Essential Items for Your Hospital Bag: A Complete Checklist for New Parents

Welcoming a new baby into the world is an exciting journey, and being prepared is key to ensuring a smooth experience. As you approach your due date, packing your hospital bag can feel like a daunting task. To help you stay organised and ready for the big day, I’ve compiled the ultimate hospital bag checklist. Whether you’re a first-time parent or a seasoned pro, this guide will ensure you have everything you need for mum, baby, and your support person. Plus, as a special bonus, don’t miss out on my free digital download of this comprehensive guide and a chance to book your newborn photoshoot with me, Stefanie Plum Photography!

Your Hospital Bag:

1. Important Documents

- Maternity notes and birth plan

- Health insurance information

- ID and any necessary hospital paperwork

2. Comfortable Clothing

- Loose, comfortable outfits (consider maternity dresses or loose pants and tops)

- A cosy robe or dressing gown

- Comfortable underwear (high-waisted options are great post-delivery)

- Nursing bras and breast pads

3. Toiletries

- Toothbrush and toothpaste

- Hairbrush and hair ties

- Shampoo, conditioner, and body wash (travel-sized for convenience)

- Skincare essentials

- Lip balm and moisturiser (hospital air can be drying)

- Deodorant

4. Labour Essentials

- Comfortable, old nightdress or oversized t-shirt for labour

- Socks and slippers

- Maternity pads

- TENS machine (if you plan to use one)

- Reusable water bottle

5. Post-Delivery Items

- Comfortable going-home outfit

- Nursing pillow (optional but helpful)

- Snacks and drinks for energy

Your Baby's Hospital Bag:

1. Clothing

- Onesies and bodysuits (pack a few in newborn and 0-3 month sizes)

- Socks and mittens (to keep baby’s hands warm and prevent scratching)

- Soft hat

- Going-home outfit

2. Essentials

- Nappies (newborn size)

- Wipes

- Muslin cloths or burp cloths

3. Comfort Items

- Baby blanket

- Dummy (if you plan to use one)

For Your Support Person:

1. Comfort Items

- Comfortable change of clothes

- Pillow and blanket (hospitals can be chilly and their beds are not always the comfiest)

- Toiletries (toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant)

2. Essentials

- Phone charger

- Camera or smartphone (to capture those first precious moments)

- Snacks and drinks

- Book, tablet, or entertainment device

3. Important Extras

- List of people to notify after the birth

- Coins or small change for vending machines or parking

Free Digital Download and Newborn Photoshoot Offer

Preparing for your baby’s arrival can be overwhelming, but with our ultimate hospital bag checklist, you’ll feel confident and ready for the big day. To make things even easier, we’re offering a **free digital download** of this comprehensive guide. Simply click [here] to download your copy and tick off each item as you pack.

Hospital Bag Checklist.pdf

Download PDF • 487KB

And don’t forget, capturing those first few days with your newborn is priceless. Book your newborn photoshoot with Stefanie Plum Photography, your trusted Brisbane Newborn Photographer, and create timeless memories of your little one’s earliest moments. Spaces fill up quickly, so be sure to secure your session soon!

Get Ready for Your New Arrival with Confidence!

Packing your hospital bag doesn’t have to be a stressful task. With this detailed checklist, you’ll have peace of mind knowing you’re well-prepared for your baby’s birth. Download your free guide today and look forward to meeting your little one, knowing you’re ready for anything!

For more information on booking your newborn photoshoot, click [here] and capture the magic of your newborn’s first days.

The Best Time to Book Your Maternity Photoshoot With a Brisbane Maternity Photographer

As an experienced photographer specializing in capturing the beauty of pregnancy, I've had the pleasure of documenting countless journeys of expectant mothers. Today, I want to emphasize the importance of timing and guide you on the best time to schedule your maternity photoshoot – ideally between 30-36 weeks gestation.

Pregnancy is a miraculous and transformative time in a woman's life. It's a period when your body is at its most radiant and the anticipation for your little one's arrival is building up. The 30-36 week mark offers the perfect balance between showcasing your blossoming bump and ensuring your comfort during the session.

