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10 of the Best Items To Pack in Your Hospital Bag in 2024
Hero image via Lauren Brenton @onemamamidwife
Preparing your hospital bag is a significant milestone during pregnancy. It makes sh*t feel real – yes, you are going to be having a baby soon! When it comes to packing for the maternity ward, there's a world of baby and postpartum products to choose from. However, the key is not to overpack. You want to bring along tried-and-true essentials that will serve you well. In this guide, we've curated 10 must-have items for your hospital bag checklist.
When to Pack Your Hospital Bag
Timing is crucial when it comes to preparing your hospital bag. You don't want to find yourself frantically packing while in labour. Aim to have your bag mostly packed and ready around the 36th week of pregnancy. This way, it'll be on hand if you happen to go into labour earlier than expected.
What To Include in Your Hospital Bag Checklist
In addition to the obvious items like clothing, underwear, and toiletries, consider packing items that will make life easier for you as a new mom or boost your comfort and confidence. We’ve rounded up our top recommendations for you
Are there any no-brainers that didn't make the list?
Of course, there are a few no-brainers that didn't quite make it into our top 10.
Depending on your preferences and comforts, consider having a Spotify birthing playlist ready to set the mood. Adequate snacks (hospital snacks often leave much to be desired), any necessary medications, announcement cards, as well as the first outfits and nappies for both you and your baby, can be valuable additions.
Though hospitals typically provide nappies, having your own can bring a sense of familiarity.
1. Babystudio, All-in-One Swaddlebag Cotton Small 0-3M, $30.00
Help your new bub feel cozy and comfy - and (hopefully) sleep - with this perfect sleep suit.
What makes the Babystudio, All-in-One Swaddlebag different?
Made from the softest cotton, this clever sleep suit from babystudio offers just enough tightness so bub feels like they are being cuddled. The fabric also has enough stretch to ensure the baby is able to stretch out, allowing their legs and hips to fall into a ‘natural frog like’ position. Their arms are free to move around and can fall into their own natural sleep position, giving them (and you!) to best chance at a good chunk of solid sleep. The clever designed cuff can also be rolled back so you can have skin to skin contact during feeding too.
Why should the Babystudio, All-in-One Swaddlebag be on your hospital bag checklist?
You’ve probably heard that birth can be hard, and perhaps you’ve heard stories about breastfeeding being difficult? But no one is telling you one of the hardest parts of having a newborn … swaddling! Yes, wrapping your tiny bundle of joy up like a burrito takes skill! Midwives do it in like 0.3 seconds and make it look oh so easy, but doing it yourself is another story! So, sleepsuits will become your BFF and that’s why this product should be high on your hospital bag checklist!
Real customer reviews:
“My little guy hates being swaddled but this has been the perfect product for him. He scratches his face so the cuffs have been very helpful. Definitely a great product if your baby hates swaddling like mine.” - Katrina
Shop babystudio:
2. The Suite Set - The Original Set, $60.00
The signature hospital bag organisers from The Suite Set take the overwhelm away from packing your hospital bag.
What makes theThe Suite Set - the original set different?
The Suite Set organisers are designed to enable you to mindfully pack everything you'll need to take into the hospital when you welcome your precious baby. This includes:
Nine colour coordinated sealing packing bags, made in Australia from BPA free, reusable and recyclable plastic
Detailed packing instruction sheet with the "how, what and why" of packing for mama, baby and the support crew for one night, three-night and five-night stays
One "wash me" bag to quarantine things for washing
Reusable and recyclable Suite Set packaging, so you've got an extra packing bag to use as you wish
The suite set is designed and made in Australia and the bags are nasty free, BPA free, reusable and recyclable. They're hospital-grade but fragrance-free.
Why should The Suite Set - the original set be on your hospital bag checklist?
The Suite Set packing lists were written with over three years of formal research, consultation with Midwives, Obstetricians, doulas and hospitals. As well as formal focus groups of mamas who had been there, done that. With the two page list for 1, 3 or 5-night stays, you're getting the very best packing instructions available.
Real customer reviews:
“This is the third time I’ve bought a Suite Set - first for myself, then for a friend and now for my sister-in-law. They are the BEST resource for a new mum and saves staring at your hospital bag thinking ‘What do I pack? Where does it go?’
I will continue buying these for all new mums I know - and you should too!” - Nicole J
3. Milky Goodness, Hot Cold Reusable Gel Pack, $39.95
These gel packs from Milky Goodness will make all the difference for sore boobs.
What makes the Milky Goodness, Hot Cold Reusable Gel Pack different?
