Hospital Bag Checklist for Mom and Baby (NZ)
With your due date getting closer, it's natural to feel excited, and maybe a little nervous too. This is such a special time, and it's a great opportunity to start getting organised for your baby's arrival.
One of the best things you can do is pack your hospital bag by around 36 weeks. Having everything ready means you can feel more relaxed and prepared when pēpi (baby) decides it's time to make an appearance.
As experienced New Zealand midwife Clair Turner, Director of Nature’s Touch , says:
"Listen to and trust your body."
Wondering what to pack?
To help make things easier, we've put together a handy checklist based on guidance from Health New Zealand and Plunket NZ. It covers the key items you may need for labour and birth, your hospital stay, your newborn, and your partner or support person.
Remember, every birth journey is different. You may not need everything on the list, so simply choose the items that feel right for you and your whānau.
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For Mum (You)
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· Documents & Essentials: |
o Maternity notes and your written birth plan. |
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o ID and phone with an extra-long charger. |
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o Loose, comfortable clothing or an oversized tee. |
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o Lip balm and hair ties. |
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o Comfort items like a favourite pillow, TENS machine, or a handheld fan. |
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o Water bottle with a straw and high-energy snacks. |
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· For Your Stay: |
o Front-opening pyjamas or nighties if breastfeeding.
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o Supportive nursing bras and reusable nursing pads. |
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o 10 pairs of dark, high-waisted cotton underwear. |
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o 3 packs of maternity sanitary pads. |
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o Peri-wash bottle or perineal spray for postpartum care. |
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o Toiletries (shampoo, body wash, toothbrush, deodorant) and sandals/slippers for the shower. |
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o Your own mug or cup (tea and Milo are provided in NZ hospitals). |
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o Towels, tissues and face cloths. |
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o Your favourite snacks and drinks. |
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o Reading glasses or contact lenses
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· Some nice things to have
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o Music (on phone or iPod with speakers) |
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o Extra pillows |
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o Breast pump for expressing if you would prefer to use your own (hospitals do provide) |
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o Plastic bags for dirty clothes |
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o Magazines or a good book |
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o Journal and pen for recording baby’s feed and sleep times |
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o Wheat pack or hot water bottle |
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o Ear plugs and eye mask |
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For Pēpi (Baby)
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o 4–6 singlets (cotton or merino). |
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o Woollen or cotton cardigans/jackets and booties. |
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o 2–3 warm hats or beanies. |
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o Cotton or merino baby wraps and blankets. |
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o Muslin cloths for burping, wiping and washing; Cotton wool |
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o A small pack of newborn nappies and gentle wipes (hospitals supply some, but you need them for the trip home) |
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· For the Trip Home (Crucial)
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o An approved and correctly installed infant car seat or capsule. Note: Many Plunket offices offer free car seat safety checks before baby arrives.
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o A weather-appropriate going-home outfit (ensure it has legs if your car seat strap goes between the legs).
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For Dad / Birthing Partner
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· Documents & Essentials: |
o A copy of your birth plan.
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· Clothing & Toiletries: |
o Shorts or togs and a change of clothes. They can then join you in the birthing pool or assist you with showering after baby’s born. |
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o Toothpaste and toothbrush. |
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· Extras: |
o Mobile phone and charger |
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o Your contact list for him to send a text informing of baby’s arrival. |
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o Dependant on your hospital facilities, change or Eftpos card |
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o Books, newspapers, etc for reading during a long labour. |
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For the Older Brother or Sister
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· Great Tip: |
o For the older brother or sister, it’s a good idea to have a gift ready from ‘the new baby’ which helps the transition of a new arrival into your family. |
Having everything packed and ready can give you one less thing to think about, so you can focus on what matters most, meeting your baby and enjoying those precious first moments.