This ultimate hospital packing list for mom, dad and baby includes necessities, optional extras, and what to pack in your labour and hospital bag.
We have taken the stress out of packing your hospital bag for labour or your pre-booked procedure. Our community of moms has recommended the best items to pack for mom, dad, and baby for your hospital stay.
Only 5 per cent of babies arrive on their due date, so the best time to start thinking about packing your hospital bag is as you enter your third trimester. The actual packing you can leave to around a month before your due date. Unless you are expecting multiples or have any other warning signs that indicate you may go into preterm labour.
We have such a breadth of experience and knowledge in our community of moms who have imparted their wisdom, enabling us to put together this ultimate hospital packing list for mom, dad and baby.
This list will make your packing experience a breeze and give you some ideas for items you may not have thought of.
A good rule of thumb is that less is more when packing your hospital bag. A lot of things will be provided to you by the hospital. Remember your partner and loved ones may also be able to supply anything you feel you are missing during your hospital stay.
It’s hard to know what you will want or need at the time. So, if you are not close to home or near a city with some shops, you probably want to add a few ‘just in case’ items.
Firstly, we recommend packing two bags—a labour bag and a bag for postpartum and recovery. Your labour bag can be taken out to the car and swapped with your hospital bag once your baby is born.
Choosing a Bag For Your Hospital Stay
The first step to packing is choosing the best bag for your purpose.
The consensus is that a small roll-along bag is ideal for your hospital stay. You don’t want to be lugging a giant suitcase or throwing a duffel bag over your shoulder after giving birth or having major surgery.
We recommend using your diaper bag as your labour bag because they usually contain several different compartments, making quick access to items fast and easy.
Hospital Packing List – Bag
Here are some fantastic bags for fitting everything you need for your trip to the hospital.
Diaper Bag
This diaper bag comes in various colours and is roomy, durable, cute and functional. It also has lots of pockets and storage. There’s a felt-lined pocket to protect your phone with easy access pockets for your charger, socks, lip balm, hand cream, etc.
Make sure your support person is familiar with where everything is beforehand. They may need to access things quickly. The last thing you want is to feel like you desperately need something and your support person cannot locate it.
Lily Bloom
The Lily Bloom is aesthetically pleasing, functional and made from fully recycled materials. The top opens wide, so it’s easy to find things, and the few organisational pockets are well thought out.
The bag is lightweight, and the handle is long, so you won’t have to bend over when wheeling it.
Also, the patterns are just adorable! We recommend spraying with some scotch guard or fabric protector as some material areas will rest on the ground if you stop wheeling.
Dakine Split Roller
This lightweight case is brilliant and holds so much. There are two separate zip-up sections inside to split compartments between you and baby or you and your partner.
Although it looks like a suitcase, it is like a large duffel bag on wheels. There are exterior pockets for quick access to small things such as toiletries and breast pads, and it is effortless to roll.
You can use the straps to make the bag slightly smaller if it’s not filled, and it comes in some great patterns and colours.
Rolling Duffel
Packing this bag will be excellent practice for packing your nappy bag when your baby arrives.
This is an amazing bag with eight compartments, so there are lots of places to put small items such as nappies, onesies, pacifiers, electronics, etc.
The handles stick together, so you can carry them as a duffel bag if you prefer. Otherwise, it has wheels and rolls.
It comes in a few different sizes, so you can choose a slightly larger one for a longer hospital stay if necessary.
Hospital Packing List – Mom
After you have decided on your ideal bag, it’s time to start filling it up with hospital necessities.
As mentioned before, less is definitely more when you are packing for your hospital stay. Anything you feel you have missed can (hopefully) be collected by loved ones or purchased nearby.
The trick is to have loose-fitting clothes, a water bottle you can open with one hand and an extra-long charger. You want to be able to relax and enjoy all the wonderful newborn snuggles while feeling cosy and comfortable. Also, packing some of your home comforts (such as your pillow) will do wonders for your spirit.
Okay, ladies, let’s start packing. Here’s everything you need for your hospital stay.
Hospital Packing List – Labour Bag
The things you require when you are in labour are quite different from when you are in recovery, which is why we suggest you pack two bags.
You will only take your labour bag with you when you first arrive at the hospital. This bag will contain all your paperwork, id, insurance information, birth plan, phone, charger, hair ties, toothbrush, toothpaste and hairbrush.
If you are labouring in your own clothes, then also pack these. I would recommend an old t-shirt or nightgown as labour is a very messy business. You may also like to pack something you feel comfortable having a shower in.
As a note, some hospitals require you to wear their hospital gown, so medical staff has ease of access. You can always call ahead and check. We also have some recommendations below on gowns that allow easy hospital staff access.
You may like to print a few copies of your birth plan so you can share them with various hospital staff.
