Chapter 1 : On the Necessary Comforts for a Most Important Arrival
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Spring is in the air! The days are getting longer, the wattle is blooming, and there's a feeling of new beginnings all around. If you’re expecting a new arrival this season, that feeling is about to get a whole lot more real!
Packing your hospital bag is one of those final, exciting steps that makes everything feel so close. But with Melbourne's famously unpredictable spring weather, what exactly should you pack? One minute it’s sunny, the next it’s chilly. Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered with the ultimate checklist for a spring baby.
For Mum
Your comfort is a top priority. Think layers, soft fabrics, and things that make you feel a little more human.
- Important Documents: Your Medicare card, private health insurance details, and any hospital paperwork.
- Prescription and non-prescription medications, if needed (please let your care team know).
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Comfortable Clothes:
- A light dressing gown and slippers
- Nursing-friendly tops or singlets for easy access
- Stretchy, dark-coloured pants or leggings
- A cosy cardigan for layering
- Warm socks
- Comfortable underwear
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Comfort & Toiletries:
- Maternity pads and nursing pads
- Nipple cream (e.g., Lanolin) if you plan to breastfeed
- Your own travel-sized toiletries (shampoo, conditioner, toothbrush, toothpaste etc.)
- Lip balm, hair ties, and a headband
- Going Home Outfit: Choose something loose and comfortable that you felt good in around the six-month mark of your pregnancy.
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Tech & Snacks:
- Phone and an extra-long charger cable
- Snacks and a water bottle with a straw
For Your New Baby
Dressing a newborn in spring is all about light, breathable layers. Their little bodies can't regulate temperature yet, so having options is key.
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The Essentials:
- Nappies and wipes (a small supply of newborn size)
- Swaddles or wraps (2-3): Made of lightweight muslin or organic cotton
- Gental bodywash & shampoo
- Feeding formula: Only if you plan to use milk replacement formula to feed your baby.
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Clothing (The Fun Part!):
- Singlets (3-4): These are the perfect base layer
- Growsuits or onesies (5-6): Look for ones with a two-way zip—they are an absolute game-changer for those frequent nappy changes!
- A light cardigan: To pop on over a bodysuit if the room feels cool
- Beanies (2): A lightweight beanie is essential for newborns
- Socks or booties
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Nice-to-Haves:
- Milestone Cards (optional, but so lovely for those first photos!)
- The Going Home Outfit: This is a special one! Pick something adorable but practical. A comfortable sleepsuit with a light blanket for the car ride is a perfect choice. Don't forget to have your car seat properly installed well in advance!
For Your Partner or Support Person
They need a bag, too! Comfort and snacks are just as important for the person who will be by your side.
- Change of clothes & toiletries
- Phone and charger
- Snacks & a reusable water bottle
- Something to do (book, tablet, laptop, headphones)
- Camera to capture those precious first moments
Pro Tip: Pack two smaller bags instead of one huge one. A "Labour & Delivery Bag" with the absolute essentials, and a "Postpartum Bag" with everything else that can be brought in from the car later.
Packing your bag is a beautiful nesting ritual. Take your time, enjoy the process, and get excited. You're about to meet the new love of your life!
Ready to pack the cutest part of your bag? Check out our collection of soft cotton basics—including those game-changing two-way zip growsuits—perfect for your baby's very first wardrobe!