Around this time, your baby bump will be beautifully pronounced, creating a stunning focal point for your photographs. The curves and contours of your body during this time are absolutely radiant, making it an ideal period to capture the essence of your pregnancy journey. Maternity gowns and flowing fabrics can be used to accentuate your belly and create an ethereal and dreamy ambiance.

As your pregnancy progresses, you may experience some discomfort due to the changes in your body. Booking your maternity photoshoot prior to 36 weeks ensures you won't feel too fatigued. You'll feel more at ease during the session, allowing you to fully enjoy the experience and focus on creating lasting memories.

As a Brisbane Maternity photographer, my schedule can fill up quickly! Booking your maternity photoshoot in advance will secure your desired date and time, giving you peace of mind that your special moments will be captured with the utmost care and attention to detail. By booking within the recommended timeframe, you can avoid the disappointment of finding all the spots already taken.

Your maternity photoshoot is an opportunity to celebrate the incredible journey you're on and immortalize the bond between you and your unborn child. Timing is crucial to ensure that you capture the radiance and joy that comes with carrying new life. I strongly recommend booking your session between 30-36 weeks gestation. This timeframe strikes the perfect balance, allowing you to showcase your beautiful bump, feel physically comfortable, and secure a spot in my calendar.

Reach out to me today and let's embark on this magical photography journey together. I can't wait to create stunning images that you and your little one will cherish for a lifetime.

Top 5 items for your newborn baby - Brisbane Newborn Photographer

Planning your newborn baby's arrival is such a fun and exciting time. However, if you are first-time parents and you've visited a baby shop recently it's a bit overwhelming knowing what to buy for your newborn baby. From Prams to car seats, cots and change tables, right down to bath thermometers and wipe warmers. The options are endless! As a mum of three girls I've certainly bought my share in baby products, some were essential and I recommend them to every new parent. Then there were those purchases I didn't even use or were totally useless anyway. So here is my top 5 items for your newborn baby that you will actually get great use out of.

1. Cot or Bassinet

This is probably one of the first things you will purchase, your baby's first bed. Whether you plan to have your newborn baby in a bassinet/co-sleeper in your room or in their own room in a cot it's an essential item that should be high on your list. Some baby stores even do bundle deals when you buy a cot and changeable together so keep a lookout for specials like this and you could save yourself some money to put towards another item.

2. Change table

You need somewhere to change all those newborn nappies so a changing table is ideal. Some can double as drawers so that space is used wisely in your new baby's nursery. A good height changing area will help your back and posture which is important after having a newborn baby.

3. Car seat or Capsule

There are so many car seats on the market how do I know which one is the safest?

You need to have a car seat or capsule installed in the vehicle to bring your newborn baby home from the hospital. Capsules are fantastic for newborn baby's, you can securely fasten them in the capsule before leaving the hospital room and then attach it to the base that is fitted in your vehicle and you are ready to go. A lot of capsules are also able to be attached to your baby's pram so you can easily get your baby in and out of the car without waking them up. I highly recommend a capsule, they were so well used for my youngest two children and worth every cent. Visit your nearest baby store and have the car seat experts talk you through the best options for you. They can even professionally install them!

4. Prams/Strollers

I have owned many prams in my parenting journey and while they are a necessity I recommend waiting until you have your baby to then go pram shopping as pushing around an empty pram is so different from pushing around one with a baby in it. And really take it for a test run around the store. Have your nappy bag and see where it's going to go, you will want a big basket underneath for your shopping or to store your things. Check that the pram moves well and is easy to fold (and fits in your car without taking up the whole boot space!). A pram is a real personal preference so it's best to go into the store and see them all for yourself.

5. Clothes

Buying your newborn baby clothes is so fun and can get a little addictive. You definitely need clothes but you don't have to go overboard especially in the tiny sizes as they really do grow so fast. I highly recommend zip onesies and steer clear of the clasp buttons as they are so difficult to dress in the middle of the night (picture a screaming baby flapping their arms around while trying to do up 100 buttons only to get to the top and realize you've missed one somewhere down the line). Zips all the way and if they have a two-way zip that can start at the bottom even better!

So there you have it, my top 5 items for your newborn baby. If you like my blog and want to read more check out this handy Hospital Bag checklist!