What to pack in your pregnancy hospital bag | Brisbane

What to Pack in Your Pregnancy Hospital Bag for Labor and Delivery

When you’re approaching your due date, packing your hospital bag becomes one of those exciting (and slightly nerve-wracking) milestones that makes everything feel very real. Whether you’re a first-time mom or preparing for your next delivery, having the right items ready will help make your hospital stay more comfortable and stress-free.

Here’s a complete list to help you feel prepared and confident as you head to the hospital to welcome your baby.

📁 Important Documents

• Photo ID and insurance card

• Hospital paperwork

• Birth plan (if you have one)

Have these items in a folder or easily accessible pouch. You’ll need them during check-in.

👕 Comfortable Clothing

• Robe or loose nightgown – Something easy to nurse in and comfortable post-delivery

• Comfy outfit for going home – Think stretchy, soft, and loose (you probably won’t want jeans!)

• Socks and slippers – Hospitals can be chilly

• Nursing bras/tank tops – Supportive and easy access for breastfeeding

• Extra underwear

🧴 Toiletries & Personal Care

• Toothbrush and toothpaste

• Hairbrush and hair ties

• Lip balm – Hospital air is notoriously dry

• Face wipes or gentle cleanser

• Deodorant

• Shower essentials

• Glasses/contact lenses

• Heavy-duty pads – The hospital provides some, but you might prefer your own brand

📱 Electronics

• Phone and charger (preferably with an extra-long cord)

• Camera (optional, if you want something more than your phone)

• Headphones or earbuds – Great for music, meditation, or relaxing during labor

🍫 Snacks and Drinks

• Snacks for your partner/support person – Labor can be long, and hospital food isn’t always available on demand

• Post-birth snacks for you – Something easy on the stomach like granola bars, crackers, or dried fruit

• Refillable water bottle – Stay hydrated!

👶 For the Baby

• Going-home outfit – Choose something weather-appropriate and soft

• Receiving blanket or swaddle

• Newborn hat and socks

• Car seat – Install this in your car ahead of time; hospitals won’t let you leave without it

🤝 For Your Support Person

• Change of clothes

• Toiletries

• Snacks and water

Optional But Nice to Have:

• Essential oils or massage tools – For comfort during labor

• Playlist or speaker – Soothing music can help ease tension

• Your own pillow or blanket – Something that smells like home

• Notebook or journal – To write down birth details or special moments

Whether your birth goes exactly as planned or takes unexpected turns, having your essentials ready helps take one thing off your mind so you can focus on what really matters—welcoming your little one into the world.

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What to pack in your pregnancy hospital bag – Brisbane Newborn Photography