In the hospital, blankets and onesies are typically provided. If you'd like to bring baby his/her own clothes to wear during your stay or a special outfit, please do so, but it isn't required. Don't forget a seasonally-appropriate outfit for baby to wear home!
Other than a coming-home outfit, you don't need to bring baby clothes to the hospital. During your stay, the hospital will provide long-sleeved baby shirts and swaddling blankets. Bottles and nipples. If you're planning to bottle-feed, the hospital will have these on hand.
The hospital will have appropriate gowns for your birth and for postpartum, newborn diapers, baby blankets for swaddling, hats for newborns, and even travel toothpaste and shampoo in case you forget your own. Most hospitals will have birth and peanut balls to support you in your labor as well.
Aim for one outfit in newborn size and one 0-3 months. Don't forget hats and/or socks, if weather-appropriate. Your pediatrician's contact information. The doctors and nurses will ask you for this information several times, so it's good to have it handy.
Some hospitals require you to wear the delivery gowns they provide. If your hospital doesn't have a preference, consider getting a special labor and delivery gown (with access for breastfeeding, an IV, an epidural, etc.) to maximize your comfort and confidence (much softer than a hospital gown).
Clothes wise, immediately post-partum or for coming home, I would recommend stretchy dresses or leggings and a large t-shirt or vest in the summer months. In the colder months, joggers, leggings, or trusty maternity dungarees are perfect. A hoody or cardigan to keep warm too.
Perfect for keeping things simple, baby basics such as rompers, sleepsuits, vests and all-in-ones will keep your little one layered up in cosy cotton – ideal for your baby's hospital outfit. Whether you're laying them down for a nap or enjoying cuddles, these fuss-free outfits won't get in the way.
The hospital will have diapers, wipes, baby wash, and lotion, but if you have a certain brand you want to use, then you can bring your own. It's actually not a bad idea to bring a small extra bag to put all the free (kind of) stuff in that the hospital will send you home with.
Hospitals usually provide plenty of receiving blankets, hats, newborn diapers, wipes, and diaper cream. Typically, they can't hand off items you did not end up using to another new baby's family, so you are encouraged to take these baby basics home with you.
The hospital will make sure you have clean sheets, towels and wash cloths. You'll also have a bed with several pillows and blankets. If you have a hard time sleeping with a different pillow, it might be a good idea to bring your own.
Swaddles. As soon as your baby enters this world, not only will they feel safe from skin to skin contact, but also from the warmth and comfort of swaddling. The hospital provides swaddles for your little one, but we love to bring our own for baby to use during their stay.
The hospital will likely provide essential items for your baby, such as swaddling blankets, pacifiers, wipes, and diapers. If you bring one item to the hospital, make sure it is this one.
Pillows and blankets
It might also be a good idea to bring a warm blanket for yourself. Hospitals provide pillows and blankets, but they aren't the cosiest.
Newborn diapers: The hospital will provide these for your baby, but you can bring your preferred brand. If you want to use cloth diapers, make sure to bring wet bags as well. Baby towels: You'll need towels, bibs, or muslin squares to wipe away any excess milk or spit up around your baby's mouth.
You do not have to bring your breast pump to the hospital — one will be provided to you while in the hospital if needed. However, if you would like help learning the set-up and use of your breast pump, you can bring it and a lactation consultant can assist you.
Packing checklist: after the birth
maternity pads (two packets) an extra five pairs of knickers. towels. one or two front-opening or loose-fitting nighties or tops if you're planning to breastfeed.
When Should You Pack Your Hospital Bag? You should have your hospital bag ready to go between weeks 32 and 35 of your pregnancy, in case your baby comes a bit earlier than expected. A good time to start the packing process is around the 28 week mark, or at the start of your 3rd trimester.
If you need to go to the hospital with your little one after giving birth, then packing 12 newborn nappies will be enough for an overnight stay. However, it's always best to prepare for complications which is why it's recommended that you do pack a few more.
Newborn checklist: the essentials
Considering babies go through 1-2 outfit changes a day, it is a good idea to have 4-6 zip front onesies and bodysuits on hand. It is a good idea to have a mix of merino and organic cotton bodysuits, as well as short-sleeved and long-sleeved.
Pack at least two or three sleepsuits, vests and a cardigan or two. Depending on what time of year it is you may also need something warm like a pramsuit. You might want to choose a special outfit too, for a going-home photo.
How Many Sleepsuits Do I need? The general rule when shopping for your newborn sleepsuits is to buy 3-5 to begin with as your little one is still growing and tends to outgrow their sleepsuits within two to three weeks!
Leaving the Hospital
Babies are often overdressed for the first trip home. Dress your baby as you would dress yourself. So, if you'd be too warm in a knitted hat during the summer, your baby probably will be, too. In warm weather, dress your baby in a T-shirt and light cotton pants or a baby blanket over bare legs.
You don't have to. Most people choose to wear the gown because it's easier, but you can wear your own clothes, if you prefer. Just make sure they're comfortable and can get dirty (or straight-up ruined), like a simple, cheap nightgown or a stretchy, knee-length skirt.
Use comfortably fitting—not tight—onesies, or just dress baby in diapers and T-shirts. Don't clean the stump unless it comes in contact with stool or other potential infectants. In that case, clean it with water and a mild soap, and dry it thoroughly. Leave it alone.