Hello!

I’m due to have a bub in few weeks and I have no idea what to put in my hospital bag. I’m going in for a c section in a public hospital in Sydney. Do I needed to take nappies, wipes, formula, bottles etc or do they provide that? And what are some good ideas for my older kids (who are 2 and 5) to stay amused during visits? Thanks


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  • Bring clothes, pyjamas, a robe, slippers, shoes for you in addition to your regular toiletries. I’m not sure if the public hospital will provide them but you’ll need maternity pads – best bring some just in case. A friend recommended buying a pack of granny undies which will sit over the ç-section scar and won’t irritate it. It was great advice!

    Don’t forget your camera and battery charger! You might also want to pack a few little snacky things for yourself like muesli bars, poppers etc.. It’s probably best to bring pen and paper as well – very handy for writing notes about the advice the doctors/ nurses/ midwives give you and notes for yourself and your family (i.e. list of jobs to do for the partner!).


  • When I look back I realise that I packed so much stuff! But I was lucky and going private so I had the space. Pack enough clothes and toilettries including your nursing bras and shirts. Pack a nappy bag with baby clothes, nappies etc..

    We didn’t need baby clothes or wraps, nappies or wipes while we were in hospital but I don’t know if this is different in public hospitals. Is there a website or phone number you can call to check? Better to be safe than sorry.

    Good luck with your delivery!


  • lots and lots of books!!


  • comfy nightie or loose pyjamas and slippers for you, 3-4 suits for baby, nappies, wipes, bottles and formula if you aren’t going to breastfeed, shampoo, conditioner, soap, facewasher – I’m sure there is more…


  • In our hospital we had to provide our own everything, except blankets.
    So I’d pack nappies, wipes, powder, cream, onsies, wraps, spew rag. chuck rug. I’d only pack bottles etc if you don’t intend on breastfeeding.
    For yourself I’d pack breast pads, feeding bra, feeding pillow, big knickers that will come up over your scar, makeup, hair bands, moisturiser, lip balm, lollies, prunes/nuts, comfortable clothes, magazine, books, phone charger, water bottle.


  • It’s best to contact your hospital, not all hospitals supply the same things – I only had to pack some clothes for bub, all the rest was supplied.


  • Don’t forget to add in there something pretty fro yourself, a nice headband or pair of earrings. We all deserve to be pretty with all those photos being taken :-) Good luck!


  • I would ring the hospital and check if they supply nappies wipes ect. The one where I had all my children supplied nappies, wipes clothing and bedding for bubs, they try to get all mothers to breast feed even after a c section but if you want to bottle feed I would pack your own formula and bottles. Make sure you pack snacks for yourself as hospital food isn’t always the best. I packed my own towels as the ones at the hospital are like trying to dry yourself with a bath mat. For the kids may pack some colouring books and pencils or a portable DVD player and a few DVDs. Each time I have gone in to maternity I leave a packed nappy bag in the car as you never know what could happen on your way home from hospital.


  • Wipes nappies clothes for bub. Wraps. Best thing I was told to bring was mens underwear. So comfortable. Your own toilet paper as hospital stuff can be rough. Camera. Clothes for you. Toiletries. My hospital supplied nothing.


  • Pack some loose clothing for yourself, it gets quite cold in the hospital too, pack a baby bag just incase you need wipes, nappies stuff like that. It depends on the hospital.
    Do they like reading books? Or have a portable game like a leapfrog or tablet or something?


  • With my 2nd Csection, i packed a nightie for my 1st night, it made it easier while the catheter was still in. I also took my own pillow, and high waisted undies. I should’ve packed a few extra magazines or books for while bub was sleeping as I found it hard to sleep in the hospital through the day. Hospitals vary with what they provide- mine provided nappies and bottles but I still needed to take formula with me so just check with them.


  • Our hospital told us to bring a whole stack of stuff that they supplied for me & then some items they never told me to bring but only supplied me with a few.
    Your best getting the list off the hospital & packing everything off it & more. If you do forget something I’m sure your other half can bring it down when they visit.
    Maybe a hard puzzle for the oldest & toys for the 2 yr old, something with wheels.


  • With my first baby the hospital supplied nappies and wipes but with my second (different hospital) the did not, its best to ask them. but just be realistic when packing so you don’t go over board and cant find what you need as after the big day your going to be very tired and sore. Besides the usual clothes, toiletries, and lots of pads, I highly recommend snacks…. lots of them its horrible being trapped in hospital and not easy to cure hunger with the hospital meals.


  • Pack the usual clothes toiletries and maybe a magazine for yourself. Youll need a few clothes for bub. Hospital should supply nappies and formular and thos sort of things. I had premmies so when my other children visited i got them to read a book to the baby. Maybe get them to sit down and draw a picture for the baby. Get them involved


  • Check with your hospital as to what they provide during your stay (mine provided all baby needs and pads for me). I would have your bag packed ready now so it isobe less worry. In terms if what to put in the bag, I found an app that had a tick lust which was just fantastic for what to have in your bag. It was American but it was very helpful.
    Lastly with your kiddies, you could entertain them with the hospital tv, or go for a stroll around the ward or bring along a book to read with them. Get them to choose their favourite toy to bring along? You might be surprised by how entertaining a newborn sibling might actually be.


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