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Hospital Bag Checklist for Australian Parents

Hospitals and birth centres supply different items, so check their current list before packing. Add your own items to make this checklist fit your stay.

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Hospital bag checklist

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Paperwork and labour

Medicare card, hospital paperwork and antenatal record.

Printed birth preferences, if you have prepared them.

Phone, long charging cable and important contact numbers.

Comfort items approved by your hospital, such as lip balm, music or an eye mask.

For the birthing parent

Loose clothing, sleepwear and a comfortable going-home outfit.

Comfortable underwear and maternity sanitary products.

Toiletries, hair ties, glasses or contact lens supplies.

Supportive bras and easy-access tops if you plan to breastfeed.

Baby and support person

Nappies and wipes if your hospital asks families to supply them.

Baby clothes, wraps and a weather-appropriate going-home outfit.

Support person clothing, toiletries, snacks and water bottle.

Australian-compliant rearward-facing child restraint fitted before discharge.

Add a personal item

Useful for hospital-specific instructions, family tasks or questions.

Item Section

Official sources

Information reviewed 14 July 2026. Check linked guidance for later changes.

Pregnancy Birth and Baby: birth bag checklist
Pregnancy Birth and Baby: going to hospital

Keep planning

Baby essentials budget Build a realistic baby shopping list, enter your own cost estimates and calculate a private running total saved only in this browser. Birth preferences Prepare flexible discussion notes for your Australian maternity care team, including communication, comfort and newborn care preferences. Getting home safely Prepare hospital transport, an Australian-compliant child restraint and the practical details for the first calm hours at home with a newborn.

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Health-related tools provide general information only and do not replace advice from a qualified health professional.