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The Hospital Bag Packing Hack Every New Mum Needs To Know
When it comes to welcoming a child into the world – especially the first time you go through it – it’s incredibly common for anxiety levels to be through the roof.
Not sure when your baby is due? Check out our pregnancy due date calculator to get accurate timing for your pregnancy journey.
Here are the 4 Lessons Every Pregnant Woman Needs to Know:
Prepare for anything and you’ll be set
Organise early and reap the rewards later
‘What if something goes wrong?’, ‘What if I need a C-section?’, ‘How do I actually look after a baby?!’ These are just some of the concerns mums-to-be face in the lead-up to the big event. Another common stress comes about weeks before you even get to the hospital, and it’s all to do with your hospital bag checklist for baby – not just whether you remember to bring it – but what you’ve packed inside. Here are the four lessons every pregnant woman needs to know.
Lesson one: things rarely ever go to plan
This happened to me, after giving birth to my daughter two years ago. I had packed for a run-of-the-mill two-night hospital stay, which quickly and unexpectedly turned into a panicked six-night stay when she was admitted to the NICU – thankfully just as a precaution. I was completely ill-prepared, with not nearly enough undies, and far too many newborn beanies and teeny 0000 onesies strewn around in my bag. Being so unorganised made an already stressful situation that much harder to cope with.
I’ve realised that for someone who’s never given birth before, knowing what you’ll need with you is like asking a regular person to pack for a trip to the moon. And as every mum will attest, there is always something crucial you’ll forget.
That’s where The Suite Set comes in.
The idea was conceived by Aussie mum Sally Branson Dalwood after having her baby boys just 19 months apart. She wanted to find a way to help other parents simplify packing the dreaded hospital bag to ensure the process was simple and without stress – and you had everything you’d possibly need with you.
“When we packed for our first born, we researched and researched what we would need to pack. I obsessed over it. We made hobbled together individual packing bags to try and be organised in hospital. We had an inkling things might get messy. Having at least one organised thing - our hospital bag - would prove to bring calm into a time of chaos. In the middle of the night, post birth haze, post body trauma, early full baby bubble, it was pretty satisfying to be able to immediately find what we needed.”
Lesson three: organise early and reap the rewards later
This is when The Suite Set was born. Each reusable baby hospital bag pouch set comes with labelled packing bags and detailed, colour-coordinated instructions on how, why and what to pack for mum, baby and any support crew during your stay. Better still, each pack contains packing instructions for one-night, three-night and five-night stays.
Each instruction sheet lists all that you need to pack (and nothing you don't), and these lists were written after two years of research, consultations with Midwives, Obstetricians and hospitals. As well as formal focus groups made up of mums who have been there, done that.
This means you’ll be able to easily put your hands on newborn onesies, singlets, beanies, your underwear, support staff toiletries, medication, and anything else you might be reaching for through the newborn haze. Everything is labelled and in its own see-through bag because you packed it that way with the help of your colour-coded instruction sheet.
Lesson four: buy smart and re-use
And another great thing to love? You can use your Suite Set packing bags long after you and babe are home from the hospital. Made from sturdy, great quality materials free from nasties like BPA, these recyclable packing bags are perfect to use for trips away, or even sleepovers at Nana’s house, just like Sally’s boys can attest! The Suite Set is also honoured to partner with i=change, which allows the brand to assist organisations close to Sally’s heart.
“Giving back is in our brand DNA and we wanted to make sure we were helping others from the very first day our business started. We have partnered with i=change to support charities that we know truly support maternal and child health. With every purchase on our site, we make a donation in our customer's name.”
Oh – and if you’re pregnant with multiple babies, you’re just as set! The Suite Set comes in single and twin birth options and can be curated for multiple birth sets on request!
It’s best to begin packing your hospital bag between weeks 32 and 36 of pregnancy, so you’re ready in case your baby makes an early appearance. Having it packed ahead of time gives you one less thing to worry about as you approach your due date. If you’re expecting twins or have a high-risk pregnancy, consider getting your bag ready a bit earlier, around week 34 or 35. You can always add last-minute essentials — like your phone charger, snacks, or favourite toiletries — when labour starts. Keeping your bag by the door or in the car ensures everything’s on hand when it’s time to head to the hospital.
Focus on comfort and essentials. Pack loose, breathable clothes like pyjamas, a robe, or a nursing gown, plus a comfortable going-home outfit. Include nursing bras, maternity pads, toiletries, lip balm, and a hairbrush. Bring warm socks or slippers, as hospitals can be chilly, and don’t forget your ID, insurance card, and birth plan. Add a few comforts — snacks, a water bottle, a long phone charger, and headphones — to make your stay more relaxing and stress-free.
a blanket. Most parents pack 4–6 newborn outfits and a going-home outfit for baby’s first ride home. You’ll also need cotton buds, burp cloths, and a hat or beanie to keep your baby warm. If your hospital doesn’t provide formula or bottles and you plan to formula-feed, bring your preferred brand just in case — though most hospitals have supplies available.
Your partner or support person should pack a small, practical bag with everything they’ll need to stay comfortable and focused during your hospital stay. Essentials include toiletries, a change of clothes, snacks, water, and a phone with a charger. It’s also helpful to bring important documents, like ID, insurance details, and a copy of your birth plan. They might want to pack a camera or phone for photos, a notebook to record special moments or baby details, and some cash or a card for parking or vending machines. Being prepared helps them stay comfortable and fully present to support you throughout labour and delivery.
Yes, it’s smart to include a few items just for labour. Consider packing a birth plan (if you have one), a comfortable nightie or oversized T-shirt, lip balm, hair ties, and music or relaxation tools like essential oils or a stress ball. Bring a water bottle with a straw for easy sipping and snacks or energy drinks if allowed by your care team. Some mums also like to pack a TENS machine or massage oil for pain relief during contractions.
