The must-have hospital bag checklist for mum & baby

Are you getting closer to meeting your babe earthside?

With everything else going on in your world right now, it sometimes can be hard to know where to start, so at Golden Child, we’ve got you covered. Whether you are having your baby at the hospital or home, there are some essential items you will need to make your birthing experience as smooth as possible.

We asked our Golden group of mums on Instagram what they recommend, and put together a list of all the items they couldn’t live without (or wished they'd had!) for the arrival of their little one and the first few days of their hospital stay. Essentials are always subjective, but we hope this list gets you started.

There is always a chance that your little babe might arrive earlier than expected, so it’s worth packing your baby bag as you go into week 36, just in case.

We know there’s a lot to cover, so we’ve made a downloadable checklist to make it easier!

 

The labour & birth bag

• If you have a birth plan, bring along a few copies to be on the safe side

• Medicare card and health insurance information

• Speaker & headphones - Listening to music can be helpful to keep you calm and motivate you along the way. Having a playlist ready for labour and delivery can help you relax and motivate you through the tough parts.

• Phone and camera to capture the experience and a charger so you don’t miss any of it

• Body lotion or massage oil. Some mums-to-be find a little massage during labour relaxing. If this sounds like you, best to add some to your bag.

• Essential Oil like Lavender is great for easing stress and promoting calm. (This was top-rated amongst our community).

• Water spray and sponge, for when it starts to get hot and heavy

• Socks! Believe it or not, your feet can get cold during labour

• Lip balm

• Big loose t-shirt or wrap-around gown to wear when you're not in the shower. It can get messy, so don’t best to use something you already have at home

• Thongs or slip-on shoes that are easy to put on and off and that can get wet

• Hairbands, Bobbie pins and a hairbrush

• Swimmers

• SNACKS! You do not want to leave home without these. You’ll want snacks that will give you energy, try a trail mix, nuts, lollies, muesli bars, and fruit

• A drink bottle and straw!

• Nursing tops, comfy undies and loose pants

• Maternity pads

• Coconut Oil

• Plastic bag to take any soiled clothes home in

• Breast pads

• Nipple ice/heat pack - check out this set from Bodyice

For your support crew

• Comfortable shoes

• Swimwear for shower

• Phone & charger

• A Change of clothes

• Entertainment like books, laptops with downloaded content – you could be there a long time

• Headphones

• A bag for anything they may need to take home for you

• Their own snacks (yep, we said it).

HOSPITAL BAG FOR MUM

• Supporting nursing bras

• Black or dark coloured (comfortable) undies & lots of them – there will be leakages and dark colours are always more forgiving

• Nipple balm

• Nursing tops, button-down shirt, and stretchy tees

• Cardigan or jumper – man, it gets cold in there sometimes!

• Dressing gown

• Slippers - we’re obsessed with these slippers from Kip & Co

• Toiletry bag - check out this dream case from cee clear

• Deodorant

• Pack your own shampoo and body wash – you will want your own, something you are familiar with and makes you feel a million bucks (for when you need it most)

• Toothbrush & toothpaste, Hairbrush & hair ties, and Face wash & wipes

• Dry shampoo

• Toilet paper. Yep, it’s weird and we know it, but you will thank us later – make sure you splurge for something soft and luxurious

• Entertainment like a laptop or tablet, books – something to keep you occupied in the quieter times

• Your own towel

• More snacks

• Eye mask and earplugs – get some sleep while you can

• Laundry bag

• Milk Collector

• A notebook – this will come in handy when writing down birth information or if any questions pop into your head, say at around 2 am when the fear kicks in (just joking)

 

Hospital Bag for Baby

• Baby clothes: It’s a good idea to have several outfits and layers for your little babe for when they first arrive. You might also want to pack a range of sizes in case your little one comes early; you will need something smaller

• Looking for inspiration?

• Swaddles! Guess what? We have some amazing options for you here

• Socks, mittens, booties, and baby beanie (not to be worn why your babe is sleeping)

• Baby moisturiser

• Face washer

• Sterilised Dummy

• A baby blanket – yep, you know it - you’ve come to the right place. We have you covered when it comes to blankets

• Nappies & baby wipes in case your hospital doesn’t provide them –always best to check beforehan

  Baby car seat: Remember to have this sucker installed and properly fitted a few weeks before, so you can take your baby home safely

   

  Always remember to pack for yourself, there might be a few extra nice to have items that we haven’t mentioned here. Feel like we’ve missed something? We’d love to hear from you. Drop us a line at hello@goldenchildthestore.com.au

   

 

Download our hospital bag checklist here