Front-opening, soft, machine washable, and dark enough to hide a mark. That's the brief for a hospital robe. Everything else is a bonus.
What a hospital robe needs to do
- Open at the front. For feeding, for checks, for getting it on without lifting your arms.
- Be soft. Skin is sensitive after birth, and a baby's skin is more so. Tencel, bamboo and soft cotton, not polyester.
- Wash easily. Cold machine wash, line dry, no fuss. It will need washing.
- Not be white. Charcoal, navy, blush or a print hides more than white does.
The pieces I'd pack
- Mirabella Maternity Nightie, about $90. Tencel, feeding-friendly, charcoal.
- Mirabella Maternity Cami Set, about $100.
- Petra Tencel Robe, about $150. Soft, front-tie, packable.
- Ultimate Cosy Robe, about $150, for winter babies.
Gifts for after she's home
A long bamboo pyjama set, because the first weeks are lived in pyjamas. Mila Bamboo Lounge Set buttons down the front and washes well. Add a satin scrunchie and a satin eye mask for the naps she'll take at 2pm.
What not to buy
Anything that goes over the head. Anything with a lot of lace at the chest. Anything "hand wash only". And anything that needs ironing.
Prices are correct at the time of writing. Free standard shipping Australia-wide on orders over $250 AUD ($10 under that), express is $25, and most Australian orders arrive in 1–4 business days, 5–10 for remote areas. Allow an extra 2 business days over the Christmas period.
Quick answers
What size should I buy a new mum?
Her pre-pregnancy size in a relaxed fit, or one size up in a fitted style. Robes are forgiving; nighties less so.
Is bamboo or Tencel better for new mums?
They're very similar. Both are soft, cool and wash well. Choose by colour and cut.
Can I have it embroidered with the baby's name?
Yes, if you know it. Otherwise her initials, so the gift isn't waiting on a decision.
The hospital bag and the first weeks
Front-opening, soft and machine washable, in colours that hide a mark.
Petra Tencel Lounge Pyjama Set — long Tencel pyjama set in blush with white piping.
Cotton Baby Blanket — cotton baby blanket.
Satin Scrunchie — satin scrunchie that creates less friction on hair overnight.
Satin Eye Mask — satin sleep eye mask for travel and hot mornings.
Homebodii Gift Box — branded gift box for bridal party and Christmas gifting.
Questions? Message our Style Concierge team or tag us on Instagram @homebodii.
— Ingrid Bonnor, Founder, Homebodii. Gold Coast, Australia.
