The Real Hospital Bag List (so you don’t have to bring unnecessary stuff back home again)

Part 1: Birth Preparation

• Maternity Record or Maternity Summary
• 2–3 sets of comfortable, slightly fitted clothes
• 2–3 pairs of warm socks
• Cotton slippers for hospital stay & shower slippers
• 3–5 old underwear or a pack of disposable underwear
• One set of pyjamas (front button-up)
• Toiletry bag: toothbrush, toothpaste, comb, hair ties, towel, bath towel, body wash, shampoo, body lotion, daily skincare
• Straw water bottle
• Phone & charging cable
• Camera
• Maternity pads
• 1 pack of nursing pads
• 2–3 nursing bras
• Energy snacks such as chocolate
• Support person’s clothes
• Postpartum cap (for confinement)
• Abdominal binder / pelvic support belt

Part 2: Baby Essentials

• 4 singlets (bodysuit vests)
• 1 newborn hat
• 5–6 onesies
• 2 swaddle bags or 2 swaddle blankets (different thicknesses)
• 2 pairs of mittens/socks (skip if onesies have built-in hand and foot covers)
• 3 burp cloths
• 2 pacifiers + pacifier storage case
• If formula feeding: bring 1 tin of formula or ready-to-drink formula, plus bottles, bottle cleanser, and bottle brush

Note: Quantities above are for 1 baby. If expecting multiples, prepare extra.

Part 3: Things You Probably Don’t Need During Hospital Stay

• Newborn nappies – Hospitals (both public and private) provide free newborn nappies during your stay (currently Huggies in Australia). If you run out, just ask your midwife. Any opened pack you don’t finish can be taken home. Of course, if you prefer another brand, you can bring your own.
• Wallet or valuables – In public hospitals, Medicare covers your stay. In private hospitals, fees are usually billed after discharge or already settled with your OB. Only extra services/products used during your stay may require payment.
• Breast pump – If planning to breastfeed, you don’t need to bring your own. Hospitals provide free (for inpatients) sterilised, hospital-grade electric pumps.

Part 4: Going Home

• By law in Victoria, all children under 7 must travel in a car seat. Babies under 6 months must use a rear-facing car seat (adjustable rearward-facing restraint). Make sure it’s installed before discharge.
• Spare nappies, baby clothes, and a blanket.
• Infant capsule (car seat carrier) or pram.
  Tip for new mums: remember your postpartum cap when going out.

Part 5: Hospital Stay – Recommended Must-Haves

• Newborn swaddle sleeping bag – Much easier for new parents than traditional swaddle blankets. With a simple zip, baby is snug and secure without worrying about loose wrapping.
• Maternity disposable underwear or postpartum pads (e.g. Kao, Unicharm) – Absolute lifesavers for the first few days of heavy postpartum bleeding. No leaks, no stress about washing underwear – just roll up and toss away.
• Pigeon nursing pads – A must-have for breastfeeding mums. Super convenient, discreet, and effective.

Final Notes

Before choosing a hospital, you can usually book a tour of the labour ward and rooms. This helps you understand the facilities available and what items are truly necessary.

It’s best to start preparing your hospital bag around 28 weeks, giving yourself plenty of time to choose the right products for you and your baby.

Wishing you a smooth pregnancy and a safe delivery for both mum and bub!