Here’s what I recommend based on my own experience – including some of my must-haves from Bear & Moo.

One Bag for You, One for Baby (or even a third for labour)

My top tip? Pack two bags – one for Mum and one for Baby. If you like, you can even prep a smaller labour bag for specific things you’ll want on hand during delivery, especially if your stay is longer than expected.

What to Pack for Mum

Comfy Clothes

• High waisted black undies (I loved the 5 packs from Kmart)
• Pyjamas
• Comfy pants I personally love Betty Basics pants – the elastic waist is perfect for post-birth wear, and they don’t dig in.
• Breastfeeding singlets
• Breastfeeding bras
• Cardigan
• A going home outfit
• Socks
• Reusable breast pads in case milk comes in while there

Bring at least a few outfits you’ll be happy to wear in front of visitors or midwives, and don’t forget a lightweight dressing gown or cardigan too.

Your Toilet Bag

Keep it simple, but pack things that make you feel a little bit like you.

• Shampoo + Conditioner
• Body Wash or Soap (Ideally something low fragrance so babe can smell you)
• Toothbrush + toothpaste
• Deodorant
• Wild Emery Lip Balm – hospitals can be dry and lips can get parched fast
• Hairbrush + hair ties
• Weleda Skin Food – SO good for hydration, especially in dry hospital air
• A soft cloth – I love our bamboo cotton cloth wipes. They’re gentle, large, and can help you feel clean and fresh
• Sanitary pads and a mini wet bag for dirty ones – we recommend our light coloured sanitary pads so it’s easier to track blood to check for any issues (important in those early days!) 
• Partum Panties

Extra Essentials for Mum

• Montii drink bottle with sipper lid + straw – super easy to use, even when lying down or breastfeeding
• Day Bag – perfect for dirty laundry, or extra bits and pieces
• Snacks 
• Cellphone charger with a long cord – it can be a stretch from the wall to the hospital bed.
• Pen & Notepad – for notes, baby name lists, memories etc
• Wheat Pack in case you want it in labour.
• It’s also worth considering throwing in a pair of undies and t-shirt for your partner, and some snacks for them too!

Quick tip: Make sure you’ve had your car seat or capsule fitted before birth. You’ll need it ready to safely bring your little one home from hospital.

What to Pack for Baby

New babies really don’t need that much for those first couple of days – but here are a few staples that will go a long way:

• Clothing - When I went I made up 3 prem packs and 3 newborn packs.  These were all in individual zip lock bags so someone can pull out the whole bag for bub.  In each bag there was a bodysuit, pants, woollen singlet, all in one, socks, hat, knitted jumper.  Basically a full outfit with some extras.

• Nappies – our hospital provided newborn disposables and I packed 3 newborn reusable nappies in case I wanted to give it a go whilst there!

• Blankets/Wraps – 1 cotton swaddle/wrap, a merino blanket and 1 other blanket for both in the bassinette and also for skin to skin time.

• Wet Bags - 3 x large wet bags – to put dirty laundry in so people can take it home and wash it for you!

• Cloth wipes – Again our hospital provided wet wipes but cloth wipes can be softer and nicer on the skin. Plus great for spills and things too.

You can use a wet bag system to pack:
👜 One for outfits.
💩 One for nappies + wipes.
🧺 One for used clothing.

It keeps everything tidy and easy to find!

Notes to remember:

• If your bub is born super early, it may be in NICU to begin with and in NICU they don’t need clothing until they move out of an incubator. So even though I had Tiny Prem clothes at home, I didn't pack them because chances are, if they fit Tiny Prem, they’ll be in an incubator.
• I’m lucky that we live around the corner from the hospital, and my Mum also lives across the road, so I didn't feel the pressure to take absolutely everything.  If I forgot something, hubby or Mum could easily grab it from home and bring it with them.
• I didn't have anything specific I want for labour and birth (e.g. music) – I’m quite a go with the flow kind of person. If you have things that are important to you, don’t forget to pack them.
• There is every chance that if you need or want something from your bag, you won’t be the one getting it, so either take your partner or support person through your bag before you go into labour so they know what’s in there, or label things well.
• If there are items you need for labour, maybe keep them in their own bag or separate from the post-birth items to avoid confusion.

PS – Have you tried our Reusable Cloth Wipes?

Whether you’re already using cloth nappies or just want something soft and reusable for hands, faces or bottoms, cloth wipes are seriously a game-changer. I wish I’d made the switch sooner!

✨ Read our 'Tips on converting to cloth wipes' blog here 

I hope this list helps you feel just a little more ready for this exciting time. You've got this. 💛
– Hannah x