Below is a list of suggestions of what to bring to hospital for the birth of your baby. NOTE: Further down the page we also include a suggested list of items for your newborn at home. We hope this helps you.
For the car – put this in the car after 24 weeks:
- 2 clean old towels plus pads, spare underpants and black ankle length tights to change into if your waters break
- Plastic container with a lid (in case of vomiting)
- Please ensure you have an approved, fitted car restraint for your baby in your car prior to labour
For Labour and Birth:
- Wear whatever you feel most comfortable in for labour and birth, ideally a large comfortable T–shirt, sarong & socks to keep feet warm. The birth suites offer a hospital gown if you prefer.
- Toiletries – soap, toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, shampoo, brush, comb, face cloth, hair tie.
- Tissues
- Vaseline or lip balm
- Lollies or lollipops to suck
- Music-IPod or CDs– each room has a CD player
- Aromatherapy oils – massage oil – vapourisers are available if you want,
- TENS machine
- Don’t bring Warm packs, as they are no longer allowed on either delivery suite, owing to burns
For partners or support people:
- Snacks and. Water bottle. Tea and coffee making facilities are available
- Loose comfortable clothing and a jumper as the hospital is air-conditioned
- Change of clothes/toiletries, razor etc (you may be there a long time!)
- A pen and paper can be useful
- Swimmers/board shorts (you might get wet if your partner is using bath /shower in labour!)
- Camera,
- Phone & camera charger
For your post-natal stay:
Pack these in a separate bag or in the bottom of your case.
- Comfortable casual clothes for day wear, nightwear, dressing gown and slippers. Front opening nightwear or loose T-shirts are more convenient for breastfeeding
- 3-4 maternity bras/loose Maternity singlets to allow for breast growth
- Breast pads
- 3 packs of maternity sanitary pads (with wings) and comfortable, sensible underpants
- Plastic ice blocks (kool pops) for perineum bring in unfrozen and place in hospital freezer (RHW)
- Toiletries and hairdryer
- Pen and paper
- Phone & camera charger
For baby:
- Disposable nappies (if attending RHW, otherwise supplied at private hospital)
- If you are planning to formula feed your baby, you will need to bring your own bottles & formula
- An outfit and a blanket or wrap for taking your baby home (bring a spare in case of accidents).
Page Contents
Please remember to bring your antenatal card
Parking reminder: when you come in to either hospital to have your baby please remember to buy a 5 day car park pass, as this can reduce your parking costs significantly.
Birth Photography – Shirin Town:
If you are looking for a great photographer with a special interest in birth, I recommend Shirin Town. Email: shirin@shirintown.com Telephone: 0404 063 441
Baby Emergencies:
Sydney Children’s Hospital also provides excellent emergency care for babies.
Emergency First Aid for Baby: www.littlelives.com.au
Suggested List of Items for your Newborn:
Items must comply with Australian Safety Standards. For further information ring Standards Australia 1300 308 989 or visit their website www.standards.org.au
| Cot (bassinet optional) travel cot (optional) | Pram/stroller (raincover) |
| Firm, well fitted mattress | Breast Pump (manual /electric) |
| Mattress protector (2) | Sling/pouch (ensure it has good head support for baby and back support for you) |
| Cloth nappies x 24 (fasteners safety pins, “snappy nappy clips”, pilchers, nappy bucket, nappy liners). A “nappy service” may be a great option. | Car restraint (capsule/ seat) you can hire a car capsule for the first 3 months apparently it’s safer than a 0-4 car seat. |
| Large scarf/sarong /wrap to cover breasts whilst feeding and pram whilst baby is sleeping. | Sunshades for car and mirror for back window so you can see your baby facing rearwards |
| Cotton or woollen blankets (no doonas) | Baby Panadol |
| Wraps (7) | A large handbag to carry spare nappies and baby essentials |
| Jumpsuits /bondsuits x 7 buy a few 0000’s and mainly 000’s | Barrier cream for nappy rash ie zinc and castor oil or petroleum-free paw-paw |
| Singlets / singlet bodysuits x 7 | Newborn disposable nappies |
| Sunhat / beanie | Cot sheets (3) 1 on, 1 in wash and 1 ready to go! |
| Socks | Thermometer |
| Cotton wool balls, container for water / Unscented baby wipes | Feeding pillow (available from Australian breastfeeding association) or a V-shaped pillow |
| Change table with mattress, sides, drawers/shelves | Baby monitor (optional) – must be placed at least a metre away from baby (emits EMR) |
| Towels /face cloths | A rocking chair (optional) |
| Baby bath (with plug/stand: optional) | Travel cot (optional) |
| “Lansinoh” cream for nipple damage – (although no longer recommended at RHW) | Sterilizer (optional) |
Important: Warning about Cytomegalovirus (CMV)
CMV is a very common virus that many children and adults carry at some stage. CMV can cause a severe flu-like illness, but sometimes no symptoms, and can cause harm to your baby in pregnancy.
CMV is often found in the saliva of infants. It is usually transmitted by sharing dummies, food utensils and food with infants, or handling clothes or toys with infected saliva, urine or other bodily fluids. CMV
can be a serious problem if it occurs just before pregnancy or in early pregnancy.
To avoid transmission of CMV take the following precautions:
- Wash hands often with soap and running water for at least 15 seconds and dry them
thoroughly. This should be done especially after close contact with young children, changing
nappies, blowing noses, feeding a young child, and handling children’s toys, dummies/soothers. - Do not share food, drinks, eating utensils or toothbrushes with young children.
- Avoid contact with saliva when kissing a child.
- Use simple detergent and water to clean toys, countertops and other surfaces that come into
contact with children’s urine, mucus or saliva.