What's in my labour and hospital bag for birth?


Given this is my third child, I've packed a few hospital bags before & I feel like this time around I really nailed it in terms of only taking what I needed and not overpacking. I packed for a 3 night stay & didn't need anyone to bring me anything extra from home, nor did I take back with me many unworn clothes.


I packed 3 bags:

Labour Bag: A duffel with everything I need during labour/ in the hours after birth

Hospital stay bag: A carry-on size suitcase with everything for my stay on the ward

Hubby/ baby bag: A duffel with everything for hubby and baby


You'll find discount codes and store recommendations at the end of this post so keep scrolling to save some $$$

Click on the link below to download my hospital bag checklist printable

I have had all vaginal births therefore the items in this list won't include any hospital bag essentials specific to c-sections; so if this is the route you'll be taking, be sure to do some additional research for a hospital bag checklist for c-section.

Labour Bag

This is your hospital bag for delivery, to take with you into the birthing suite.

I'm pretty "go with the flow" for labour and don't have a written birth plan/ playlist/ oils/ candles etc but if you do wish to take these with you, make sure to add them into your labour bag!


Things to pack in hospital bag for birth:

AKA Adult Diapers. I wear these once my waters have broken and post birth for the first 2 days whist you're losing the most blood - I find they're leak and mess free compared to pads for the earlier days.

  • Favourite snacks for you and birth partner
  • Large water bottle
  • Beanie, socks & first outfit for bub

This hasn't been necessary for all of my births, however with my first (who ended up being hypothermic post birth and entered spacial care shortly after), we popped a beanie and socks on him to keep him warm. I always pack these just in case.

  • Change of clothes for mum for post birth shower - something you think you'll feel comfy in and can feed in e.g:

x1 Leggings

x1 Breastfeeding singlet

  • Toiletries (see below 'Toiletries' for itemised list)
  • Hair dryer
  • Extra long phone charger
  • Change of clothes for dad/ birth partner
  • Camera & charger
  • Laptop/ iPad

I take the opportunity in the hospital to add to health insurance/ waitlist for school/ apply for birth certificate etc.

Items from Bubba Bump's Recovery Kit

Toiletries

I pack these in my labour bag as I access some of the contents for my post birth shower

Hospital Bag Essentials - for your stay on the ward

This is my hospital bag checklist for mum, it includes everything you will use for your stay on the ward.

  • x6 Undies - full coverage to fit maternity pads.
  • x3 feeding bras/ crops
  • x3 breastfeeding singlets
  • x2 pairs of reusable breast pads
  • x1 pack disposable postpartum underwear
  • x1 pack pads (if your hospital doesn't supply) - I swap from the postpartum underwear to these from about day 2 onwards
  • x1 pair recovery shorts
  • x1 pair leggings
  • x2 bike shorts
  • x3 white linen button up shirts / feeding friendly tops (I like to wear these over the breastfeeding singlets to make me feel a little more dressed up, particularly if having visitors)
  • x1 pyjamas (shorts and button up shirt)
  • x1 dressing gown (I found particularly helpful when I had a lactation consultant coming & going with my first as it's easy access but you can still feel somewhat covered up)
  • x1 longline cardigan (in case the room is cold)
  • x1 slippers for wearing around the room
  • x1 going home outfit for mum/ dress/ something you'll feel good in!
  • Garbage bag for separating your dirty clothes
  • Sibling gifts - for the first time they all meet. The baby gave my two older children a cuddle & kind doll each, and they picked out a special toy to gift the baby

For Baby

  • x2 newborn onesies
  • x2 bodysuits
  • x2 kimono wrap tops and footed leggings
  • x2 swaddles and a safe sleeping bag (optional)
  • x1 announcement outfit/ plaque/ swaddle (if you wish to take an announcement photo in the hospital)
  • x1 going home outfit (bodysuit/ bloomers or onesie (depending on weather) & burp cloth, nappies and wipes for drive home in case of emergency!)


You probably won't know the temp of the hospital room in advance so I take both warm and cool clothing options.


My hospital provides nappies, wipes, clothing, burp cloths, wraps, bottles, formula (if required) etc for the babies.

I like to pack my own baby clothes just out of personal preference.

If your hospital does not provide these items, you will need to add enough for your stay.

The Suite Set Hospital Bag Organisers

For Hubby (if staying with you)

My husband stays with me in the hospital so he needs clothing and toiletries for the stay too.

Nothing special about what needs to be in your partners hospital bag, just whatever they would normally pack for a few nights away!

Hospital bag for dad:

  • Underwear
  • PJs
  • Clothing
  • Toiletries
  • Electronics & chargers to get them through the duration of the stay!

Product Recommendations & Discounts

The following are all products I included and used in my hospital bag for labour and postpartum recovery.



Some of the links included in this article may be affiliate links, where I may earn a commission if you make a purchase.

This comes at no cost to you, and you get a discount by using my code - win win!

When to pack your hospital bag for labour?

With my first I was so excited and had it packed by 32 weeks! I gave birth at 37 weeks.

With my 2nd and 3rd children I knew I would deliver them around 37-38 weeks, so I had them packed by then.

I would suggest any time between 34-36 weeks is a great time to pack your bags - just incase!

Thanks for reading, I hope you found this list helpful! Please do your own research before making any purchases - whilst these are my personal opinions, I cannot guarantee the accuracy of any of my statements.

If you have any questions about any of the above, please don't hesitate to message me on Instagram