When it’s time to head to the hospital, time may not be on your side. So, turning the house upside down trying to find where your slippers went will be the last thing you want to be doing when it’s time to head out the door!

It’s never too early to have your bag packed and ready to go at a moment’s notice - and we’ve got the ultimate hospital bag checklist below thanks to the Cbrmamas community:

Mum

1. High wasted or disposable postpartum underwear (ideally black/dark colour)

2. Adult diapers or maternity pads (whichever is your preference)

3. Loose, comfortable clothes (1 or 2 button up shirts for feeding)

4. Going home outfit

5. Dressing gown

6. Pyjamas

7. Comfortable bra/maternity bra

8. Warm socks

9. Slippers

10. Thongs

11. Breast pads

12. A bag for any dirty clothes

13. Lip balm

14. Nipple cream

15. Ural and stool softener

16. Perineal bottle

17. Own pillow

18. Face wipes/washer

19. Toilet paper/soft toilet wipes

20. LOTS of snacks

21. Big drink bottle with a straw

22. Phone charger with a LONG cord

23. Toiletries (tooth brush, tooth paste, moisturiser, hair brush, hair ties)

24. Eye mask/ear plugs

Baby

1. Nappies (around 10 per day)

2. A couple of onsies/outfits

3. Baby blanket/wrap

4. Baby wipes

5. Socks or booties

Partner

1. Change of clothes

2. Swimmers

3. Thongs

4. Pillow

5. General toiletries

General

1. Medicare card

2. Any antenatal documentation

3. Any insurance documents you may need

4. Birth plan (if you have one)