The most simple hospital bag checklist ever
I know that you’ve researched the shit out of what you should pack in your hospital bag. I know this, because I was once you too. When I was pregnant, I watched a million YouTube videos, signed up to a few hundred mailing lists just to get the free packing checklist, and devoured every single piece of content around hospital bags that you could imagine.
But, you still clicked this, so you must be wanting something SUPER simple and easy to check off.
Firstly though, I’m going to be a Debbie Downer and tell you that you probably don’t need most of the things in those other lists, but having them anyway can make you feel 10 times more prepared and that on its own can be a good thing when you’re preparing for birth. Having said this, the down side to packing A MILLION items is that it’s a real pain to carry it all up to the birth suite. Your birth partner will probably be more focused on getting everything inside rather than supporting you in labour if you have too much stuff.
It’s with this reason in mind that I’ve created a fool proof, easy check list that has you only taking what you ACTUALLY need up to the birth suite, and leaving all the other ‘nice to haves’ in the car for your partner to grab if necessary.
So first up, we have your:
BIRTH SUITE BAG
This bag has everything you need in it for a short stint in the birth suite. Consider these your essentials. Anything required for a longer stay should not be in this bag.
Your printed birth preferences/plan/map
Oxytocin boosters (bluetooth speaker, earphones, fairy lights, blu tac, affirmations, birth comb, TENS, pillow, essential oils, eye mask)
Swimsuit or Bralette if you want to wear it in the shower or bath (but also know that being naked is totally okay!)
Snacks & water bottle + other hydrators like coconut water, electrolytes, Gatorade
Phone charger (extra long if you have it)
Towel & toiletries for post-birth shower (just the essentials though darls, save the 7 step skincare routine for home if you can)
Something comfortable to head home in
Postpartum undies and pads (just 1 or 2 as the hospital will usually have nappies or pads too).
1 or 2 nappies for bubs & 1 going home outfit
Carseat loaded and ready to go
Yep…THAT’S LITERALLY IT. I know, so simple…you really don’t need much. Now for the other bags.
PARTNER’S BAG
Let your partner pack their own bag so they know where everything is and what they have. This saves the inevitable “babe, did you pack my jumper?” when you’re mid surge!
Jumper
Boardies
Thongs/Crocs ;)
Phone charger
Snacks & water bottle
OVERNIGHTER BAG
This bag stays in the car and has everything in it that you might need if you were to stay in hospital for a few nights. Remember, anything you desperately need can be grabbed from home or purchased after the fact. Don’t stress yourself out trying to tick everything off in your final days of pregnancy.
Comfy, loose fitting, button up pyjamas
High-waisted loose, comfy undies (black is good!)
2-3 breastfeeding bras
Silverettes (optional, but these were a GAME changer for me)
A pack of postpartum pads
Slippers or socks
2-3 onesies for bubs
Nappies & wipes (just 1 pack is more than enough, plus, the hospital will have both of these if you run out)
Muslin Wrap
Laptop/iPad
Longer stay toiletries
Any other personal items you need with you
I’ve tried to simplify as much as possible. You don’t need things like dummy’s, formula, a million wipes and nappies or tonnes of outfits for your baby if you are staying in hospital longer than expected. Most hospitals have all of these items if required, and the most important thing for a newborn is beautiful skin to skin with their mama which requires nothing at all.
If you have a doula on your team, share your packing list with them and ask for their input. There’s a chance you may be doubling up on items which could save you a few kgs!
If this list helps, let me know by commenting below or sending me a DM on Instagram! I love hearing from you.
