The Complete Hospital Bag Guide for Australian Mums

November 5, 2025

Preparing for your baby's arrival is an exciting time, but packing your hospital bag can feel overwhelming. As a mum of two, I wanted to share what I found useful when packing for the hospital. Every birth experience is different, so take what resonates with you and leave the rest!

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When to Pack Your Hospital Bag

I recommend having your hospital bag packed and ready by 36 weeks of pregnancy. This ensures you're prepared if bub decides to arrive a little early!

For Mum

Clothing & Comfort

Comfortable nightgowns or pyjamas (front-opening styles are best for breastfeeding)
2-3 nursing bras – Try the Hotmilk My Necessity 2.0 FlexFit Nursing Bra or Hotmilk My Comfort FlexFit Bra
Incontinence underwear or maternity nappies
Warm socks and slippers
Thongs or shower shoes
Dressing gown
Going-home outfit (something comfortable that fits your late-pregnancy body)

Toiletries & Personal Care

Toothbrush and toothpaste
Shampoo and conditioner
Body wash or soap
Deodorant
Hair ties and brush
Lip balm
Face wipes or cleanser
Maternity pads
Peri bottle – The Ninja Mama Peri Bottle is perfect for postpartum care
Instant ice packs – Ninja Mama Instant Perineal Ice Packs for perineum relief
Hot-cold therapy packs – Ninja Mama Reusable Therapy Packs for perineum and breastfeeding relief
Handheld fan (helpful in hot months and during labour)
Any medications you regularly take

Important Items

Birth preference form
Medicare card and private health insurance details
Phone charger with long cord
Snacks and water bottle – Consider the Feed & Flourish Bundle for postpartum nutrition
Entertainment (books, tablet, or music)
Birthing aids (TENS machine, comb, etc.)
Collected colostrum (if you have any stored)
Announcement cards

For Baby

Clothing

3-4 onesies or bodysuits (newborn and 0-3 month sizes)
2-3 sleepsuits
2-3 pairs of socks or booties
2-3 hats
Mittens
Going-home outfit
Photo outfit (optional)

Note: Cardigans and jackets may not be needed in the hospital as baby will be wrapped in swaddles, but may be helpful for the walk to the car in winter.

Nappies & Changing

Newborn nappies (hospital provides these, but you can bring extra)
Baby wipes
Nappy cream
Large muslin wraps or swaddles (100cm x 100cm size works best)
Burp cloths or terry towels

Feeding

Formula and bottles (if you're planning to formula feed)
Bottle brush and sterilising equipment

Other Essentials

Car seat (properly installed – you won't be allowed to leave without one)
Dummy/pacifier (if you plan to use one)
Baby blanket

Optional But Helpful

Nursing pillow
Breast pump and baby bottles (if you plan to express)
Reusable breast pads – Hotmilk Reusable Breast Pads 8pk
Camera
Essential oils or aromatherapy
Massage oil
Eye mask and earpillow

For Your Birth Partner

Change of clothes (including swimwear for the shower)
Toiletries
Snacks and drinks
Phone charger
Pillow

Final Tips

Keep the hospital bag in the car where the baby seat is installed. Let your birth partner know where it is, and consider packing a separate bag for after the birth. If helpful, have them pack the bag themselves so they know where everything is.

Remember not to overpack – there's always an opportunity for someone to gather supplies after baby is born. Every hospital is different, so check with your birthing facility about what they provide. Most importantly, don't stress too much about the perfect hospital bag – your focus should be on welcoming your beautiful baby into the world.

These are just suggestions based on my own experience as a mum of two. Every family's needs are different, so adapt this list to what works best for you.