What to Pack in Your Labour Bag: A Midwife's Checklist

Packing your labour bag is one of those lovely little milestones that makes birth feel real. There's no need to overthink it, but a well-packed bag means one less thing to worry about when the day arrives. Here's a practical, midwife-approved checklist to get you started, along with a few tips most lists leave out.

When to pack your bag

It's a good idea to have your bag ready by around 36 weeks, just in case baby decides to arrive a little early. Keep it somewhere easy to grab, tell your support person exactly where it is, and if you can, pop it in the car once you're full term so it's always with you.

A quick tip before you start

Rather than one enormous bag, many mums find it easier to pack two: a smaller one for labour itself, with the things you'll want close by, and a larger one for your stay and the trip home. Label them, so your support person can grab the right thing without rummaging while you're mid-contraction.

For labour

• Your hospital or birth centre paperwork, Medicare card, and any birth plan.
• Comfortable, loose clothing you don't mind getting messy, plus an old t-shirt or nightie.
• Your labour TENS machine, if you're hiring one, with the pads and spare batteries ready.
• Lip balm, hair ties and a hairbrush (dry lips and hair in your face are surprisingly annoying).
• Light snacks and drinks to keep your energy up, plus plenty for your support person.
• A drink bottle with a straw, so you can sip easily in any position.
• Your own pillow in a coloured pillowcase, and a light blanket from home for comfort.
• A speaker or headphones for music, a playlist, or a hypnobirthing track.
• Warm socks, thongs or slippers for the shower, and a hair tie you don't mind losing.

For after the birth (for you)

• A couple of changes of comfortable clothes, plus a loose, cosy going-home outfit.
• Maternity pads and several pairs of comfortable, high-waisted underwear.
• Nursing bras and breast pads if you plan to breastfeed, and nipple balm.
• Toiletries: toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo, and anything that helps you feel human again.
• Your phone charger, ideally with an extra-long cord.
• Any regular medications you take.

For your baby

• Newborn nappies and a small pack of wipes or cotton wool.
• Singlets, onesies, and a going-home outfit (bring newborn and 0000 sizes, as you won't know bub's size yet).
• A couple of wraps or swaddles and a warm layer.
• A beanie and socks or mittens, depending on the season.
• A properly fitted, Australian-standard car seat installed for the trip home.

For your support person

• A change of clothes, their own snacks and drinks, and a refillable water bottle.
• A phone charger and a little cash or card for parking, vending machines and coffee.
• A pillow and a light blanket, as hospital chairs make for a long night.
• A list of who to call or message once bub arrives.

A few extras worth remembering

• A camera or your phone for those first precious photos.
• A notepad or notes app for questions and to jot down feed and nappy times.
• Anything from home that helps you feel calm, like a candle to look at, a photo, or a special wrap.

What you can usually leave at home

Most hospitals and birth centres provide the basics, so you often don't need to bring your own towels, nappies for your stay, or newborn formula (they'll have some if it's needed). It's always worth checking with your specific hospital or midwife about what they supply, so you're not doubling up or carrying more than you need.

Most of all, try not to stress about getting it perfect. If you forget something, your support person can almost always bring it in later. A calm, prepared mum is worth far more than a flawlessly packed bag.

Frequently asked questions