Our top 5 tips of what to pack in your hospital bag for mum, newborn and support partner.
What to pack
Newborn's Hospital Bag
Clothing: Bodysuits, onesies, socks and a newborn cap. Optional outfit for sharing your exciting news with the world through messages or social platforms.
Clothes: An overnight bag with comfy pyjamas, slippers or thongs and a spare change of clothes to wear in hospital and the trip home. Bring a loose top with easy access to feed or collect breast milk.
Feeding: A soft nursing bra, breast pads and colostrum collectors to be breast milk ready.
Recovery: A post-birth spray or perineum strip may provide comfort after a vaginal birth and nipple cream after breast feeding.
Comfort: Pack disposable briefs or high-waist underwear (you don't mind throwing away) for comfort and won't rub your wound if you have a c-section. Bring two packs of maternity pads or adult nappy pants for post-partum bleeding.
Extra: We suggest using your phone or notepad to track feeding times and write questions for the midwives. If staying overnight in a busy hospital ward, pack an eye-mask, headphones or earplugs.
More options for Mum's bag
What to pack
Partner or support person's hospital bag
Sustenance: Bring a water bottle, a collection of mum's favourite snacks and books/magazines.
Clothing: For water births or assistance during a shower, bring thongs, bathers and a spare change of clothes.
Toiletries: Essential toiletries for the mum-to-be and yourself if staying overnight at the hospital.
Chargers: All chargers for devices brought to hospital.
Documentation: Obstetric record, birth plan, hospital documentation, Medicare and private health insurance cards plus bank cards for any additional payments.