tops and everything in between!
back to top
