Hospital Bag Checklist for Birth
It's almost the end of your pregnancy. How are you feeling? Excitement, nervousness, anxiousness or the feeling of being completely over it are just some of the emotions you may feel toward the later weeks of your pregnancy.
Always give your chosen hospital/birth centre a call to see what they provide so you don't double up on supplies (unless you want to bring your own). Also, you can check with them what you can and cannot bring.
Hospital stays can vary between 1-5 days, depending on circumstances. We recommend having your hospital bag prepared around the 36 week mark just in case.
We have curated a checklist for you, your partner and for baby to take out the guesswork to make you feel prepared.
What you should bring
- Medical Documents & Personal Information
- Medicare Card
- Private Health Insurance details (if applicable)
- Antenatal Card or any other medical paperwork
- OB/Pediatrician/Midwife/Doula's Contact Information
- ID (driver's licence, passport etc)
- Medication
- Bring along any medication you are currently on
- Prenatal Vitamins
- Toiletries
- Toothbrush & Toothpaste
- Shampoo, Conditioner & Body wash
- Deodorant
- Hairbrush, hair ties/hair clip/scrunchie
- Simple Make up
- Glasses/Contact lens, contact lens solution & case
- Skincare
- Lip balm
- Postpartum Care
- Peri Bottle
- Instant Cooling Peri Pads
- Postpartum Briefs
- Maternity Pads (Hospitals generally will provide but you can bring your own if you prefer a specific type)
- Breastfeeding Care
- Nursing Pads
- Nipple Cream
- Nursing Bras
- Milk Collector or Milk Pump
- Gel Breast Pads
- Clothing
- Birthing Gown
- Robe or Dressing Gown or Cardigan
- Nursing friendly tops and PJ's
- Loose fitting clothing
- Going home outfit
- Comfortable Footwear
- Socks/Compression Socks
- Slippers
- Thongs/Slides
- Slip on shoes
- Water Bottle
- Entertainment
- Phone
- Phone charger
- Headphones
- Other things to make you feel comfortable
- Pillow
- Blanket
- Towel
- Music playlist
- Essential oils
- Birth Affirmation cards
What your partner should bring
- Your birth preferences
- Swimmers
- In case they will need to be in the shower/bath tub with you
- Footwear
- Opt for comfortable footwear
- Slides/Thongs
- Socks
- Clothing
- Change of clothes
- Toiletries
- Toothbrush and toothpaste
- Deodorant
- Entertainment
- iPad or laptop to keep busy while you both wait and charger
- Headphones
- Water Bottle
- Camera and charger
- Wallet & Cash
- Sleeping bag/Blanket & Pillow
- Check with your hospital if they will provide. If not it'll be a good idea to prepare. You can keep these in the car until they need it.
- Snacks
- Gum/mints
- Snacks you both like to eat
What you should prepare for baby
- Clothing
- Going home outfit
- Mittens
- Socks
- Singlets
- Onesies
- Blanket
- Baby blanket
- Swaddle blanket
- Installed Baby Car Seat/Capsule
- Milestone Cards
Extra Stuff you could bring
- Big sister/brother gift
- Thank you gift or note for nurses
- Baby book
- Pen
- White Noise Machine
- Handheld fan
- Birth Ball
- TENS pain relief machine
