Hospital Bag for Mum: Ticking off the Checklist

What to Pack in Your Hospital Bag?

With your due date approaching and preparations at home well underway, it’s time to think about packing a hospital bag for mum. When the time comes you will want to know your bag is packed with all the clothing, documents, toiletries and essentials you’ll need for a comfortable stay in the birthing suite.

The bag you use is entirely up to you, but make sure it’s the right size to hold everything you need without being too big to carry or fit in a car. We recommend picking a hospital bag that’s noticeable, easy to grab in a hurry, and won’t slow you down on the way to the hospital.

See our hospital musts featured in the checklist below — essential items you can’t go without ^[1].

What to Pack in a hospital bag for Mum

Paperwork:

• Health insurance and Medicare cards, plus any hospital paperwork
• Birth plan, maternity notes and antenatal card
• Paper and pen

Clothing:

• Loose, comfortable clothing
• Old nightgown or oversized t-shirt for labour
• Pregnancy crop top bra
• Slippers and comfortable socks
• Dressing gown (with a front opening if you plan to breastfeed)
• Comfortable underwear and disposable undies
• Maternity leggings
• Going-home clothes

Toiletries:

• Travel essentials: Toothbrush and paste, body wash, shampoo and conditioner, deodorant, hairbrush
• Lip balm
• Nursing pads - Have a read of our blog on: How to use nursing pads.
• Maternity pads
• Massage oil or cream
• Hairband or tie
• Glasses and spare contact lenses if needed
• Facial tissues
• Any medication you currently take

Additional essentials:

• Pillow
• Music
• Calming activities – magazines, books, crosswords
• Phone and charger
• Healthy snacks and drinks
• Plastic bag for dirty laundry

C-Section vs Vaginal Birth Hospital Bags

Every birth is different, and what you pack may depend on the type of delivery you’re planning for — or end up needing.

For C-section mums: Recovery can be longer, so pack for comfort. High-waisted underwear that sits above your scar is essential to avoid irritation (note: The New Beginnings disposable undies are c-section friendly). An abdominal support band can provide gentle compression to help you move around more comfortably. Bring extra maternity pads, as your hospital stay may be a couple of days longer, and loose, flowy clothing that won’t rub against your incision. Slip-on shoes are also a good idea since bending down may be uncomfortable.

For vaginal birth mums: You might not need quite as many days of clothing, but still pack items that prioritise comfort. An old nightgown or oversized shirt for labour, breathable maternity leggings, and plenty of pads and underwear are essentials. Consider a peri bottle for postpartum care, which can make bathroom trips more comfortable while you heal.

What to Pack for Baby

• Onesies and sleepsuits ^[2]

• Socks and booties
• Baby wipes like New Beginnings bamboo baby wipes
• Nappies
• Hat to keep warm
• Muslin squares or alternative burping cloth
• Baby car seat

Seasonal Packing Tips (AU-specific)

Summer births: Australian summers can be hot and humid, so focus on keeping yourself and baby cool. Pack lightweight cotton or bamboo clothing that breathes well, a small portable fan or handheld mist spray, and an insulated water bottle so you can stay hydrated through labour and recovery. For baby, stick to short-sleeved onesies and muslin wraps instead of heavier blankets.

Winter births: If your due date falls in the colder months, you’ll want a few extras to stay warm and comfortable. Thicker socks, cosy slippers, and a warmer blanket from home can make hospital stays more comfortable. For baby, add a beanie, mittens, and long-sleeved growsuits to ensure they’re snug during the trip home.^[3]

Partner / Support Person Bag

It’s easy to focus on mum and baby, but don’t forget your birth partner will also need a few things for what could be a long couple of days. A spare change of clothes, toiletries, and a pillow can make a big difference if they’re staying overnight. Snacks and water are must-haves, since hospital food isn’t always available at odd hours. If your partner is joining you in the birthing pool, swimwear and a towel should go into the bag too. A phone charger and even a book or headphones can help pass time during early labour. By packing their own essentials, your support person can stay comfortable and better focused on looking after you.

When should you start packing your hospital bag?                                     

It’s never too early to get the essentials together. By the time you’re 36 weeks you will want to have mum’s hospital bag packed and waiting, in case you need to go in a hurry.

A good idea is to start getting items together early, so you don’t have to rush around finding sleepsuits or nursing pads when you’re heavily pregnant. In the weeks leading up to your due date you can practice strapping a doll or teddy into the infant car seat to get used to the feeling.

Short on time? Why not grab the Hospital Bag Essentials pack - it includes all of our top recommended products for new mums after labour. 

Why Choose New Beginnings?

At New Beginnings, we want to help pregnant women and new Mums be as comfortable as possible. With a range of postpartum essentials easy to find on our online store, as well as tips and tricks for new and expecting Mums on our blog, we’re here for you.

Our maternity collections are specially designed based on feedback from Mums with high quality, comfortable material. You can also sign up to our free newsletter below for guides, useful information and more, direct from our community of Mums.

Start getting a hospital bag for Mum ready today by ordering through our website or by calling our order hotline on 1300 768 868. You can find out more about our products by email: sales@newbeginnings.com.au.

Hospital Bag FAQs

When should I start packing my hospital bag in Australia?

Most mums aim to have their hospital bag ready by around 36 weeks. Babies can sometimes arrive earlier than expected, so having it packed and waiting by the door brings peace of mind.

How many outfits should I pack for baby?

Plan for at least 4–6 onesies or growsuits. Newborns can go through multiple changes a day thanks to spit-ups and nappy leaks. If you’re staying longer due to a c-section, you may want a couple more.

Do hospitals provide nappies or wipes in Australia?

Some public hospitals may give you a few newborn nappies or sample wipes, but it’s best not to rely on this. Pack your own newborn-sized nappies and gentle wipes to be prepared.

Do I need to bring formula or bottles if I’m breastfeeding?

If you plan to exclusively breastfeed, you usually won’t need to bring bottles or formula. Hospitals can supply formula if it becomes necessary. However, if you’ve chosen to formula-feed or want to combination feed, check with your hospital ahead of time — some prefer you to bring your own.