Packing Your Hospital Bag: Essentials vs ‘Yeah Nahs’

Packing your hospital bag is one of those exciting milestones that makes things feel real real. You’re about to meet your little one! But between nesting urges and late-night Instagram scrolls of perfectly folded swaddles, it’s easy to fall into the trap of overpacking… or totally underestimating what you’ll actually use.

So, let’s cut through the fluff. Here’s your real talk guide to what you’ll actually need, and what’s better left at home.

👜 The Absolute Essentials (Don’t Skip These!)

1. Comfy Clothes You Can Actually Move In

Think oversized tees, a loose robe, and anything that doesn’t have a waistband screaming pre-baby body. You want soft, stretchy, and easy to breastfeed in. Don’t forget a comfortable nursing bra – your boobs are about to enter a whole new era, and they’ll appreciate the support (and easy access). Bonus points if it’s dark coloured. Trust us – post-birth everything can get messy.

2. Maternity Pads (Yes, The Big Ones)

The hospital might supply a few, but bring extras. Post-birth bleeding is no joke, and your regular pads will laugh in the face of it.

3. Reusable Breast Pads (Because Leaky Boobs Are Real)

Whether you’re breastfeeding or just starting to produce colostrum, your boobs might surprise you with some unexpected leaks. Our Reusable Bamboo Nursing Pads are soft, breathable, and way more eco-friendly than disposables. Pop a few pairs in your bag—you’ll be glad you did.

4. Toiletries (But Keep It Simple)

Toothbrush, toothpaste, face wipes, dry shampoo, and lip balm. Your lips will get super dry during labour. Skip the 17-step skincare routine. You won’t be using it.

5. Phone Charger with a Long Cable

The wall plugs are always miles away from the bed. And you will want to take a million photos.

6. Snacks. Snacks. More Snacks.

Hospital food isn’t gourmet, and labour makes you HUNGRY. Think muesli bars, lollies, crackers, and something salty.

7. Water Bottle

Bring your fave refillable bottle – you’ll need to hydrate during labour, and even more during those early breastfeeding marathons.

8. Baby’s First Outfit + Cosy Layers

Pack a cute but comfy onesie, a hat, and one of our buttery soft Stretchy Swaddles for that snug-as-a-bug wrap.

Add a beautiful Heirloom Blanket – perfect for those first cuddles, crib snuggles, and dreamy coming-home photos.

And don’t forget your 5-in-1 Multi-use Cover. It’s ideal for popping over the baby capsule on that first walk from hospital to car, or car to home – keeping bub snug, shaded, and protected from the breeze (and curious strangers).

9. Nappies for Baby

Some hospitals provide newborn nappies, but not all do – or they might run low. Pack at least a handful, just to be safe.

10. Install the Baby Car Seat Ahead of Time

Okay, this one isn’t in the bag, but it’s a biggie. Make sure your baby’s car seat is installed and ready to go well before your due date. You really don’t want to be figuring out straps and anchors in the hospital car park.

❌ The ‘Yeah Nahs’ (Leave These at Home)

✖️ A Full Face of Makeup

Unless it makes you feel good, there’s no pressure to glam up. Those post-birth pics will glow with love (and maybe a little sweat), no highlighter required.

✖️ Pre-pregnancy Jeans

You just had a baby. Jeans can wait. Elastic waistbands forever.

✖️ A Stack of Baby Outfits

One or two is plenty. Your baby will mostly be in a nappy and swaddle. Plus, they will spit up on the cute one.

✖️ A Book to Read

You’ll either be in labour (aka distracted), or you’ll be too busy staring at your tiny human / feeding / trying to sleep. Maybe save the novel for later.

✖️ Fancy Shoes

You won’t wear them. Slippers or jandals are the vibe.

✖️ Hairdryers, Hair Straighteners & Perfume

Honestly, you’ll be too busy (and tired) to worry about styling your hair. Hospitals can be hot, outlets are limited, and the scent of a newborn trumps any perfume bottle. Embrace the mum bun and natural glow.

💡 Pro Tip: Pack Two Bags

One for labour (snacks, lip balm, phone charger, birth plan, comfy clothes) and one for recovery (baby outfits, pads, change of clothes, toiletries). Makes life easier for your birth partner too when they’re digging around looking for your lip balm between contractions.

Final Thoughts

When in doubt, pack like you’re going on a cosy weekend away where you might cry, sweat, laugh, and fall in love (with your baby, not the hospital linen). You don’t need everything – just the things that’ll make you feel a little more like you in one of life’s wildest moments.

Want to make your hospital bag feel extra special? Check out:

Stretchy Swaddles – buttery soft, breathable and very cute.
Heirloom Blankets – for snuggles that feel like home.
Reusable Bamboo Nursing Pads – because your boobs deserve comfort too.
5-in-1 Multi-use Covers – capsule cover, nursing cover, trolley seat cover… she does it all.

You’ve got this, mama. 💪