A Guide to Your Hospital Bags – All Three of Them!

A guide to your hospital bags. That's right. 3 of them. Everyone knows mum needs a bag of essentials to take to the hospital, for what could be, a couple of nights stay. Then there is the Baby's Bag. Equally as important. The bag most people forget to pack, is the Support Person Bag! For your person to support you in the absolute best way they can, they are going to need supplies too. Keep reading below for what to put in each bag.

Mum's Hospital Bag

No matter where you are having your baby (home, birth centre or hospital) you are going to need some essentials to get you through your stay, which could be anywhere from 1 to 5 days, all going well. Bellow are the non negotiables that NEED to go in your bag.

• Paperwork - medicare card, private health card, antenatal card, birth plan (if you have one)

• Comfy pyjamas x 2 sets - pants that sit high above your belly button and a top that buttons down

• Slippers & slides - you want easy to slip on and off shoes during your hospital stay.

• Dressing gown and socks

• An old t shirt for labour. Things can get messy and you don't want to be worrying about your clothes.

• Bikini top or bra for water birth

• Breastfeeding bras x 2 and breast pads

• Tech bundle - phone, phone charger, iPad with movies downloaded, headphones, bluetooth speaker (and planned playlist for birth)

• Tens machine & heat packs if you have pan on using them

• Drink bottle

• Lip balm

• Nipple balm

• Snacks

• Disposable underwear

• High waisted full briefs

• Maternity pads

• Peri bottle & perineal spray

• Going home clothes - something loose fitting and comfy. Your current maternity clothes are perfect

• Hair tie and brush

• Toothbrush & toothpaste

• Glasses/contact lenses - if you wear them.

• Laundry bag

Baby's Hospital Bay

Newborn babies really don't need much. Aim for as much skin to skin time as possible while in hospital, which means baby will be in just a nappy and swaddle or blanket most of the time.

• Nappies - size newborn. While most hospitals will supply nappies & wipes, its good to have a supply of your own, just in case. You will go through between 5 and 10 nappies a day

• Baby wipes - non fragrant

• Blanket

• Swaddle x 2

• Singlet onesie x 4

• Sleepsuits x 4

• Socks x 2

• Burp clothes x 2

• Cardigan

• Going home outfit - ideally a kimono one piece to avoid irritating the umbilical stump

• Infant car seat, ideally professionally installed and you and your partner have been taught how to use it

• Formula and bottles if you plan on bottle feeding. Don't worry about bringing formula as a backup if you plan on breastfeeding. If you really need it, the hospital can supply it, but most often, there is nothing to worry about

Support Person's Hospital Bag

Most important on this list is snacks and water. DO NOT leave a birthing mother alone to go and get yourself food and drink. Be prepared for the long haul.

• Drink bottle

• Snacks

• Breath mints

• Change of clothes

• Pyjamas and socks

• Phone charger - make sure your phone is charged and ready to take photos

• Comfortable shoes - preferably slip on

• Swimsuit - for water births and showers