Getting ready to welcome your little one—or little ones—into the world? As expecting parents, it’s best to be ready for any unforeseen scenarios, especially if you’re carrying twins or triplets. Even if your doctor predicts you may be able to deliver near your actual Estimated Delivery Date (EDD), it’s still best to have your hospital bag ready 1 month earlier. Whether you're expecting a singleton or a squad of bouncing babies, our hospital bag packing guide will make sure you've got all the essentials, from the obvious to the “oh-I-wish-I’d-thought-of-that” items.
Read till the end for personal stories and additional recommendations by other parents!
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Start Early and Make a Checklist:
Begin by creating a checklist well in advance of your due date. Having a list will help you stay organised and ensure that you don't forget any important items. Be sure to include essentials for both yourself and your babies.
Feeling overwhelmed? Grab our quick and easy Hospital Bag Checklist!
Clothing and Comfort:
Pack comfortable clothing for yourself, including a jacket, nursing bras, and cosy socks (postpartum chills are a reality for some of us!). Don't forget essentials like a postpartum binder, slippers and comfy maternal underwear. For your babies, you may want to pack hats, socks, receiving blankets and a going-home outfit for each baby, if your doctor predicts they are likely to go home at the same time as you. A back up set of baby gear and an additional little towel for spit ups would be wise as well.
Toiletries and Personal Care:
Personal care items can make your hospital stay feel much better – you may wish to include travel-sized toiletries such as toothpaste, a toothbrush, shampoo, conditioner, and body wash. Do pack essentials like a hairbrush, lip balm, and moisturiser as well as any necessary medications.
Necessities for Nursing and Feeding:
If you plan to breastfeed, pack nursing pads, lanolin cream, and nursing bras. Bring a nursing pillow to provide support and comfort during feedings. For bottle-feeding parents, include sterilised bottles and formula (if you would like to use something specific instead of what the hospital nursery is offering). Some mothers also brought along their lactation massage tool and warm compress too.
Documentation and Important Paperwork:
Ensure you have all necessary documentation in your bag. This includes your identification, any relevant insurance documents, birth plan (if you have one), and any relevant medical records or paperwork provided by your healthcare provider.
Entertainment and Distractions:
Labour and delivery can be a lengthy process (if you’re going for a vaginal birth for your twins or singleton), so it's a good idea to pack items that can provide entertainment and distractions. Bring books, magazines, puzzles, or your electronic devices loaded with movies or TV shows. Don't forget chargers for your electronics as well – we personally recommend those with extra long wires!
Snacks and Drinks:
Having snacks and drinks on hand can be a lifesaver during your hospital stay. Pack non-perishable snacks like granola bars, nuts, or dried fruit. Don't forget to include some energy-boosting drinks to keep yourself hydrated.
Supportive Items:
Consider packing items that provide comfort and support during labour, such as a birthing ball, relaxation aids like essential oils, and a comfortable pillow or cushion. Don’t forget your binder – it helps with postpartum recovery!
Some extra tips and personal stories from mummies:
A portable bluetooth speaker made my birthing environment relaxed and familiar. Do get your doctor's approval to use it during your labour. I loved having my maternity pillow during my stay in the hospital. It was comforting to sleep with it, and I could use for breastfeeding too. Don't forget disposable underwear, bed liner to catch stains and spit ups, and perineal cooling pads!
– Miche, 37, mum to 3
I brought my own maternity pads so I didn't have to pay for extras from the hospital. Bring a pacifier (I go for Dentistar and Dr Brown's) just in case you'd like to use it. One of my triplets in NICU was given a pacifier by the nurses though, I only found out a few days later as I was warded myself. Bring disposable underwear for convenience and ease of use.
– Sharon, 34, triplet mum to 4
Latching on for first-time mummies can potentially be painful from poor latching/cracked nipples. I recommend packing in Medela nipple cream.
– Gan, 37
I had a natural delivery and one of my favourite memories was having my husband read out birth affirmation cards to me while I was in labour. The doctor also kindly allowed me to play my instrumental acoustic playlist.
As for after delivery, I highly recommend a portable bidet! It was gentle enough for me to use below (as compared to the one in the hospital toilet). I also brough my own stash of comfortable Frida Mum postpartum mesh panties and Perineal Cooling Pad Liners. The liners were so comforting when the stitches felt itchy! Witch Hazel Pads and Perineum Massage Oil were really helpful too.
My husband took along a warm jacket and also an extra long charging cable for our phones.
– Adithi Khandadi, 36
We scrambled to buy a little hat the day before we went to the hospital for my delivery– please use a checklist guys! Also this is not related to things to pack, but I regretted getting discharged very quickly the day after I delivered (within 24 hours). I wish I stayed an extra day for more rest and to also meet the lactation consultant.
– Veron, 37
If you plan to breastfeed, bring a nursing pillow and a breast pump. I took both my manual Haakaa pump as well as Spectra S1 along. Don't forget to make an appointment with the lactation consultant! Ask the LC to teach you breast massage and also how to set up and use your breast pump (even if you don't think you will need it–things may change!)
– JY, triplet mum
This one is for the daddies out there, do bring some extra clothes to change into. My husband ran out of clean shirts!
– Shi Ying, 37
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Getting ready for your new arrivals is an exciting whirlwind, and having your hospital bag packed is a key part of the adventure. By including everything from comfy clothes to essential documents and baby gear, you'll be prepared for anything. Of course, every family has its own quirks, so do customize your bag to fit your needs. With your hospital bag ready to go, you'll have one less thing to worry about when the big moment arrives.
For an easy to-follow guide, download our handy hospital bag checklist!
Happy packing, and remember: the hospital has extra supplies, so don't panic if you forget something!
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