What to Pack in Your Hospital Bag (and What You Actually Use)
Ah, the hospital bag. The moment you start packing it, things suddenly feel very real. It’s the final little ritual before meeting your baby — half nesting, half daydreaming, and a tiny bit of “wait, how many onesies does a newborn even need?!”
After chatting with lots of mums (and learning a few lessons the hard way), here’s a simple, no-fuss list of what’s actually worth packing… and what usually ends up sitting untouched in the corner of the room.
🌸 The Essentials (Don’t Leave Home Without These)
Your hospital paperwork + ID: Not the most exciting, but the most important.
Phone charger (with a long cord): You’ll thank yourself later.
Toiletries: Toothbrush, your skincare routine (but easy), luxe shower oil is a game changer for that first shower, deodorant, lip balm, and hair ties.
Comfy clothes: Think soft, loose, and nursing-friendly if you plan to breastfeed. A robe and warm socks feel like a hug.
Snacks! Hospital food can be… hit or miss and is usually the same day in, day out. Protein balls, cheese and crackers (Brie FTW), dried fruit and sachets of hydration solution (e.g. hydralyte) are gold.
Going-home outfit for you: Something that makes you feel amazing!
👶 For Baby
A few onesies and singlets: Newborns love to surprise us with how tiny (or not-so-tiny) they are, so bring a mix of sizes.
Warm wraps or swaddles: Hospitals can be chilly. Muslin for layering, a cozy one for cuddles.
Nappies and wipes: Some hospitals provide them, some don’t — worth checking ahead.
Baby beanie + socks: Little heads and toes lose heat quickly.
Going-home outfit: The first of many “aww” moments.
💕 The Nice-to-Haves
A small speaker or playlist: Music can be calming during labour or those quiet newborn snuggles.
Essential oils or a familiar scent: Something that feels grounding (lavender, citrus, or whatever makes you feel calm).
A reusable water bottle: You’ll be so thirsty after birth.
Your pillow or a cozy blanket: Hospitals aren’t known for their luxury bedding.
✨ What You Can Probably Skip
A stack of baby clothes — they mostly live in swaddles.
Books, magazines, or a laptop — most mums say they didn’t open them once.
Fancy outfits — comfort > everything.
🌼 A Little Note
Try to think of your hospital bag as a “comfort kit,” not a checklist of what you should have. It’s there to make you feel cared for — and ready for one of the biggest, most beautiful moments of your life.
Pack the things that make you feel good, skip what doesn’t!
You’ve got this, mama. 💛