When Should You Pack Your Hospital Bag? (And What If Baby Comes Early)

Here's the short answer: have your hospital bag packed and by the door by 34 to 36 weeks.

Here's the honest answer: most of us mean to do it at 34 weeks, then it's 37 weeks, there's a pile of tiny onesies on the spare bed, and we're Googling this at 11pm. If that's you right now, welcome. You're in very good company.

I'm Chauntel, founder of MaternityBag. I started this business on maternity leave because I'd lived through the "is it too late to pack?" panic myself. So let's sort out your timing, calmly, and make sure you're ready whenever your little one decides to arrive.

Why 34 to 36 weeks?

Most babies arrive between 38 and 42 weeks. But babies don't read the due date memo. Some arrive early, some arrive fast, and some decide to start things off at 2am on a long weekend.

Pregnancy, Birth and Baby, the Australian Government's pregnancy service, recommends getting things ready at least two weeks before your due date. I'd nudge that earlier. Packing at 34 weeks gives you a buffer for the unexpected, and time to grab anything you forgot without a frantic late-night servo run.

Your week-by-week hospital bag timeline

28 to 30 weeks: Find out what your hospital provides. Every hospital is different. Some supply maternity pads, nappies and disposable undies. Others supply very little. Ask at your next appointment or check your hospital's website. [link: What Do Australian Hospitals Actually Give You After Birth?]

30 to 32 weeks: Write your list. Start with our Hospital Bag Checklist and cross off anything your hospital covers.

32 to 34 weeks: Buy and wash. Wash baby's first outfits and wraps. Buy your pads, breast pads and comfy undies. Pick your pyjamas (front-opening if you plan to breastfeed).

34 to 36 weeks: Pack it, zip it, put it by the door. Not in the wardrobe. Not "mostly packed". By the door, or in the car boot.

36 weeks onwards: Add the last-minute bits. Phone charger, glasses, any medications, your pregnancy health record and snacks. Stick a list of these on top of the bag so nobody forgets them in the rush.

What if baby comes early?

This is the question that keeps people up at night, so let's be practical.

If you're under 37 weeks and think labour might be starting, call your hospital or midwife straight away. Don't wait to finish packing. The hospital comes first, the bag comes second.

If you go in with nothing, you'll be okay. Hospitals deal with surprise arrivals all the time. Your partner or a friend can bring things in later. But it's much nicer to have a bag ready so you're not sending someone on a scavenger hunt through your undies drawer.

That's exactly why a pre-packed bag is worth considering if you're feeling behind. Our Jewel is our most popular bag for a reason. It's just for mum, it's a bit special, and it has the good stuff you'll actually use. If you already have an overnight bag you love, Jewel slots straight in. Order it, pop it in your bag and it's done in one go.

If you just want the hospital basics covered, our Grace starter has the essentials without the pyjamas or bag, so you can add your own.

My tips from experience

• Pack one bag not two.  It's more sections/organising one bag - one section for what you need in the birth suite, the other section for after (pyjamas, toiletries, clothes for home). 
• Pack your own bag yourself. Even if your partner offers. You'll know where everything is when you're tired and sore and looking for a hair tie at 3am.
• Tell someone where it is. Your partner, your mum, your neighbour. If you're at work when things start, someone needs to know which bag to grab.
• Don't overpack. Most stays are a day or two. 

The bottom line

Aim for 34 weeks. If you're past that, don't panic. Pack today, keep it simple, and put it by the door. Future you will be very grateful.  And if you'd rather skip the shopping and the list-making altogether, that's literally why MaternityBag exists. We've done the packing so you can put your feet up.

FAQs

Is 37 weeks too late to pack a hospital bag? No, but don't wait any longer. Pack it today and leave it by the door.

Should I pack a bag for a planned caesarean? Yes. You'll usually stay a little longer, so pack for a few extra days.

What if I go into labour before my bag is packed? Call your hospital first and head in. Someone can bring your things later.

What should go in the bag last? Your phone charger, glasses, medications and pregnancy health record. Keep a sticky note on top so they don't get forgotten.

Always follow the advice of your midwife or doctor. If you think you might be in labour before 37 weeks, contact your hospital straight away.