Hospital Bag Checklist

For those of us who love a physical copy to check off, download the printable version of our Hospital Bag Checklist.

For Baby

2x Growsuits (per day)

Our iconic growsuits for baby boys and baby girls feature a double-way zip, fold-over mittens. In-built feet and a zip cover to protect their soft skin from catching. Our Essentials growsuit is available in singles, two-packs and four-packs, in an array of beautiful, timeless styles.

For premie babies, our crossover growsuits allow for easy dressing of precious newborns. Made from the softest, organic cotton, our growsuits are an essential piece for any newborn!

2x Singlets or bodysuits (per day)

Newborn bodysuits or singlets make for easy layering when worn under a growsuit or sleepsuit. Bodysuits with press studs are a great choice during the day, as they don’t ride up when picking up your little one. Our Essentials singlets and bodysuits also come in 2-packs and sets.

1x Sleepsuit (per day)

Our sleepsuit is like a nightie for a newborn. Sleepsuits feature an envelope neckline, an elastic opening at the base and no zips or press studs, making changing your little one day or night an absolute breeze!

12x Nappies

Newborns need to be changed up to 12 times per day, so ensure you pack enough reusable or disposable nappies for your stay in the hospital.

2x Hats and/or beanies

Knot hats and knitted beanies are a necessity for newborns, especially those born in winter. Did you know that the knot on our knot hat can be adjusted for a better fit on your baby?

1x Socks and/or booties (per day)

Socks and booties will help keep your little one warm, especially if using a growsuit without in-built feet. Our booties are designed with a wide fold-over cuff to ensure they stay on little feet. 

Booties and socks can also be worn over growsuits for additional warmth in cooler weather.

1x Mittens (per day)

Mittens will not only keep your baby's hands warm, but they will also prevent little hands from scratching their delicate face. These are important if your growsuits don’t have in-built mittens.

2x Bibs (per day)

Bibs are great to use from birth to clean up any spills from feeding your newborn. Our Essentials Bibs have a terry towelling back, making them a perfect makeshift face washer.

1x Pack of baby wipes

Not only great for changing, but baby wipes are also helpful when wiping up spills, cleaning messy hands and more.

2x Muslin face washers

Muslin face washers are soft, absorbent, quick-drying and non-bulky, perfect for washing your little one's folds and creases. A 2-pack of muslin face washers can be found in our Essentials collection.

1x Baby towel

It can be nice to have your own towel for your baby’s first bath. Made from the softest 100% organic cotton, our towels are soft on delicate newborn skin.

1-2x Muslin wraps

A swaddling essential, most hospitals and midwives recommend newborns be swaddled in a breathable muslin wrap. Our muslin wraps are 120x120cm and are sold individually or in packs of two. 

Muslin wraps also double as a breastfeeding cover, a light blanket for warmer weather and more!

1x Baby blanket

If the weather is cold, ensure you pack a thick warm blanket to place over your swaddled newborn. Purebaby blankets are made from soft, 100% organic cotton and are designed to last for many years.

1-2x Bunny rugs or cocoon wraps

Like blankets, our bunny rugs can provide extra warmth to a swaddled newborn, or can be a swaddling alternative for muslin wraps.

Cocoon wraps make swaddling a breeze, with three foldable flaps to easily secure your little one!

2x Going home outfits

Leaving the hospital is such a special moment for you and your family. It’s important to pre-plan a growsuit, jacket, hat and booties you’d like to take your baby home in. To make life easier, we’ve put together a few ideas for their coming home outfit. Purebaby tip: pack a spare outfit, just in case one gets soiled.

For Mum

With baby now organised, it’s time to ensure mum and support person get their own hospital checklist ready. When packing, consider how long you’ll be in the hospital for. Longer stays will need more changes of clothes, while for a shorter stay, you might not need as much.

Documents & Essentials:

• Your birth plan

• ID and wallet

• Private health insurance card (if applicable)

• Medicare card

• Smartphone (don’t forget your charger or power bank!)

• Camera for photos or video, if using

• Water bottle (

  Purebaby tip: 

  a bottle with a straw is handy as you don’t need to tip your head back to drink during labour!)

• Snacks and drinks for you and your partner/family

• Pen and paper or notebook

Toiletries:

Purebaby tip: look to pack all of your toiletries into a toiletry bag with compartments, so items can be located easily

• Skincare, such as moisturiser and facial spray

• Items for the shower, such as body wash, shampoo and conditioner

• Toothbrush and toothpaste

• Deodorant

• Lip balm

• Hairbrush, hair tie or clips

• Massage oil and/or lotion if you would like to be massaged during labour

• Prescription glasses, if applicable (contact lenses may need to be removed prior to a C section)

• Maternity pads

• Breast pads

• Ice/heat packs

• Peri bottle

Clothes:

• Comfortable clothing to wear during labour and the hospital stay, such as a nightie, baggy t-shirt, pyjamas, sweats or a robe. 

  Purebaby tip:

   look for options that are breastfeeding-friendly, if

  choosing to breastfeed

  .

• Casual clothes with front opening tops for breastfeeding

• A few pairs of socks

• Slippers or slip-on shoes, to wear around the hospital

• Plenty of comfortable underwear and support garments

• Breastfeeding bras (if choosing to breastfeed)

• Clothing for the trip home (make sure they’re roomy and comfortable)

• Bags for dirty clothes

What Else Might You Need?

Apart from the list above, there are a couple of other things to consider with your hospital bag for both you, your baby and your support person:

• Pram:

  When leaving the hospital, you may prefer to push your baby in a pram rather than carry them if you’re feeling tired.

• Entertainment:

  There might be some downtime in between those hectic periods, so having a few preloaded movies on your laptop or a book or two will keep you occupied during those periods.

• Pillow:

  If you find hospital pillows uncomfortable, it might be worth bringing your own pillow from home.

• Slides, thongs or sandals:

   After pregnancy, your feet may swell, making sneakers and other shoes uncomfortable.

Purebaby tip: when packing your hospital bag, consider choosing one with wheels, as this is a safer option for when you are leaving the hospital with your new bundle of joy.

Don’t forget! Your baby MUST travel home from the hospital in a suitable infant car seat, which for newborns, is a rear-facing capsule. Make sure you have a capsule correctly installed in your car prior to birth. 

Packing your hospital bag is such a momentous occasion. You'll find all the items for your Hospital Bag and baby's first wardrobe in our customisable Hospital Bag Checklist creator.