Essential hospital packing guide for new parents: what to bring for your stay

Preparing for the arrival of your little one can be both exciting and overwhelming. One of the key steps in this process is packing your hospital bag. Having everything you need on hand will make your stay more comfortable and help you focus on what truly matters—welcoming your new baby.

In this article, we provide a comprehensive guide on what to pack for the hospital, including essentials for both you and your newborn.

What to pack for the hospital

• Comfortable clothing: Pack a cozy dressing gown and socks, ideal for wandering the ward. Include comfortable, loose maternity clothing or old t-shirts, along with some spares in case things get messy.
• Footwear: Bring slippers or flip-flops for trips to the restroom.
• Personal items: Consider packing towels from home for added comfort. Bring nighties or open shirts that allow easy access for skin-to-skin contact and breastfeeding.
• Postpartum care: Ensure you have plenty of maternity pads, as there can be significant bleeding after birth, whether vaginal or C-section. Include a few pairs of high-waisted, cotton panties for comfort, along with nursing bras and breast pads.
• Breastfeeding support: Don’t forget to include contact details for a lactation consultant or breastfeeding support service in case you need assistance.
• Water birth preparations: If you're planning a water birth, pack something suitable to wear in the pool.
• Snacks and hydration: Pack healthy snacks, as the vending machine may not always have your preferred options.
• Going home outfit: Include comfy clothes for the journey home and a separate bag for dirty laundry.
• Toiletries: Bring miniature toiletries, face wipes, lip balm, hairbands, dry shampoo, washcloths, and a toothbrush.
• Comfort items: Consider bringing your own feeding cushion or pillow, preferably in a bright color to avoid losing it. Pack eye patches, earplugs, and a water spray or pocket fan if it’s summer.
• Technology: Don’t forget your phone and camera to share the good news and capture precious moments. You might also want to pack some makeup if it makes you feel good.
• Entertainment: Bring music, books, or magazines to keep you occupied during downtime. Consider creating a pocket playlist if your hospital has CD players.
• Notebooks: A notebook and pen will be helpful for jotting down feeding times and other important notes.
• Maternity notes: Ensure you have your maternity notes, including your birth plan and medical information.
• Baby essentials: Pack a few baby outfits (2-3 bodysuits and 2-3 t-shirts depending on the season), socks, booties, a coat and hat for winter, a cellular blanket, 1-2 packs of diapers, baby wipes, cotton balls, burping cloths (muslins), and scratch mitts.
• Charging options: Bring an extra-long charger cable or a power bank, especially if the sockets are far away.
• Car seat: Don't forget a baby car seat for the trip home from the hospital, as it is mandatory in many countries.
• Hospital bag: Invest in a large hospital bag to fit all these essentials comfortably.

With your bag ready, you'll be prepared for the big day. For additional guidance, check out our Signs of Labor checklist to know when it's time to head to the hospital.

Checklist: in your hospital bag

Everyday clothes

• 6 button-up shirts (to make it easy to breastfeed)
• 2 or 3 comfortable dresses or trousers
• 1 jumper, jacket, or cardigan
• 3 or 4 pairs of socks + slippers
• 2 feeding bras + feeding cushion
• Pack of thick sanitary pads and breast pads

Sleepwear

• 2 pairs of pyjamas
• 1 dressing gown

Everything else

• 1 toiletries bag with your face and body products
• Camera
• 1 bag for dirty laundry

Checklist: for your new baby

• 6 sleepsuits
• 6 baby wraps
• Nappies (if your hospital doesn’t provide them)
• Socks and beanie
• Infant car seat for when they go home

Closing invitation:

As you prepare for this exciting new chapter, consider registering with Familynes for personalized support and resources tailored to your parenting journey. Join our community today to access exclusive benefits that will help you and your baby thrive!