Labour Bag – Essentials
Warm Socks
We suggest packing several pairs as they may get soiled and wet during labour. You can also use these socks after labour.
Lip Balm
With all the breathing techniques, air conditioning, and gas, your lips can get parched, so we recommend a quality lip balm to keep them hydrated.
Hand Cream
Face Cloth
The hospital should provide you with a washcloth, but it’s convenient to have your own as they can be hard to track down.
Having a washcloth is great for patting down your face and for shoulder rubs.
Wipes
Labour smells can be overwhelming for both you and your partner, and these are gentle enough to be used whenever you need them.
Mouthwash Satchels
Moisturiser
Your skin will get dry during labour, so we recommend using lotion during and after. Your support person can also smell the lotion if the labour and hospital smell becomes too intense.
Eye Mask
Earplugs
Hospitals are noisy places. Pack some comfortable, discreet earplugs that block sound.
Pack some for you and include some for your support person too.
Ipad and Charger
Not just for watching Netflix and surfing the net, you can also use your iPad for taking photos. Just remember to take care of your valuables while you are in hospital.
Your support person might like to keep these items on them during your labour and the postpartum period.
Kindle
Your kindle can provide you with entertainment while you are in labour, but it’s also handy once your baby is born as newborns spend a lot of time sleeping.
Snacks
You can pack some hard and soft candy but take it easy with these, as they can make you feel sick.
Drinks
A good combination of drinks to remain hydrated during labour includes a mixture of water, coconut water and apple juice.
Labour Bag – Optional
The items in this labour bag hospital packing list are optional, our moms were glad they had them when the time came, but if you are packing light, you can safely do without them.
Flip Flops
Flip flops are handy to wear in the shower and to use during labour. You should be able to slip them on without bending down.
If you plan to use them after birth, your feet might be slightly swollen, so choose a pair that has some give.
Bluetooth Speaker
Handheld Fan
Some women get a boiling face during labour. Your support person will finally feel like they can do something when they get to hold the fan up to your face.
This handheld fan is slightly larger than a lipstick.
Battery Candles
You can’t have an open flame in the hospital so if you don’t want to depend on hospital lights, pack some battery operated tealight candles.
Using candles instead of hospital lights during labour is one way to ensure your oxytocin remains high.
Personal Diffuser
Your support person can also use essential oils if they are struggling with the smells in the labour room.
We recommend this personal diffuser for aromatherapy on the go.
For a list of essential oils for labour and delivery, click here.
Massage Oil
TENS Machine
You may be able to rent a TENS machine, or your hospital may have one available to use. If you purchase one yourself, you can practice using it at around 37 weeks, so you know what to do when you are in labour. The cost to buy and rent is quite similar, so if you think you will use it after giving birth, it’s probably worth buying one.
Before using your TENS machine, speak to your doctor or midwife as machines are not recommended for women with heart problems, epilepsy, pacemakers or any other electrical or metal implant.
Hospital Bag – Essentials
The items in the hospital packing list for essentials are ones our moms could not do without but every hospital is different. If possible, check what is provided before you go, it will help with packing.
Transfer your toiletries to your postpartum bag and have some cash or bank card in your postpartum and recovery bag.
Toiletry Bag
Some ladies pack all of their makeup, while others don’t pack any. This is a personal choice.
Clothing Items
Hospital Gown
Otherwise, use an old night dress or shirt or the hospital gown provided and save the pretty things for after your baby is born.
As much as possible when giving birth, this baby be mine gown will protect your modesty. It parts in the middle at the front and buttons halfway down your back, so medical staff have easy access to IV’s and monitors.
You can easily snap the front down for nursing and skin-to-skin with your baby, and the adjustable tie helps to give you a nice shape. You can also use the tie to tuck the dress up when using the bathroom postpartum.
This gown comes with a matching robe below.
Nursing Robe
The fabric is breathable, and the gown does not slip open easily, protecting your modesty.
This gown also comes with a mommy and me matching baby set (below).
Optional
Matching Baby Set
Very soft material, however, does require a few washes before being packed.
Nursing Tops
The material is lightweight and breathable, with simple lift-up access to your breastfeeding bra so that you can clip and unclip easily.
It’s also great to have spares so you can change if your baby soils one.
Leggings
Pack some super soft and comfortable leggings that provide support without any restriction. These are high enough to go over a c section scar and won’t irritate.
These leggings can be worn as maternity leggings first and then packed in your hospital bag.
Cardigan
It may get cold in the hospital, so pack a cardigan. You can also wear this home if needed.
Underwear
Nursing Bra
They also come with extenders so you can get the fit just right. You need one bra for every day you are in hospital.
Disposable Underwear
They are super absorbent, so no leakage and they are high enough to cover and not irritate a c section wound. They are also sterile for c section wounds. Overall they are fantastic for aiding a comfortable recovery.
