It’s been a while since I had to pack a hospital bag myself (almost five years now!) but the staples really haven’t changed much.

Whether this is your first baby or your third, the lead-up to birth can feel like there’s a million things to think about. Packing your hospital bag early can help you feel just a little more prepared for the big day.

Here’s a practical guide to what we recommend packing, based on real experience and the things parents tell us they actually use.

First Things First

Before we get into the bags, there are a few essentials you’ll want to make sure are ready to go:

• Birth plan (if you have one)
• Photo ID
• Any regular medication
• Your phone
• A long phone charger (hospital plugs are rarely close to the bed!)
• A few coins for vending machines just in case

Bag 1: Labour Essentials

Many NZ hospital bag lists suggest packing a separate small labour bag. That way your partner or support person isn’t digging through everything mid-contraction trying to find what you need.

Things you might want during labour:

• Comfy loose nightie or oversized tee
• Warm socks
• Wheat pack or heat pack
• Lip balm
• Hair ties
• Water bottle with a straw (much easier to drink from)
• Electrolyte sachets
• Snacks
• Headphones or a small speaker if you want music
• Your Birth Weapon

Some people love music, affirmations or dim lighting. Others prefer to just go with the flow. Pack what feels supportive for you.

Bag 2: For Mum (Post-Birth Stay)

After birth you’ll usually stay in hospital for a short period, so having comfortable clothing and a few practical items makes a big difference.

Clothing

• High-waisted undies or disposable postpartum undies
• Pyjamas
• Comfy high-waisted pants
• Breastfeeding singlets
• Breastfeeding bras
• Reusable breast pads
• Lightweight dressing gown or cardigan
• Socks and slippers
• A going-home outfit

Tip: Comfort is key after birth. Pack clothes that are soft, loose and that you feel comfortable wearing around visitors or midwives.

Toiletries

Keep it simple, but bring the things that make you feel a bit more like yourself.

• Shampoo and conditioner
• Body wash (low fragrance is ideal so baby can smell you)
• Toothbrush and toothpaste
• Deodorant
• Moisturiser (hospital air can be very dry!)
• Hairbrush
• Reusable Cloth Wipes

Cloth wipes are surprisingly handy during a hospital stay. They’re gentle, reusable and great for quick freshen-ups.

Postpartum Care

Your body goes through a lot during birth, so having a few recovery essentials packed can really help.

• Reusable Sanitary Pads or Partum Panties (light coloured pads are ideal so it’s easier to monitor bleeding and clots in those early days)
• Mini Wet Bag for used pads 
• Peri Spray Bottle
• Nipple nectar

These small things can make those first postpartum days much more comfortable.

Comfort & Practical Extras

A few extras can make your stay smoother:

• Pen and notepad
• Day bag for laundry or extra bits and pieces
• Snacks
• Change of clothes for your partner
• Snacks for your partner too

Bag 3: For Baby

Newborns really don’t need much for those first couple of days, but a few essentials will go a long way.

Clothing

We suggest packing 3 to 5 full outfits.

Each outfit might include:

• Bodysuit
• Pants
• All-in-one
• Socks
• Hat
• Singlet layer
• Optional knitted jumper

A handy trick is to pre-pack outfits into wet bags or nappy pods so whoever is dressing baby can just grab one bundle.

If you’re unsure of sizing, pack both prem and newborn options.

Nappy & Changing

Check whether your hospital provides disposable nappies.

If they don’t, you may want to pack:

• Reusable Cloth Nappies
• Reusable Cloth Wipes
• 3 Large Wet Bags

Wet bags are incredibly useful for keeping dirty nappies or clothing separate until they can be washed.

Comfort

• Muslin Swaddle Blanket
• Merino blanket
• Burp cloths

These are perfect for swaddling, skin-to-skin time, and keeping baby warm in the bassinet.

Don’t Forget

Make sure your car seat or capsule is professionally fitted before birth so you’re ready to safely bring your baby home.

A Few Final Tips

• If your baby arrives very early and needs NICU care, they may not need clothing immediately while in an incubator.
• You probably won’t be the one grabbing things from your bag during labour, so show your partner or support person where everything is.
• Keeping labour items in a separate bag makes things much easier.
• If you live close to the hospital, you may not need to pack absolutely everything.

Packing your hospital bag won’t remove all the unknowns, but it can help you feel just a little more ready for the big day.

You’ve got this 💛

– Hannah