What to Pack in Your Hospital Bag
(And what you’ll actually use)
Packing your birthing bag is one of those exciting milestones that makes everything feel real—but if you’ve ever Googled “hospital bag checklist,” you’ll know just how overwhelming the lists can get. From giant packing guides to endless “must-have” items, it’s easy to feel like you need to bring half your house with you.
The truth? You don’t need it all. In fact, most new mums use only a fraction of what they pack. In this blog, I’ll walk you through what’s actually worth bringing for you, your baby, and those little extras that make a big difference—so you can head into birth feeling calm, prepared, and not weighed down by unnecessary stuff.
Essentials for Mama
Comfortable Clothes
Loose fitting, comfortable, dark coloured outfits
Bath robe & slippers
Comfy PJs - button down tops are great for breastfeeding access, or consider a nightdress
Comfy socks & undies
Nursing bra
Going home outfit
Toiletries
Toothbrush & paste
Lip balm
Maternity pads/nappies
Nipple cream
Shower toiletries
Deodorant
Personal & comfort items
Spritz bottle
Snacks & drinks
Towel
Prescription medicines
Phone & charger, with a long cable
Earphones
Book/tablet
Disposable underwear
Personal important documents
Hairbrush
Pillow
Moisturiser & make up, if you’d like
For labour & birth
Birth plan & any items needed to fulfil this
Water bottle with straw
Hair ties
TENS machine
Heat pack
Speaker
Calm lighting (such as fairy lights)
Essential oils (if allowed)
Essentials for Baby
Nappies, nappy cream & wipes
Burp cloths
Socks
Hats & mittens
Onesies & Bodysuits
Swaddle/blanket
Going home outfit
Birthing partner bag
Camera
Money (change for car park)
Snacks & drinks
Phone & charger
Change of clothes
Toiletries
Phone numbers to contact family/friends
Birth plan
Book/tablet
What You Don’t Really Need
It’s so easy to get carried away and pack “just in case” items. But the truth is, you’ll probably use far less than you think.
Here are a few things most parents find they overpack
Too many baby items - your little ones will likely only need a couple of changes of clothes, and the hospital usually provides nappies/wipes so you don’t need too many.
Fancy items/outfits - aim for basics and comfort as this is what you’ll really want.
Extra blankets - one or two is usually plenty.
Breast pump - generally unnecessary right away, unless otherwise advise.
Tips for Packing Your Hospital Bag
When to pack
Aim to have your bag packed by 35 - 36 weeks. This way you’re prepared without feeling rushed.
Separate bags/compartments
Keep mama’s essentials in one bag/compartment, and baby’s in another, so everything is easy to find.
Label baby’s outfits
Bundle each of baby’s outfits (onesie, bodysuit, hat, mittens, socks) in a cloth pouch or ziplock bag, and label them, for example “First Outfit” or “Going Home”.
It saves rummaging when you’re tired or someone else is dressing baby. I also like to add a nappy into each bag to make it even easier!
Think accessibility
Keep important documents, chargers, lip balm and snacks somewhere easy to grab.
Some useful things to do before the hospital
Download music/shows to keep you entertained
Set up a meal train or prepare freezer meals in advance for easy, nutritious meals on your return home
Install car seat
Organise someone to help with older siblings & family pets
At the end of the day, your hospital bag doesn’t need to be perfect—it just needs to hold the few things that will keep you comfortable, cared for, and ready to welcome your baby. Focus on the basics, add in a couple of small comforts, and remember that the hospital will have many of the essentials if you forget something.
You’ve got this, mama.
If you found this guide helpful, you might also like my Postpartum Prep Checklist, which covers everything you’ll need once you’re home with your baby. It’s a gentle, practical way to feel prepared for those first weeks of recovery and bonding.
Want a printable version of this checklist to keep nearby while you prepare? Download my free Hospital Bag packing list PDF below.