The Hospital Bag List No One Will Give You
by Natalia Hawk
It is unbelievably hard to find a good list for packing a hospital bag. They all say something different, and no one seems to agree, which is why I ended up building a spreadsheet based on everyone’s individual recommendations. Here is the blog version of that spreadsheet.
A good place to begin is your hospital’s website - they will detail exactly what they do and don’t provide - and then build out from there. It’s also good to have your hospital bag packed by about 34 weeks at the latest; I packed really early, thought it was overkill, but it was very helpful when I ended up going in overnight for blood pressure issues at 35 weeks.
MUMMA MUST-HAVES
A pillow. Everyone says to pack your favourite as the hospital ones are rubbish - I did this, got blood all over it and then had to throw it out when I got home. Pack your second favourite or one that is easily replaceable.
Oversized, button-up pyjamas. Button-up everything is essential from here because you’ll just have your boobs out all the time. Boody has really nice bamboo pj sets.
A loungewear set or an oversized shirt and bike shorts to go home in (if you read my hot tips for pregnancy, this is where my Lulu Align shorts came back in handy).
A robe is nice when you just need something to throw over your mega undies and maternity bra.
Toiletries - the Brillo range is good as it is scent free which is important for baby to bond when they come out. Make sure you pack hair ties, lip balm and a hair brush. It’s a bit extra but bring a leave-in conditioner as your hair can get really matted from lying on it in the hospital, and nobody has the time to be brushing out dreadlocks.
Maternity pads and giant disposable undies - I saw a hack on Tiny Hearts about putting the maternity pads in the giant undies so they last a bit longer. Which you will need. Trust me.
Cotton undies from Kmart for if you feel like a nice, exciting break from the giant disposable undies. The biggest size you can find (I was in a 20).
Perineal ice packs, a heat pack for afterbirth pains (I also used my heat pack in labour) and a peri bottle for helping with weeing after the fact.
Breastfeeding pads (just the Kmart ones are great) and Silverettes - they were a lifesaver when I was getting milked for colostrum like a cow (IYKYK).
Waterproof shoes for the shower.
A relaxing face spray - the Avene one was amazing when I needed a refresh.
Water bottle with straw. This is very, very, very important, you will be thirstier than a f*ckboi at Burleigh Pavilion, and with no hands free for unscrewing water bottle lids. I had a giant Frank Green with a straw lid.
Tissues if your hospital does not provide them. Day 3 is the famous hormone drop and you may cry the entire day (or week if you are like me). I was a hot mess and we had to keep buying tissues at the hospital chemist.
Snacks. Try to pack a variety because you don’t know what you will feel like and there’s only so much hospital food one can endure. Ask if your birthing unit has a fridge and you can even bring fruit/cheese and crackers etc, just pack a sharpie to label them.
Probiotics. Start taking them as early as possible :))))
BABY MUST-HAVES
Onesies in 00000 and/or 0000 depending how big you think the baby will be. I had a scan at 34 weeks and knew baby was on the bigger side so didn’t bother buying any 00000, which was good as he wouldn’t have ever been in them. You will need seven onesies or so - I only packed 3 and we went through them so quickly with the early days of baby spews/wees/working out how to put on a nappy.
Singlets, socks, beanie amd a swaddle for when they are sleeping in the hospital bassinet at night. Our hospital room was so cold and he ended up being in a million blankets and I was so worried about him because #hormones had me thinking the blankets would kill him. We should have just packed a warmer newborn Ergopouch or similar.
A white noise machine.
Baby blankets - the hospital provides a few but again, we went through them so fast and it was nice to have a cute few for photos.
Nappies and wipes as your hospital may not provide them.
Dummies. They say not to use them until breastfeeding has been established but honestly, if it gives you some sanity, it’s probably worth it (I hid mine from the midwives lol)
With love and baby dust
Nat x