Hospital Bag Checklist Australia | What to Pack | Mae & Rae
Packing your hospital bag is one of those tasks that feels simple until you sit down to do it and realise you have absolutely no idea where to start. Here's our ultimate hospital bag checklist for Australian mums — including the things nobody tells you about.
When Should I Pack My Hospital Bag?
Most midwives recommend having your hospital bag packed and ready by 36 weeks. Babies don't always arrive on schedule and having your bag ready early means one less thing to stress about in those final weeks.
What to Pack in Your Hospital Bag — For Mum
Clothing & Comfort:
- 2–3 comfortable maternity or nursing bras
- Loose, comfortable nightgown or pyjamas (front opening if breastfeeding - I love the Peter Alexander ones!)
- Robe or dressing gown for walking the ward
- Comfortable underwear — more than you think you'll need
- Compression socks (ask your midwife about these)
- Warm socks and slippers
- Going home outfit — something loose and comfortable, nothing tight around the tummy
Toiletries:
- Shampoo, conditioner and body wash
- Face wash and moisturiser
- Toothbrush and toothpaste
- Dry shampoo — a lifesaver
- Lip balm (x2) — labour rooms can be very dry
- Hair ties and bobby pins
- Adult Nappies... trust me on this one!
Other Essentials:
- Phone charger and portable battery pack (if you have one)
- Snacks (sweet treats and Powerade) — for you and your support person
- Medicare card and health insurance details
- Birth plan if you have one
- Pillow from home if you want something familiar
- Airpods
What to Pack in Your Hospital Bag — For Baby
Clothing:
- 3–4 newborn onesies or sleepsuits
- 1–2 going home outfits — something special for those first photos
- Socks and mittens
- Little beanie
- A warm layer — even in Queensland, hospital air conditioning can be cold
Accessories:
- A beautiful swaddle — this is non-negotiable. Newborns are swaddled constantly in hospital and a quality swaddle is so much nicer than the standard hospital ones. Our Mae & Rae Swaddles are soft, breathable and beautiful enough for all the newborn photos.
- A baby bow or topknot — for those first photos. You'll thank yourself later.
- Nappies (the hospital usually provides these but bring a small pack just in case)
- Baby wipes — unscented for newborn skin
The Perfect Hospital Bag Baby Bundle: Our Newborn Bundle — a soft handmade swaddle paired with a matching bow — is the perfect addition to any hospital bag. Beautiful, practical and already paired together. $44.
Things Nobody Tells You to Pack
A good lip balm (or two). Labour is long and hospital rooms are dry. Your lips will thank you.
Snacks for your support person. They're not allowed to leave you to get food at the critical moment. Pack snacks for them too. I lived off Allens Snakes and Powerade through both my labour's!
Dry shampoo. You won't always have time or energy for a proper hair wash but you'll want to feel human for the photos.
A portable phone charger. You will take hundreds of photos and your phone will die at the worst possible moment.
A going home outfit for baby that you'll actually love in photos. These are the photos you'll look at forever. A beautiful swaddle, a special outfit and a gorgeous little bow make all the difference.
Headphones/Airpods. For both of you. Labour can be long and having your own music or a podcast can help enormously.
What NOT to Pack
- Your entire wardrobe — you won't need it
- Expensive jewellery
- Too many books — you won't read them
- Full size toiletry bottles — travel sizes are much easier
How Many Days Should I Pack For?
Pack for a minimum of 2–3 days for a vaginal birth and 4–5 days for a planned caesarean. Have a second bag ready at home with extra supplies in case you stay longer than expected so hubby or your support person can easily grab it if needed.
Shop Newborn Essentials at Mae & Rae
Everything your baby needs for those first precious days is at maeandraebows.com — from soft crepe cotton swaddles to handmade bows and headbands.
Mae & Rae is an Australian handmade baby accessories and kids clothing brand. Made with love for your little one.