These hot or cold gel packs has been specifically designed to help soreness associated with breastfeeding, blocked ducts and engorgement. You can heat them up in the microwave or freeze them in the freezer to help relieve soreness and engorgement and help encourage milk flow. This pack contains 2 x Reusable Hot & Cold Gel Packs and 2 x washable covers which make them so much more comfortable to use.
Why should the Milky Goodness, Hot Cold Reusable Gel Pack be on your hospital bag checklist?
All the photos you see of breastfeeding look dreamy, right? What could be better than snuggling with your newborn like that? Well, it is pretty special, but the beginning of your breastfeeding journey can be a wild ride until your milk settles and baby and you get into a rhythm. These gel packs will ease the pain that can come with your milk arriving - for boob’s sake don’t leave them off your hospital bag checklist!
Real customer reviews:
“Loved these! Great quality and heat up very quickly. The covers make for a more comfortable breast pad. They helped me a lot when expressing colostrum and are now a staple in my breastfeeding kit.” - Lauren
Shop Milky Goodness:
4. TheRY (The Reason Why) The Comforter Compression Sock, $45.00
Did you know? TheRY The Comforter Compression Socks are the same rating as the hospital ted stockings. They work in the same way; improving blood flow and circulation and helping to reduce fluid retention. These socks are for modern mamas who want to stay stylish, cute & comfy and save themselves from the ugly hospital ted stockings. That's why they're in the hospital bag checklist!
Why try TheRY The Comforter Compression Socks?
There are so many incredible reasons to wear compression socks during pregnancy and in the postpartum period. Here are some of the features of the socks:
15-20mmHg graduated compression.
TGA assessed & listed (Up to 100% health rebate available – differs by insurer/provider)
Helps improve blood flow and circulation
Helps reduce fluid retention
Helps reduce tired legs & swollen ankles & feet
Helps prevent varicose and spider veins
Increased blood flow helps provide essential nutrients to the placenta & your developing baby
Ultra soft premium yarns for all-day comfort & wear
Midweight yarns and added cushioning in the footbed
Seamless toe cage for comfort
Anatomical left and right foot for better fit
Specialist engineering - compression socks that are easy to out on and take off!
Why do TheRY The Comforter Compression Socks need to be in your hospital bag?
Don’t know why you need compression socks during pregnancy and postpartum? Here are the facts!
- During pregnancy, your body needs to deliver more oxygen and blood to both you and your growing baby. Your body creates 50% more blood & your heart works 30% harder during pregnancy. Up to 80% of women experience insufficient circulation during pregnancy. This can result in feeling dizzy and tired.
- During pregnancy, about 65% of pregnant women suffer from ankle, leg & feet swelling. Your body is holding more water than usual & extra fluid gathers to your lower legs & feet. The pressure of your growing womb can also affect the blood flow in your legs.
- For those who suffer from swollen feet, you are 40% more likely to develop varicose veins. You are also more likely to develop varicose veins if it is your 2nd or subsequent pregnancy or if you are having multiples.
- Following birth, in the first 6 weeks, you are 3-5X more likely to develop blood clots. This is also because you are likely to be sitting or in bed more due to recovery or nursing your baby.
- Postpartum fluid retention is still common, even months after birth. The extra fluid volume that occurred during pregnancy and in preparation for birth, can still exist within the tissues in the body.
- Women who have been induced will also have fluids introduced via the hormone and saline drips that are absorbed into the body. The excess fluids in the body result in swelling & puffiness. TheRY leggings and socks with 15-20mmHg compression can help improve circulation to facilitate this process.
Real customer reviews:
“I was skeptical that socks alone would make much difference to my aching legs. But, I figured there was no harm in trying and if nothing else, they were cute and would keep my legs warm throughout winter. My legs and feet were so tired by the end of each day, they throbbed and were already swelling in the 2nd trimester.
I’m finding that on the days I wear them I’ve still got some km’s left in my legs at the end of the day and I’m not collapsing in pain as soon as I get home. They’re far more comfortable than the usual hospital issue compression socks and much cuter. I’m just about to put in an order for another set of 3 so that I can wear them daily. So glad I gave them a chance!” - Milly B
“I'm 20 weeks pregnant and bought these both to wear during pregnancy and to add to my hospital bag. I wore a pair all day pottering around home when sick with a cold and they are so cute and comfy! I can see me wearing them post partum and also on long flights!” - Georgia Poole
Shop TheRY:
5. Endota, Hydrate Mini's Pack, $50.00
The perfect luxe minis for your hospital bag! This is Endota gold!
What makes the Endota, Hydrate Mini's Pack different?
This clever little pack contains a complete skincare regime that includes a curated selection of endota’s best-selling hydrating minis. Designed to naturally cleanse and replenish normal to dry skin types. This pack is perfect for that dry, dehydrated hospital (or just gave birth and have had no sleep) skin!
