hospital bag checklist australia
packing your hospital bag is one of those "it's getting real" moments. this checklist covers everything you need for labour, recovery, baby and your partner — based on what australian mums actually use (not just what the internet tells you to buy).
when to pack your hospital bag
- have your bag packed and ready by 36 weeks— babies don't always wait for their due date
- keep it by the front door or in the car so you can grab it quickly
- pack a separate bag for your partner or support person too — they'll be there for the long haul
for mum — labour bag
this is the bag you'll take into the birth suite. keep it light and accessible.
- birth plan copies (2-3 printed)
- Medicare card
- health insurance details
- phone + charger
- hair ties
- lip balm
- water bottle (a big one with a straw)
- snacks — muesli bars, trail mix, anything easy to eat between contractions
- warm socks
- old dark t-shirt or nightie for labour (something you don't mind throwing away)
- pillow from home (optional — but worth it)
- essential oil spray (optional)
- bluetooth speaker (optional — for your birth playlist)
for mum — recovery bag
this stays in the car until you're moved to the postnatal ward.
- maternity pads — thick ones, and lots of them (at least 2 packets)
- disposable underwear or dark comfy undies you don't mind ruining
- nursing bras x2-3
- breast pads
- nipple cream (lanolin)
- comfy PJs that open at the front for feeding (button-up or wrap-style)
- going home outfit — something stretchy and comfortable. you'll still look about 6 months pregnant. that's completely normal.
- toiletries — shampoo, conditioner, face wash, deodorant, toothbrush
- thongs or slides for the shower
- phone charger cable (get a long one — hospital power points are never where you need them)
for baby
- onesies x4-5 — pack both 0000 (newborn) and 000 sizes, you won't know which fits until they arrive
- singlets x3-4
- beanie
- socks or booties
- muslin wraps x3
- going home outfit (something cute but practical — zip-up is easiest)
- nappies — newborn size. the hospital usually provides them but bring a small pack just in case
- nappy bags
- car seat — must be properly installed before discharge. the hospital will check.
for your partner / support person
labour can be long. your support person needs to be comfortable too.
- change of clothes
- snacks (lots of them)
- phone charger
- cash for parking and vending machines (some hospitals are card-only now, but don't risk it)
- camera (if you want those first moments captured)
- pillow
- something to do during early labour — book, tablet, downloaded shows
don't forget
these aren't things you pack, but they're just as important.
- car seat installed and checked (many hospitals won't discharge you without one)
- know the route to hospital — do a practice drive, including at night
- birth plan discussed with your midwife
- download the parking app for your hospital (saves stress on the day)
- hospital pre-registration done
- pets and other kids — arrangements sorted for when you go into labour
public vs private hospital — what's provided
what the hospital provides varies, so always call ahead. here's a general guide:
| item | public | private |
|---|---|---|
| nappies | usually provided | usually provided |
| wipes | usually provided | usually provided |
| formula (if needed) | provided | provided |
| baby blankets | basic ones provided | basic ones provided |
| mum care pack | not usually | often provided (pads, toiletries) |
| maternity pads | sometimes | often in care pack |
every hospital is different. call your birth suite or check your hospital's website for their specific list.
related guides
this checklist is based on general recommendations from australian hospitals and midwives. your hospital may have specific requirements — always check with your birth suite or midwife team. this is general information, not medical advice.