It is a good idea to have your bag packed at least a month before your baby is due. Below is a list of suggested items to bring to hospital. Try to limit your luggage to what will fit in an overnight bag.
Paperwork
- Maternity handheld record.
- Medicare card.
- Birth preferences or plan (if you have one). Please aim to discuss and record your individual wishes as part of your birth plan during your pregnancy.
For yourself
- Loose and comfortable clothing to wear during labour.
- A few changes of comfortable day clothes and sleepwear.
- Maternity bras and comfortable underwear (several pairs).
- Maternity sanitary pads x 2 packets.
- Toiletries (shampoo, toothbrush, toothpaste etc).
- Any medications that you regularly take.
- A black pen to fill in baby’s feeding chart.
- Mobile phone and charger.
Do not bring valuables - the hospital is not responsible for any lost valuables.
For your baby
- Newborn disposable nappies (1-2 packets) and baby wipes.
- Clothing for the baby to wear in hospital e.g. onesies and singlets.
- A ‘going home’ outfit for baby and baby blanket.
- Any frozen expressed breastmilk - please ensure this is labelled and is given to the midwives on arrival to be stored in the freezer.
- Bottles and own formula if planning on formula feeding your baby.
- Baby capsule already fitted in your car. We cannot check your car seat prior to discharge. Kidsafe ACT can check and install car seats.
For labour
- We encourage you to wear your own comfortable clothes or nightdress.
- Anything you need to make your stay more comfortable, e.g. favourite pillow, music (you will need to bring your own device to play music), magazines, camera.
- Snacks and drinks for yourself and support person.
- A wheat heat pack (no hot water bottles permitted).
- Massage and aromatherapy oils (no candles permitted).
- A drink bottle.
You can download and print the list of What to pack for childbirth (PDF, 142.58 KB)