Why should the Endota, Hydrate Mini's Pack be on your hospital bag checklist?
Let me tell you, there’s nothing quite like the feeling of that first shower you have after giving birth – it’s incredible! Take it up a notch by packing some luxe skincare that’ll help you feel and look awake and glowy, even if you’ve been up all night cluster feeding!
Real customer reviews:
“This was exactly what I wanted. A great kit for hydration. Was like the spa at home!” – Sarah-Jane
Shop Endota:
6. Micro Organic Jersey Wrap, $38.95
A practical and gorgeous wrap that’ll be a MVP! This is the Micro Organic Jersey Wrap.
What makes the Micro Organic Jersey Wrap different?
Made from the softest certified organic cotton, this wrap will be gentle on baby’s sensitive skin. Not too big and not too small, this will be one of the hardest working items on your hospital bag checklist!
Why should the Micro Organic Jersey Wrap be on your hospital bag checklist?
Jersey wraps are the way to go because their stretch makes them so very versatile and easy to use. Use as a swaddle, blanket, cover, comforter or mat for bub while in hospital.
Real customer reviews:
“I love this wrap, it makes swaddling so much easier because of the stretch in the material.” - Rebecca
Shop Micro Organic:
7. Frank Green, Ceramic Reusable Bottle, $59.95
Your baby won’t be the only person who is thirsty! Make sure you stay hydrated throughout labour and after birth so that you feel strong and able. Frank Green bottles are fantastic for this.
What makes the Frank Green Ceramic Reusable Bottle different?
This durable stainless-steel bottle has been made to last (and to look pretty too!). BPA free and ceramic lined, which means no nasty metallic flavoured water around here. It also keeps your beverage cold or hot for hours!
Why should the Frank Green Ceramic Reusable Bottle be on your hospital bag checklist?
You don’t know thirst until you experience breastfeeding thirst – it is intense! You need a good drink bottle on your hospital bag checklist and it needs to have an easy to flip up straw, because you are going to have no hands or time to open lids, ok?!
Real customer reviews:
“The size of the bottle is amazing and there are so many different colours to choose from. Although I was hesitant to spend that amount of money on a water bottle I am glad I did because I don't regret it, I feel like it has definitely been worth the price. It keeps my drinks cold all day. I also love their sustainability values so I think all is a win. I take it everywhere with me and it fits so well in all my bags, and the best thing about it all is that there have been no leaks at all.” - Scarlett
8. Papinelle Cheri Blossom Full Length PJ, $124.95
Pop on these luxurious Papinelle PJs and you’ll feel a million bucks, which is just what you want after delivering a BABY.
What makes the Papinelle Luxe Rib Modal PJ different?
This Cheri Blossom full length PJ set from Papinelle is the ultimate hospital stay staple! Super soft, stretchy (!!) breathable and comfy which is what you’ll crave. It has a full elastic waist with a drawcord and is a button up which is a non-negotiable if you’re breastfeeding.
Why should the Papinelle Luxe Rib Modal PJ be on your hospital bag checklist?
Comfy loungewear or pjs are a must in your hospital bag! And this set is so chic, it’ll make you look like you’ve had a full night's sleep. Perfect for snuggling up with bub, going for a walk around the hospital and entertaining visitors in. Beautiful patterns will also be your BFF, and this set ticks all the boxes!
Real customer reviews:
“I've lived in them. They are on wash, wear repeat. Going to buy them in other colours. Packaging was pretty also.” - Dunara
10. Slip Poolside Sleep Mask, $55.00
Because … sleep! Have you ever tried to sleep in a hospital? The lights, the sounds - it's intense! So a SILK sleep mask could be your ticket to making the little sleep you get, quality!
What makes the Slip Poolside Sleep Mask different?
Made from the highest-grade long fibre mulberry silk, this gorgeous sleep mask is pure luxury!
Why should the Slip Poolside Sleep Mask be on your hospital bag checklist?
We all know hospitals aren’t the greatest sleep environment. Fluorescent lights are not fun when you’re trying to get some zzzzs! This sleep mask will help you ‘sleep when the baby sleeps’ as they say – no matter night or day.
Real customer reviews:
“I absolutely love this!! I’ve tried other masks but they always come off in the night but this one is tight enough that it always stays on even though I move a lot in my sleep.” - Chloe
Disclaimer:
The One Fine Baby team are first and foremost mums - between us we have 21 children, and decades of experience in all things bump, baby and beyond. We regularly bring together our tried, researched and recommended products in a review style format such as this post. The articles include some paid inclusions which goes to helping us keep our audiences informed on the top products happening right here, right now in the parenting space. Please be sure that no product will ever be included in our articles, paid or otherwise, if it doesn’t deserve to be there.