Grannie Underwear
These Anniyson cotton pants will also work for c section recovery as they sit above the scar and are soft and comfortable. They give a little bit of tummy control while staying/holding everything in place with no pinching. They are also breathable so that they will absorb sweat.
It depends on how many days you are staying in the hospital and how many pairs you pack, but I would pack a minimum of three per day.
Slippers
The sole is sturdy so that it will provide a firm grip on the hospital floors.
Best of all, they are machine washable, come in a variety of colours and look super cute.
Power Board
When choosing your power board, you want a bit of length to your chord so that if the hospital power points are in difficult to reach places, you can plug in once, then keep everything within arms reach.
Water Bottle
You will need a Laundry Bag
Hospital Bag – Optional
The below items in the hospital packing list are not essential however many of them will make your stay more comfortable and come highly recommended.
Breastfeeding Pillow
Comfortable for you and great support for your baby, breastfeeding pillows assist you and your baby to get in the right position for better latching. Highly recommended if you have back problems.
You can leave the breastfeeding pillow in the car until day two, then get your support person to retrieve it for you.
Breast Pads
A total lifesaver, these breast pads come with four in a pack, which means you can swap them in and out of the freezer. Not only do these pads aid your healing, but they also protect your nipple from rubbing on clothing.
Tip: cut them into smaller pieces to save money.
Your Own Pillow
If you pack your own pillow, put a nice colourful pillowcase on it to avoid getting confused with a hospital one. Having your own pillow with you can be very comforting and very handy if you require an extra pillow for breastfeeding.
Pacifier
If you are planning on using a pacifier, these are distributed in hospitals and used by doctors and nurses for newborns. They are super easy to clean and can also go in the dishwasher.
Mini Fan
This 4-inch mini USB fan is smaller than a tissue box.
Dry Shampoo
Dry shampoo is a new mum’s best friend. There will be a lot of photos, so you might want a quick freshen up before you have a chance to take a shower.
This dry shampoo will smooth and shine and smells divine.
Body Wash
Hand Sanitiser
Heat Pack
If you are prone to back pain or severe cramping, pack your Notebook and Pen
However, you decide to capture information, ensure you write it all down as sleep deprivation can wreak havoc with your memory. You can use a notebook or your device.
Record information such as your baby’s sleeping and feeding times, midwife advice, doctor’s instructions, and gifts visitors give you. If you are bottle-feeding, make a note of how much they drink at each feed.
Toilet Paper
It is recommended to pack a roll of your own toilet paper for postpartum, so you don’t have to rely on what could be very uncomfortable toilet paper in the hospital. Some women also pack a pump/squirt water bottle for additional comfort.
Thermos
If you know your baby will be bottle-fed, pack a thermos, so you don’t have to leave the room whenever you need to heat a bottle.
Bottles
Dr Brown’s bottles have a special tubing venting system that helps to reduce gas and colic. The nipple design also slows the milk flow, which helps prevent spit-up, burps, and gas.
Swaddle
If you don’t feel comfortable swaddling, we recommend the Love to Dream swaddle suit, as it’s a lot easier than swaddling with a blanket or wrap.
Hospital Packing List – Dad
Find out if the hospital will provide your partner with a pillow and blanket before the birth.
Backpack
Dad can get some practice packing this backpack that doubles as a nappy bag to take to the hospital.
Toiletry Bag
When packing his Water Bottle
Your labour support person will also need a water bottle in the labouring room, so this can be packed in advance in mum’s labour bag, so it’s ready for the big day!
Pyjamas
T-Shirts
Underwear
A change of underwear.
Small Pillow
Or your own pillow if you prefer.
Blanket
A good quality soft, warm blanket or throw, in case it’s cold in the hospital.
Hospital Packing List – Baby
Your hospital should provide almost everything for baby such as nappies, formula, bottles, wipes, swaddle blankets, onesies, hats, socks, etc.
The hospital will usually provide you with a packing list. You can cross-reference their list with this one.
Baby Clothes
Onesies are recommended because they won’t ride up their back.
Baby Blanket
Hat
Either cotton or a warm cosy hat, depending on whether your baby is born in summer or winter.
This list looks long, but you should be able to fit most things in a small bag. Once you have gone through the hospital packing list for mom, dad and baby and decided what you will pack, you might want to keep your bag packed and ready to go.
Add a post-it note for the things that need to be thrown in at the last minute, such as chargers, phone, tablet, camera etc. Wishing you all the very best for the birth of your baby.
While you are here, why not visit out our new mom to be article, tips for new moms or podcast recommendations.
I know you will find all your necessities, optional extras, and what to pack in your labour and hospital bag in this ultimate hospital packing list for mom, dad and baby.
