What do I pack in my Hospital Bag?
Essentials to pack in your hospital bag
Spoiler alert: Not six newborn outfits — but you will want extra undies.
Pregnancy is a wild ride of many ups and downs. You’re growing a human, navigating what clothes still fit, managing pelvic pain, prepping for maternity leave… and suddenly everyone’s asking: “Have you packed your hospital bag yet?”
Packing your hospital bag is one of those milestones in late pregnancy that makes everything feel real.
For many mums-to-be, it’s both exciting and overwhelming — what do you actually need, what’s optional, and what’s just taking up space?
Whether you’re a first-time mum or you’ve waltz this dance before, packing for the birth of your baby can feel overwhelming. To help a sister out, we’ve created a realistic, non-panic-inducing checklist of hospital bag essentials.
Checklist
✔️ Postpartum underwear (lots of it)
Leak-proof or disposable, high-waisted and comfy. Treat yourself and don't skimp out.
✔️ Maternity pads or postpartum pads
Bring a full pack of comfortable thick, ultra-absorbent ones.
✔️ Nursing bras and nipple shields
Even if you’re unsure about breastfeeding, they’re super comfy especially for when that milk comes in! Also, your baby may stumble for those first couple of feeds so it may hurt which is why a nipple shield can come in handy.
✔️ Lip balm + water bottle
Hospitals are clinical, cold and dry. Labour is intense and you can dehydrate quickly. You’ll thank us later when chapped lips don't become bleeding lips.
✔️ Loose comfortable nightgowns or pyjamas
Button-downs or front access is ideal for feeding, skin-to-skin, and quick checks from the midwives and doctors.
✔️ Socks, slippers, and a robe
To keep you warm around the room, especially after birth.
✔️ Toiletries + skincare
Gentle fragrance free face wash, deodorant, toothbrush, shampoo, body lotion… bring what makes you feel pampered and human again.
✔️ Snacks (like, actual real food) and stay hydrated
Birth is a marathon. Even after delivery, you may get hungry between meals. Things like protein balls, muesli bars, and fruit are easy to eat but packed with nutrients to keep you going.
Optional but loved by mums
- A Labour & Birth Comb for pain distraction during labour
- Perineal spray or sitz soak for postpartum healing
- Nipple balm (trust us)
- Massage oil or calming essential oils
- A speaker or playlist
- A journal or affirmation cards
- Your own pillow or soft towel
- Healthy bite size snacks (protein balls, dark chocolate, nuts, muesli bars) to get you going during labour
What to pack for your baby
✔️ Onesies & singlets (2–3 sets)
Choose soft, breathable fabrics like organic cotton as their skin is so sensitive. Also, bonus points for packing zip up onesies and rompers. Buttons are cute but try keeping your patients buttoning and unbuttoning those tiny little onesies. Also, rompers are great as the medical team will do blood tests on their heels so having it accessible is helpful and prevents rubbing against it too.
✔️ Swaddle or wrap and blanket
Depending on your chosen hospital, they may provide these. However, just in case, bring your own soft, breathable organic cotton swaddles as theirs skin
✔️ Nappies & wipes
Some hospitals supply these, but bring extras if you're giving birth in a public hospital (and especially if you prefer eco options like Comfy Koala).
✔️ Beanie, socks and mittens
To keep baby warm and prevent face scratching.
✔️ Going-home outfit
Make it practical, cute is optional.
For your partner
- Change of clothes
- Snacks & drinks
- Toiletries
- Folder to store all documentation and notebook/pen for baby details or birth notes
- Phone/camera charger
Final Tip: Pack at 34–36 weeks
The reality?
Most mums throw it together last minute. That’s why we’re here — to help make it a little less chaotic.
Still feeling overwhelmed? We’ve packed it for you.
If just reading this list gives you anxiety, know this: you don’t have to do it all yourself.
Our pre-packed hospital bags include labour, recovery, and postpartum essentials — carefully chosen by mothers, midwives and doulas. No guesswork. No midnight runs to the pharmacy.
✨ Bonus: Add the Prene Saturday Bag / Neoprene Tote — the generously sized travel bag you’ll keep using long after birth, and save $39 off the RRP
👜 Shop Pre-packed Hospital Bags →
Cited Research & References
- RANZCOG (Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists): Guidelines on perinatal care.
- Raising Children Network (Government-funded, evidence-based parenting resource): “Packing your hospital bag” guide.
- Australian Breastfeeding Association: Breastfeeding-friendly clothing and nipple care advice.
- NSW Health Maternity Services: Postnatal care recommendations.
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→ Download your free guide: Hospital Bag Essentials
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