The Ultimate Hospital Bag Checklist
Preparing your hospital bag doesn’t need to feel overwhelming. Whether it’s your first baby or your third, this guide breaks down exactly what you need - for baby, for mum, and for your support person - using real-world logic based on Australian hospital stays.
Pack for 3 days, organise by who the items are for, and adjust for seasonal conditions when heading home.
| Category | Essentials | Purpose |
| For Baby | Growsuits, singlets, muslin wraps, going-home outfit | Base layers for a standard 3-day stay |
| For Mum | Nursing pyjamas, maternity leggings, toiletries, recovery items | Postpartum support and comfort |
| Support Person | Snacks, change of clothes, phone charger | All the essentials so the focus can be on mum and baby |
| Shared | Nappy bag, documents, chargers | Pre-packed with nappies, wipes, and cream. |
For those of us who love a physical copy to check off, download the printable version of our Hospital Bag Checklist.
When should I actually pack my hospital bag?
The general rule is to have your hospital bag ready by 36 weeks. This gives you enough time to:
- Be prepared for early labour
- Avoid last-minute stress
- Keep items fresh and clean (rather than packed months in advance)
The 3-Day Rule: How we calculated your hospital essentials
Most Australian hospital stays are:
- 1–2 days for vaginal births
- 3–4 days for C-sections
We recommend packing for 3 days - the “golden number” that covers both scenarios without overpacking.
Example:
- 2 outfit changes per day × 3 days = 6 items
- Add 1–2 extras for spills or accidents
This approach helps ensure you’re prepared without guesswork.
Essential Items for Baby
Clothing & Layers
-
Growsuits - 6 units
Logic: 2 per day × 3 days
Feature: Easy zip access for quick changes
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!
-
Singlets - 3–6 units
Logic: Layering depending on weather
Feature: Breathable organic cotton for sensitive skin
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.
-
Muslin Wraps - 1–2 units
Logic: Rotation for swaddling + spills
Feature: Multi-use (swaddle, feeding cover, blanket)
A swaddling essential, most hospitals and midwives recommend newborns be swaddled in a breathable muslin wrap. Our muslin wraps also double as a breastfeeding cover, a light blanket for warmer weather and more!
-
Socks and/or booties - 3 units
Logic: 1 per day × 3 days
Feature: Fold-over cuff to ensure they stay on little feet
-
Hats and/or beanies - 2 units
Logic: Prevent heat loss
Feature: Knot hats can be adjusted for a better fit
-
Mittens - 2 units
Logic: 1 per day × 3 days
Feature: Keep hands warm and prevent scratches
-
Bibs - 4-6 units
Logic: 2 per day × 3 days
Feature: Clean up spills
-
Going home outfits - 1-2 units
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.
Practical Essentials
-
Nappy Bag - 1 bag
Logic: Pre-packed for efficiency
Includes: Nappies, wipes, barrier cream, face washers, baby towel
-
Baby blanket - 1 unit
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.
Essential Items for Mum: Postpartum Recovery & Comfort
Feeding & Comfort
-
Nursing Pyjamas - 2 sets
Logic: Rotate for comfort + hygiene
Feature: Button-front access for feeding
-
Socks/Slippers - 3 sets
Logic: Keeps feet warm
Feature: Slip-on shoes are easy to wear around the hospital
-
Comfortable Clothing - 3-4 outfits
Logic: One to wear, one spare
Feature: Roomy and comfortable for gentle postpartum support - Underwear and support garments
- Breastfeeding bras (if choosing to breastfeed)
Toiletries & Personal Items
- Toothbrush, skincare, deodorant, shower items
- Lip balm (hospital air is dry)
- Hair ties / brush
- Maternity pads
- Breast pads
- Ice/heat packs
- Peri bottle
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
Seasonal Adjustments: The “Going Home” Car Transition
This is one of the most overlooked parts of packing. Your baby’s going-home outfit should match the season:
Winter Babies (June–August)
- Long sleeve growsuit
- Cardigan
- Knit beanie
- Blanket for car seat
Summer Babies (December–February)
- Lightweight short sleeve bodysuit
- Breathable wrap
- Sun-safe outer layer
What should my support person pack?
Often forgotten, but important.
- Change of clothes
- Snacks + water
- Phone charger
- Toiletries
- Entertainment (book, iPad)
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.
Verified by Experts
This guide was reviewed and updated in April 2026 in consultation with maternity care professionals and the Purebaby design team.
