Hospital Bag checklist for New Mums
Being pregnant and becoming a new Mum is surely the most exciting, and daunting, experience a woman can have. There’s so much to know and the advice and resources for new mums is endless. It can be quite overwhelming at times. One thing is for sure, you’re about to participate in the miracle of bringing new life into the world. So, no pressure!
Baby won’t wait so be Prepared!
Fortunately, there are a few things you can do to make the event less stressful. Apart from the obvious like preparing a nursery space, organising support and thinking about a birthing plan, it’s a great idea to get your hospital bag, or bags, organised. For new mums, think about packing your bags at around the third trimester. I promise it will give you comfort to know you’re ready to race out of the door!
We know new Mums have unique needs so here’s a list of things that can be altered to suit you, your new baby and your birthing partner.
Things to pack for New Born and Mum
At this stage you won’t know how long you’ll be in hospital. It could be between 1 and 5 nights. Therefore, it’s best to pack for the 5 nights to be sure. My recommendation is to have 3 smaller bags and an empty one for laundry. These are one for labour, one for baby and one for everything you’ll need for your stay.
Now’s the time to check with the hospital what paperwork you’ll need when you’re admitted. Obviously, the more you can do beforehand the better. You may need to provide:
- Australian Medicare Card
- Health Care Card (if you have one),
- Private health care card (if you have one)
- Maternal health records
- Your Birth Plan
- Hospital pre-admission paperwork (if provided)
The big Hospital Bag Checklist for new mums
FOR MUM…
- Birthing plan & notes
- Comfortable clothing for labour
- Comfortable going home outfit
- 2 or more bras/nursing bras
- Breast pads
- Nipple cream / lotions / massage oils
- Breast feeding nightwear
- Comfy pyjamas
- Dressing gown & slippers
- Socks
- 5 or more cotton briefs
- Pack of disposable briefs
- Maternity pads
- Toothbrush & toothpaste
- Towel & flannel
- Toiletries / lip balm / hairbrush / hair ties
- Support/breast feeding pillow
- Pillows from home
- Fan/water spray
- Lots of drinks & snacks
- Mobile phone & charger
- Books/magazines
- Any medication that you may need
FOR NEWBORN BABY…
- 2 or more organic cotton baby onesies /vests
- 2 or more baby grows / sleepsuits
- Going home outfit
- Hat
- Scratch mitts
- Socks/booties
- Plenty of nappies in newborn/tiny baby
- A baby blanket
- Muslins
- Baby wipes/cotton wool
- A snuggle suit/pram suit for cold weather
AND FOR BIRTHING PARTNER…
- Change of clothes & underwear
- Comfortable shoes
- Toothbrush & toothpaste
- Toiletries
- Watch/stopwatch
- Cash for car parks / vending machines
- Mobile phone / laptop / tablet & charger
- Camera & charger / batteries
- Books/magazines
- Drinks & snacks
We wish all you New Mums a magical experience, all the best. Verena, Elves in the Wardrobe.
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