It can be stressful to know what to pack for your baby’s birth, especially for first-time mums. You feel like you need so much… but you don’t want to haul a luggage full of unnecessary stuff! There are plenty of lists out there on what to pack, (but I find they're American and things are a little different here in Australia.) Also I'm lazy. I don't want to be bringing stuff I don't need. I want to be able to focus on the baby and just chill. So here's my list of unexpected items you might have forgotten about.

7 things you DIDN’T think to pack for your hospital bag

1. Phone Charger - Who can't live without their iphone and ipad? I found it really useful to use a white sound app and a feeding app on my phone so a charger was a must have!

2. Hair Ties and Headbands - When it comes to delivery or breastfeeding, etc, it really helps to keep the hair out of your face. And saves on washing your hair, if you have zero energy to do so.

3. Dark Track Pants - Don't be a hero. Wear dark bottoms so you don't have to worry about leaking and stains. Enough said. These maternity pants are super cosy. I lived in these.

4. Pretty Dressing Gown - The laziness factor is high with me. I wore a nursing singlet and covered up with a nice dressing gown when I had visitors.

5. Baby Book & Ink Pad - If you want to ink your baby’s foot or store away their hospital bracelet for a keepsake, bring your baby book with you so you don’t forget! Again, I'm lazy so better to get these things done while you're in the hospital.

6. Feeding Pillow - You'll be feeding baby a lot. Save your arms with a nursing pillow so you can snuggle and feed baby without having to support bubs with just my arms.

7. Dry Shampoo - You don’t want to be looking like a grease ball in photos and I wasn't ready to add too much water to my tender bits so soon after labour. Pack it.

What You don’t need :

Extra Socks for Baby - Just use onesies with feet on it. I don't understand why you would bother with socks with newborns. They are guaranteed to be kicked off or lost in the wash within a week.

Entire Makeup Bag– I basically needed my tinted lip balm, moisturiser, blush and under eye concealer. Anything more was beyond my energy level. Don't bring mascara. You will cry unexpectedly...it's called hormones. You don't need to worry about racoon eyes.

Flappy Nursing Tops – You know those nursing wear that has the tiny slits for breastfeeding. The slits don't open wide enough for a first-time mum for baby to nurse. As a newbie mum trying to get the hang of breastfeeding, and (bubs is also learning too) it too hard to focus on baby latching and properly holding baby to worry about those slits opening. I found it easier to just wear a nursing bra or singlet with my robe. Save those stylish nursing tops for when you and baby are both comfortable with the feeding gig.

Socks - I don't know why all these checklists tell you to bring socks to hospital but from my limited experiences, maternity wards are hot! Just bring your thongs! Perfect for walking around the ward and wearing into the shower.