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Talk to your hospital or birth centre

Find out what your hospital or birth centre provides – for example, nappies, baby wipes or sanitary pads – and if they have a list of recommended items you and your partner should pack.

In addition, ask friends and family to share any tips as they’ll have valuable insights based on their labour experience and for the days after giving birth. You might just be alerted to something you hadn’t thought of packing that will help your partner feel more comfortable.

Have your paperwork handy

Feel prepared and support your partner’s peace of mind by ensuring you have all important paperwork stored safely in a plastic folder. This should include the birth plan and hospital paperwork, as well as your partner’s Medicare card, health insurance card (if they have one), antenatal card and driving licence.

Don’t forget some money (in case there’s a shop or cafe where debit or credit cards aren’t accepted), and a pen and paper to help you remember any important instructions you’re given or questions you want to ask.

Keep connected with others

You’d be surprised at how many people forget their mobile phone charger, so pack one in advance if you have a spare. Depending on the hospital or birth centre’s mobile phone policy, you might need a phone card or change to use a pay phone.

Now is also a good time for you and your partner to discuss how you’ll share those all-important pictures and videos with friends and family, and to pack a spare camera battery and memory card. Mobile phone and video policies differ from hospital to hospital, so find out what is accepted.

What your partner might need during labour and their hospital stay

To ensure your partner is as comfortable as possible, it’s important to pack for every eventuality. Take some warm socks in case the hospital or birth centre is cool and some light clothing in case it’s warm.

Find out if you’ll be able to use a smart speaker, or if you’ll need to bring your own. If bringing your own, ask if there are any rules around using devices that need to be plugged in – some hospitals or birth centres might request you use battery-operated ones.

To ensure you’re feeling prepared, take a tour of the hospital or birth centre if possible and ask lots of questions before packing. As a guide, the following items are a good place to start:

• A few changes of nightwear and a dressing gown, also front-opening pyjamas or tops if your partner plans plan to breastfeed
• Slippers or thongs and warm socks
• Loose, comfy clothes for after your partner has given birth and to wear home
• At least two supportive bras or maternity bras if your partner plans to breastfeed – singlets with a built-in maternity bra are a good option
• Comfortable underwear – these could be disposables or underwear in a larger size than your partner might usually wear
• Maternity sanitary pads
• Toiletries, including moisturiser, lip balm and tissues
• Oil or lotion for a comforting massage and/or a rubber ball to roll on your partner’s back during labour
• Microwavable heat packs, but check with the hospital first
• Breast pads and a breastfeeding pillow
• Elevit Pre-conception & Pregnancy multivitamin or Elevit Breastfeeding vitamin supplement to help ensure your partner meets their nutritional requirements
• A drink bottle with a straw to stay hydrated
• Snacks and soft drinks as well as cash to buy refreshments
• Entertainment – books, puzzles and magazines, podcasts or TV shows downloaded on a smartphone
• Bin bags for dirty clothes

What to pack for your baby

Newborns can’t regulate their body temperature so layers are encouraged. As a guide, the following items are a good place to start:

• Disposable nappies if your hospital or birth centre doesn’t supply them
• Wipes or cotton wool for nappy changes and soap or non-detergent body wash for bath time, if not supplied
• Two singlets or bodysuits per day
• Two grow suits per day – make sure any hand-me-downs fasten down the legs
• Hat or cotton beanie
• Baby blanket
• Nappies and clothes to wear home
• Baby capsule that’s already fitted in your car – if you need help, make sure you go to an authorised fitting station

What the birthing partner should pack

Don’t forget to pack a bag for yourself, too.

• A warm jumper for when you are on the labour ward
• Bathers or clothes you don’t mind getting wet so you can hop in the shower or support your partner in the bath
• Enclosed shoes in the event that your partner has a caesarean
• Healthy snacks to keep your energy up
• A drink bottle for you