Packing your own hospital bag is one thing, but then you start wondering:
What does my baby actually need?
It's very easy to get carried away. Tiny outfits, blankets, cute hats, muslins... before you know it, you've packed enough for a week-long holiday.
The good news is that your newborn doesn't need that much in those first few days.
Here's what we'd recommend having ready.
Baby clothes
You'll want a few changes of clothes for your baby.
Pack a mixture of:
- Short-sleeved or long-sleeved bodysuits
- Sleepsuits
- A cardigan or extra layer if needed
- Socks or booties
- A soft hat
How many you need depends on how long you're expecting to stay, but around 3–5 changes of clothes is a sensible starting point.
Birth can be messy, and babies have an impressive ability to need a fresh outfit at exactly the wrong moment, so having a couple of spares is worthwhile.
What size baby clothes should I pack?
This is one of the tricky things about packing for a newborn.
You won't know exactly how big your baby will be until they're born, so if you're unsure, consider packing newborn and one slightly larger size.
If you've been given an estimated baby weight, that can help you decide what sizes to take — but remember that estimates aren't always exact.
Nappies
You'll need nappies for your baby, although check what your hospital provides before filling your bag.
If you're taking your own, pack enough for the length of your expected stay, plus a few extras.
Newborns can go through quite a few nappies, so it's better to have a few more than you think you'll need.
Muslin cloths
Muslins are one of those baby essentials you'll use constantly once you're home, and they're useful in hospital too.
They're handy for:
- Spit-up
- Feeding
- Burping
- Keeping your clothes a little cleaner
A few lightweight muslins take up hardly any room, so they're definitely worth packing.
A blanket
Bring a soft blanket for your baby, particularly for travelling home.
The type you need will depend on the time of year and the weather, so think about what will keep your baby comfortable without overheating.
Your hospital may also have blankets available, but having your own can be useful for the journey home.
A going-home outfit
You don't need anything elaborate.
A comfortable sleepsuit or simple outfit that's suitable for the weather is perfect.
Remember that your baby will probably spend most of the journey home safely secured in their car seat, so comfort is much more important than dressing them up.
Don't forget the car seat
If you're travelling home by car, you'll need a suitable rear-facing car seat ready before your baby arrives.
It's worth getting this sorted well before your due date rather than leaving it until the last minute.
Make sure you know how it works and, if possible, have it fitted and ready to go before you head to hospital.
Do I need to pack feeding supplies?
If you're planning to breastfeed, you generally don't need to pack bottles or formula unless your maternity team has advised you otherwise.
Your baby will receive colostrum in the early days, and your midwife or breastfeeding support team can help you with those first feeds.
If you're planning to formula feed, check with your maternity unit about what they recommend you bring, as policies and what hospitals provide can vary.
What you don't need to pack
It's easy to fill your hospital bag with things your newborn probably won't use.
You don't need to take their entire wardrobe!
Things like lots of toys, multiple blankets, fancy outfits and huge quantities of toiletries can usually stay at home.
Keep it simple.
Your baby mainly needs somewhere safe and comfortable to sleep, clothes, nappies and plenty of cuddles.
Your simple baby hospital bag checklist
Before you leave for hospital, make sure you've got:
- 3–5 bodysuits and sleepsuits
- A couple of extra outfits
- Newborn and/or slightly larger size clothing
- Socks or booties
- A soft hat
- Nappies
- A few muslin cloths
- A blanket
- Going-home outfit
- Rear-facing car seat
And that's really it.
You don't need to pack everything you bought during your pregnancy.
Your baby needs you far more than they need stuff.
Getting your hospital bag ready?
Don't forget about yourself too! Our Hospital Bag Checklist: What Do You Really Need? covers the essentials to pack for you, your baby and your birth partner.
And if you're looking for comfortable maternity and nursing essentials for those first days, take a look at our Maternity & Nursing Lingerie collection.