Preparing for your baby’s arrival is such an exciting (and sometimes overwhelming) time. One of the best ways to feel calm and ready is to have your hospital bag packed and waiting. Whether you’re planning a natural birth, a caesarean or just want to be prepared for every scenario, having the right essentials on hand will make your stay more comfortable and stress-free

At Baby Central Australia, we’ve rounded up the ultimate hospital bag checklist - covering everything you, your baby, and your partner will need! 

For Mum

Essentials

• Hospital paperwork & birth plan – Keep these in an easy-to-reach folder

• Comfortable nighties or pyjamas – Choose front-opening styles for easy breastfeeding access

• Maternity bras & breast pads – Nursing-friendly options are a must for support and comfort

Bare Mum Ultra Absorbent Breast Pads

$39.95

Mininor Breast Pads

$10.95

Haakaa Disposable Nursing Pads

$14.95

Haakaa Shell Breast Massager

$54.95

Haakaa Silicone Colostrum Collector Set

$29.95

Suavinex Protective Breast & Milk Collection Shells 2 Pack

$22.95

• Maternity pads – Hospital supplies may be limited, so bring extra heavy-duty ones

Bare Mum Herbal Infused Postpartum Pads

$24.90

Bare Mum Perineal Wash Bottle

$24.90

Bare Mum Warm & Cool Insert

$24.95

Bare Mum Perineal Foam

$42.90

• Toiletries – Think toothbrush, toothpaste, hairbrush, lip balm, face wipes, shampoo and body wash

Bare Mum Sitz Bath Salts

$29.95

Bare Mum Perineal Foam

$42.90

Bare Mum Perineal Wash Bottle

$24.90

BHEUE Just for Mums Bundle

$98.99

Koala Eco Natural Hand & Body Lotion - Lemon Scented Eucalyptus & Rosemary 500ml

$19.95

BHEUE Rebalance YOU Soothing Cleansing Milk 200ml

$24.95

• Going-home outfit – Loose, breathable clothing that feels gentle post-birth

Nice-to-Haves

• Slippers & socks – Keep your feet warm and cosy

• A soft robe or cardigan – Perfect for comfort and modesty when visitors pop by

• Snacks & drinks – Energy bars, crackers, or fruit to keep you fuelled

• Phone charger with long cord – Power points aren’t always within reach

For Baby

• Onesies & singlets – Pack a few in newborn and 0–3 month sizes

Purebaby 2 Pack Zip Growsuit - Pale Pink Pack (0000)

$39.96

Purebaby Easy Neck L/S Bodysuit 2 Pack - White (0000)

$23.96

Purebaby 2 Pack Singlet Bodysuit - Pale Blue Pack (0000)

$27.96

Purebaby 2 Pack Zip Growsuit - Pale Blue Pack (0000)

$39.96

Purebaby Easy Neck L/S Bodysuit 2 Pack - Vanilla Nautical Pack (0000)

$31.96

Purebaby Easy Neck L/S Bodysuit 2 Pack - Vanilla Blossom Pack (0000)

$31.96

• Swaddles & blankets – Soft and breathable wraps help baby feel secure

KIIN BABY Organic Swaddle - Caramel

$39.95

KIIN BABY Organic Swaddle - Cloud

$39.95

Snuggle Hunny Organic Muslin Wrap - Alpha

$36.95

aden + anais 2-pack Muslin Swaddles - Now + Zen

$34.95

Snuggle Hunny Organic Muslin Wrap - Australiana

$36.95

Brolly Sheets Muslin Swaddle - Teepee

$19.95

• Nappies & wipes – Newborn-sized nappies are essential

Marquise Newborn Eco Nappies Size 1 (up to 5kg)

$16.95

Marquise Newborn Eco Nappies Size 1 (up to 5kg)

$16.95

Ecoriginals Eco Nappy Size 3 Crawler

$24.95

Marquise Infant Eco Nappies Size 2 (4-8kg)

$13.56

Marquise Walker Eco Nappies Size 5 (13-18kg)

$13.56

Ecoriginals Eco Nappy Size 4 Toddler

$24.95

• Mittens & socks – Keep baby’s hands and feet warm

• Beanie or hat – Hospitals can be chilly, and newborns lose heat quickly

• Going-home outfit – A special little outfit for that first trip home

• Car seat (already installed) – A must-have for taking baby home safely

For Partner or Support Person

• Change of clothes & toiletries – They’ll appreciate being fresh during the stay

• Snacks & drinks – Hospital food hours don’t always align with long labour!

• Camera or phone – To capture those first magical moments

• List of contacts – For quick baby announcements to family and friends

Pro Tips for Packing

• Pack early: Aim to have your bag ready by 36 weeks

• Use packing cubes or zip bags: Keep mum, baby, and partner’s items separate for easy access

• Leave room for extras: Hospitals often give you handouts or sample products

We have created a handy printable checklist here

Baby Central Australia Must-Haves for Your Hospital Bag

Make packing simple with a few handpicked essentials available at Baby Central:

• ???? Muslin Swaddles – Gentle, breathable, and ideal for wrapping

Snuggle Hunny Organic Muslin Wrap - Alpha

$36.95

Snuggle Hunny Organic Muslin Wrap - Australiana

$36.95

Snuggle Hunny Organic Muslin Wrap - Lion

$39.95

Snuggle Hunny Organic Muslin Wrap - Navy

$36.95

Fabelab Muslin Wraps 4 Pack - Star Dust

$39.96

Living Textiles Muslin Swaddle & Pram Pegs - Whales

$24.95

• ???? Zero Zero Soothers – A soothing comfort for your little one

Suavinex Zero Zero SX Pro Silicone Soother

$19.95

• ???? Suavinex Baby Bottles – Great to have on hand, whether breastfeeding or formula feeding

Suavinex Zero Zero Silicone Teat 2 Pack

$19.95

Suavinex Zero Zero Anti-Colic Bottle 180ml - Adaptable Flow 0+ Months

$34.95

Suavinex Zero Zero Anti-Colic Bottle 180ml - Slow Flow 0+ Months

$34.95

Suavinex Zero Zero Newborn Starter Set 180ml - Adaptable Flow 0+ Months

$49.95

Suavinex Zero Zero Follow-On Set 270ml - Medium Flow

$59.95

Suavinex Zero Zero Anti-Colic Bottle 270ml - Medium Flow 3+ Months

$39.95

Your hospital bag is more than just a bag - it’s your little piece of home as you welcome your baby into the world. Pack thoughtfully, keep it simple and remember: the most important thing you’ll bring home isn’t in the bag - it’s your beautiful new bundle of joy!