Justin and I have already shared what we’ll be taking to the hospital when the time comes for baby to arrive. In all the excitement that comes with new parenthood and rushing to the hospital, we can’t forget what to pack in the baby hospital bag for our precious new arrival. Luckily, baby will be getting most of her necessities from the hospital, but that doesn’t mean we won’t need to stuff a few essentials into the diaper bag. Here’s what we’ve got on our diaper bag checklist for hospital visits (and in one case, in the car.)
What to Pack In Hospital Bag For Baby:
1. Car Seat
First and most importantly, we’re bringing our car seat. Car seats are a lot like rocket science these days, so we are having ours installed at the local health department to make sure it’s done right. Since you can’t leave the hospital with baby without a properly installed car seat, be sure you have yours installed or inspected a few weeks before your projected due date.
We are also bringing:
2. A receiving blanket, for pictures.
The receiving blanket we are bringing is a gift from a friend, and will be used in those precious newborn pictures. It also doubles as a blanket for the ride home, in case it is chilly when we leave the hospital.
3. Little hats.
My mom’s second favorite phrase about babies is “babies need little hats.” This is generally agreed upon, so we’ll be packing one or two.
4. Little mittens.
As a baby, I thought my mission in life was to claw my own face off. This is generally not considered optimal for infants, so my parents relied on those little baby mittens to keep me from accidentally injuring myself. Not all babies need little mittens, and some babies hate them, but in our case it seems better safe than sorry!
5. Little socks (or booties).
Babies do tend to get cold easier than adults, so you’ll want to do everything you can to keep them comfortable.
6. Pacifiers.
Some hospitals provide pacifiers. Ours does not.
7. Going home outfit.
This is a special, cute outfit for baby’s car ride home. My baby will probably have more pictures taken of her than some celebrity babies, thanks to Justin’s family living far away and my mom’s desire to take pictures of every cute thing ever. You can find cute going home outfits on sites like Etsy, or you can just pick a cute outfit from somewhere like Target. You can even stick that sucker in a sleeper and call it a day. It depends on your style.
8. Diapers and wipes.
This is a diaper bag, after all. Might as well toss those in there too.
What are the must haves on your baby hospital bag checklist?
Other Helpful Pregnancy Posts:
5 Safe Natural Ways to Induce Labor
What to Pack In A Hospital Bag for Mom
What to Pack in a Hospital Bag for Dads
What a great list! I remember those days when it was time to pack our bags. I am going to pass this on to my preggy friend!
Two important things to ALWAYS have now that you’re a mom and can never have too much of Bibs and Snacks. Actually, that’s true for any age. ; ) Congrats on the Little One and BB2U.
What a great checklist!!!! I always tell new moms its better to over pack than not pack enough lol.
A baby’s arrival is such a glorious moment to cheer & it is very much important to stay organized in packing the important items to the Hospital. This is a great list of essentials which will be so helpful for parents who are expecting a baby for the first time.
It feels like just yesterday that I was packing my overnight bag. How time flies! I had mine ready two months before my baby was due!
I love that you included the mittens. We didn’t even know what those were until my second child was born. They are such a huge help!
Thank you!!! I’ve been working on this recently – I’m just trying to figure out what I need to double and what I don’t for TWINS!
That’s a great list but to be honest the hospital usually provides everything besides the going home outfit (and your pacifier, mine did). Diapers and wipes are always provided and you can even ask for extra before you leave. You really should go without anything and have the bag delivered when you’re about to leave.
This is a great list. It is always stressful to make sure you have everything in that bag.
I will be doing this myself this weekend for baby and myself. I am delivering Tuesday!
My friend is about to have her baby and we were just talking about what to pack for the hospital. She had a list the hospital gave her and i could not believe how much was on it. You have to bring everything you need for the baby even diapers.
That’s right, you’re packing for a new person. Exciting, isn’t it? 🙂
Ah, I remember those days on trying to figure out what to pack before going to the hospital. Your list is helpful for new moms to have.
Aww this brings me back. This is a really great list. Thanks for sharing.
This is a great list of things you don’t want to forget when baby is coming! Their going home outfit is such a fun part of the planning.
I have made a mental note of these things for the future. I don’t want to forget anything when this day does come.
Thank you for the thoughtful list.
I will share this with my sister-in-law.
Great tips! Saving these for July when our little one is due – I know I’ll need all the help I can get!
I did not pack the diapers or wipes because the hospital usually sends you home with several of them. Of course we forgot our bag anyway so we were completely unprepared. If the items are things that you can leave in your car so you have them – I highly suggest doing that!
All important items to make sure you have along with you. It has been many years for me but I think that the basics are still the same. Congratulations to you and to Justin!
These are such great tips! The going home outfit is my favorite 🙂
This is a super great list for baby at the hospital, not sure what else I would add. You have everything covered!
Awww… what a sweet list. You definitely don’t want to forget the little mittens for the baby. 🙂
sounds like you’ve got all you need in your list to bring to the hospital… well prepared!
These are definitely some good recommendations. You never want to run out of diapers wipes!
This post is so informative regarding what to pack in a maternity hospital bag. I think comfort items like a hand cream as well as a lip balm should also be included in the list, to avoid irking dry air incorporated in hospitals. Nursing bras and nursing pads can also be considered.
I still have my sons going home outfit. I will never get rid of that outfit. I think I had everything that you mentioned here. I think the most important thing is the car seat LOL.
Love this list! I remember how nervous I was when I had my oldest child and I had to pack my bag, I so over packed!
This is a great list of essentials to pack for the hospital. I brought way too many things. The receiving blanket and the hats were my favorite! I got pink ones with ruffles!