Most hospitals prefer to dress babies simply, either in just a diaper and swaddled in a flannel blanket, or in a side-snap bodysuit or basic gown. (All of these items will be provided for you.)
Most hospitals in Australia provide nappies, basic baby clothing and blankets to use during your stay. Check with your hospital or birthing centre first to be sure. We recommend packing: Stretchy swaddle - babies love being swaddled.
In warm weather, dress your baby in a T-shirt and light cotton pants or a baby blanket over bare legs. If it's cold, put footie pajamas, a hat, and warm blanket over your baby. But be sure to keep all blankets far from your baby's face to avoid suffocation.
Small babies need little
In the hospital, blankets and onesies are typically provided. If you'd like to bring baby his/her own clothes to wear during your stay or a special outfit, please do so, but it isn't required. Don't forget a seasonally-appropriate outfit for baby to wear home!
Baby's chill quickly after birth and when dressed need 2-3 layers of clothing made from natural fibres to stay warm. Natural fibres e.g. wool and cotton breathe so baby is less likely to over heat. Avoid synthetics e.g. polyester and polar fleece as these fabrics do not breathe and may cause baby to over heat.
You may not be able to baby wear for several weeks or months after you have the baby, depending on the state of your pelvic floor and core. Get checked at 6 weeks post partum by a pelvic floor physio. She will let you know where you're at and give you a plan to build up your ability to tolerate babywearing over time.
A lot of mothers want breast coverage while they deliver, which is completely understandable, and you can keep your bra on during labor if you want. However, we recommend wearing a simple bra that is comfortable and easy to remove.
The hospital will make sure you have clean sheets, towels and wash cloths. You'll also have a bed with several pillows and blankets. If you have a hard time sleeping with a different pillow, it might be a good idea to bring your own.
Newborns are usually washed in hospital soon after birth, but here's why you may want to wait. Before she latched—before she even opened her eyes—my eldest daughter had her first bath in the hospital.
While you can absolutely wear the hospital's gown during and after delivery – having your own robe to wear after giving birth will make you feel right at home.
You will be taken to the labour ward or your room, where you can change into a hospital gown or other clothes of your own. Choose something that is loose and, ideally, made of cotton, because you'll feel hot during labour and may not want to wear anything tight.
Use comfortably fitting—not tight—onesies, or just dress baby in diapers and T-shirts. Don't clean the stump unless it comes in contact with stool or other potential infectants. In that case, clean it with water and a mild soap, and dry it thoroughly. Leave it alone.
Some hospitals supply a pack of disposable nappies, but you'll probably need to bring extra ones if you're staying in hospital for more than a day or two.
2 packets of super-absorbent sanitary or maternity pads. 5 or 6 pairs of knickers – you may want to bring some disposable ones. your washbag with a toothbrush, hairbrush, flannel, soap, lip balm, deodorant, hair ties and other toiletries.
New mothers need to wear full coverage pads and ladies diapers to manage their incontinence. Some women prefer to wear disposable underwear while others wear pant-style overnight diapers for adults as these are easier to wear just like an underwear.
Swaddles. As soon as your baby enters this world, not only will they feel safe from skin to skin contact, but also from the warmth and comfort of swaddling. The hospital provides swaddles for your little one, but we love to bring our own for baby to use during their stay.
The hospital will likely provide essential items for your baby, such as swaddling blankets, pacifiers, wipes, and diapers. If you bring one item to the hospital, make sure it is this one.
Pubic or perineal shaving is a procedure performed before birth in order to lessen the risk of infection if there is a spontaneous perineal tear or if an episiotomy is performed.
If you're having a water birth or if you're very hot, there's nothing stopping you from going naked or wearing a bikini top. Obviously bottoms and pants are not ideal as your midwife will need regular access down below to check in on how you're getting on in labour.
This can be heavy, especially in the first few days, so bring a lot of special maternity pads with you. Tampons and menstrual cups are not recommended during this time. Normal pads can be worn after the first few days.
The reasoning behind it is that body heat is lost mainly through one's head and that a new mother needs to preserve her body heat to recover. Keeping your head covered is believed to prevent any body heat from escaping.
Clothing: A bathrobe, a nightgown or two, slippers, and socks. Hospitals and birth centers provide gowns and socks for you to use, but some women also bring their own. Choose a loose, comfortable gown that's either sleeveless or has short, loose sleeves so that your blood pressure can be checked easily.
Clothes wise, immediately post-partum or for coming home, I would recommend stretchy dresses or leggings and a large t-shirt or vest in the summer months. In the colder months, joggers, leggings, or trusty maternity dungarees are perfect. A hoody or cardigan to keep warm too.