Hospital Bag Essentials For Your Newborn: A Checklist

Preparing for the arrival of a new baby is an exciting time, but it can also be overwhelming, especially for first-time moms. Besides shopping for baby gear and setting up your nursery, you also need to pack your hospital bag. In this guide, I’ll talk about the diaper bag must-haves for the hospital, when to start packing your diaper bag for the hospital, and where you can buy a diaper bag. 

When do I pack the hospital bag?

Your hospital bag should be ready when you’re 37 to 38 weeks pregnant, or a month before your delivery date. It’s best to get your hospital bag ready to go by then, just in case you go into labor early or need to head into the hospital early. 

Once your hospital bag is packed, you can leave the bag by the door when you’re about to leave. This saves up a lot of time, especially when the contractions start. You can also leave it in the car first while you settle other things, like grabbing baby gear or if your partner needs a last-minute toilet break like mine did!

 

 

@brooklynfranklinn pack my hospital bag with me!!! #hospitalbag #hospitalbagessentials #hospitalbagchecklist #hospitalbagchecklist #hospitalbagforbaby #hospitalbagmusthaves #fyp ♬ Loving Me - Janine

 

What do I pack in the hospital bag?

Hospital bag list for mom

1. Comfortable clothes

Pack loose and comfortable clothes for your stay in the hospital and a going-home outfit. Make sure you have comfy shirts, baggy sweatpants, loose dresses, and comfy slippers for your feet. 

Most importantly, don’t pack tight-fitting bras and clothes, and go for items that you can comfortably nurse your baby in. If you tend to get cold pretty easily, you can consider bringing a jacket or a cardigan, a scarf for your neck, and a few pairs of socks too!

 

2. Toiletries

Bring your toiletries, including a toothbrush, toothpaste, hairbrush, shampoo, hair conditioner, a gentle face wash, and some skincare including sheet face masks and face moisturizer. 

If you don’t have time to shower, or if you’re not up to showering before or after giving birth, here are some things you can bring in your hospital bag: Body wipes, dry shampoo, deodorant, lip balm, body lotion, extra hair ties, and makeup removal wipes. If you have contacts, bring the contacts case and a small bottle of the lens solution. 

For showers at the hospital, bring a bath towel, flip flops, and a bathrobe. My bathrobe was such a lifesaver because it ensured I stayed warm and dry after my showers. 

 

3. Important documents

Ensure you have all necessary documents such as your ID, your birth plan, insurance information, and any hospital paperwork. On that note, have copies of your medical records for the nurses or medical team to review your medical history. Oh, and don’t forget to bring your wallet!

 

4. Nursing essentials

If you plan to breastfeed, pack nursing bras, a nursing pillow, nursing covers, nipple balm or cream, and nipple covers. You can also pack nursing tanks and other breastfeeding dresses for easier nursing. 

 

5. Sleep essentials

For moms who have issues falling asleep, these items will help: A pillow, ear plugs, a sleep mask, and a light quilt. 

 

6. Snacks and water

Pack snacks for energy during labor, and bring a bottle of water that you can refill every day. Snacks will also help when you're hangry and waiting for your hubby to get food for you. Some things you can munch on are granola bars, trail mixes (mostly for my husband who loved nuts), Goldfish crackers, and pretzel sticks. 

Tip: Choose a bottle that has a straw, or bring along your reusable straws for easier sips of water throughout the day

 

@ausher81818 we crushed this snack bag last time I was in labor #hospitalbag #laboranddelivery #thirdtrimester #hospitalbagchecklist #thirdtimemom #momsoftiktok #pregnancytiktok #hospitalbagessentials #nursesbasket #thirdtrimesterbelike #fyp #duemonth #duedate #37weekspregnant ♬ original sound - Anna Usher

 

7. Entertainment

You’re going to be waiting a lot so you can bring any form of entertainment to keep you and your partner company. For example, magazines, books, a Kindle, or a tablet.  

8. A Bluetooth speaker

For moms who want to listen to music while giving birth, bring a Bluetooth speaker. 

Tip: Bring an extension socket for you to charge your devices in case their batteries fall flat while you’re at the hospital. 

 

9. Post-partum recovery essentials 

On top of nursing essentials, snacks, and water, you'll need your postpartum essentials too:

• Adult diapers
• Disposable underwear
• Ice packs
• Maxi pads
• Peri rinse bottle
• Perineal spray

 

@thepostpartumnurse Postpartum peri care - the essential items you will want: (the hospital should provide all/most of these, but getting extra is a must for when you get home) 1. Disposable panties or adult diapers 2. Peri spray bottle 3. Pads 4. Ice pads/perineal ice packs/homemade diaper pads (see my video on how to make) 5. Dermoplast numbing spray 6. Witch hazel pads (Tucks pads) #poatpartum #postpartumcare #pericare #newbaby #newmom #baby #birth #homebirth #hospitalbirth ♬ Quirky - Oleg Kirilkov

 

Hospital bag necessities for your newborn

1. Baby clothes

Pack several baby outfits and onesies, mittens, baby socks, and a hat. Depending on the season of your delivery date, pack warmer baby clothes for the colder months and lightweight clothes for the warmer months. 

Tip: Bring extra baby clothes in case of spills!

 

2. Baby blankets and quilts

Besides baby clothes, bring a blanket to keep your baby comfortable and warm during your stay at the hospital. Bringing along a baby quilt isn’t necessary, but it can add extra warmth in the colder months. 

 

3. Diapers and wipes

You’re going to be frequently changing your baby’s diapers, so bring enough baby diapers and wipes to last throughout your stay at the hospital. 

 

@kaylakosuga Its getting real guys 😅 pack my hosptial bag with me #fyp #hospitalbag #packmyhospitalbag #packwithme #laboranddelivery #laborbag #pregnancy #pregnantlife ♬

 

4. Changing pad

A diaper-changing pad will ensure you change your baby's diapers on a cleaner surface. Our BabbleRoo changing pad includes padding, 2 pockets for diapers and wipes, and a foldable design for convenience.  

5. Car seat

The car seat is one of the most important items in our hospital bag checklist, and you should have it installed in your car at 37 weeks. 

When installing the car seat, make sure it’s secure, and the straps or buckles should not be too tight or constricting for your baby. 

 

How do I pack the diaper bag for the hospital?

When packing your hospital bag, start with the essentials for both you and the baby. Use diaper bag organizers or packing cubes and separate the compartments based on different categories of items. Keep documents and important items in a readily accessible pocket. Check and double-check your list to ensure nothing is forgotten.

 

@mswendysandoval Pack my hospital bag with me at 38 weeks pregnant 🤍 #hospitalbag #packwithme #nesting #38weekspregnant ♬ original sound - Mswendysandoval

 

Using a diaper backpack as a hospital bag

For those who are looking for practical diaper bags, you can get them from baby stores, department stores, or online retailers. Websites like Amazon, BuyBuy Baby, and Target offer a wide range of options to suit different needs and budgets. 

A diaper backpack can be an excellent choice for a hospital bag due to its spaciousness and organizational features. Our BabbleRoo diaper bag with a wide top opening is a great option if you're looking for a bag that has easy access and a lot of storage. 

 

By preparing your hospital bag ahead of time, you ensure that your stay in the hospital as a new mom is as comfortable and stress-free as possible. Whether you choose a diaper backpack or a tote diaper bag, the right hospital bag that’s packed with care can make all the difference in your birthing experience.