Hospital Bag Checklist | Townsville
There are so many things to do when preparing for a new baby!
Packing your hospital bag is a very important task because you need to be ready at a moments notice.
When to pack?
It is recommended that you organise your bag approx 3 weeks before your due date but I know that a lot of mumma’s do it sooner. Personal preference really.
Before you start, I would get in touch with your birth centre / hospital and see what they provide. This will prevent you from doubling up which will save room in your bag!
It is really helpful to separate your labour, recovery and baby supplies so that everything is easily accessible at the time of need.
Labour:
- Birth plan
- Tens machine (I hired mine from ‘Bliss Birth‘ but this is totally optional)
- Cordless bluetooth headphones for ‘Hypnobirthing‘ tracks/music
- Change of clothes for your birth partner (good to have regardless but necessary if planning to assist in water/shower)
- 1 x comfy/stretchy outfit to labour in
- Bikini
- Water bottle with straw
- Labour Aid and Clary Sage Oil from ‘Mere Botanicals‘. They also do amazing birth kits so be sure to check those out.
- Lip balm
Recovery:
- 2 x PJs (nightie/button up set)
- Thongs/slippers/socks
- 3 x Maternity bras and breast pads
- Nipple shields (optional) and nipple balm
- Maternity underwear and pads OR ‘Depends‘ underwear. I found Depends underwear to be much more comfortable and supportive after having a c-section.
- 2 – 3 x comfy outfits (1x for going home)
- Perineal wash bottle (optional)
- Peri Spray from ‘Mere Botanicals‘ and a BodyICE Perineum Strip (optional)
- Toiletries – light makeup/tinted moisturiser (optional), hair brush & ties, toothbrush, toothpaste, dry shampoo, deodorant, body wash
- Plastic bag for dirty clothes
- Pillow (optional)
For baby:
- Newborn onesies (2x 00000 + 3x 0000)
- Announcement outfit (optional)
- 2 x burp cloths
- 3 x swaddles
- Baby wipes
- 10-15 nappies
- Dummy (optional)
- Hand sanitizer
Miscellaneous:
- Hospital folder/card
- Medicare card
- Essentials – wallet & phone
- Esky with colostrum (only take a few syringes to start)
- Snacks/lollies and coffee/tea
- Long phone charger (or extension cord)
- Installed baby seat/capsule
TIPS:
- Don’t pack valuables (especially jewellery)!
- Keep baby clothes and nappies to a minimum
- Don’t carry CASH
The takeaway:
I hope you found this guide helpful and you feel less overwhelmed about packing.
But just remember, at the end of the day, what you pack for your
I didn’t use everything from this list but I wanted to make sure that I had everything covered.
Everyone’s situation and outcome is different.
Feel free to reach out if you have any questions, happy to help!
Best wishes,
Jodi x
Hospital Bag Checklist | Brisbane | Baby | Newborn | Photographer