Getting ready for your baby's arrival is an exciting time, but it can also feel overwhelming, especially if you're a minimalist. Babies come with so much stuff. When it comes to what to pack in a hospital bag, it's easy to feel like you need to bring everything but the kitchen sink. In reality, a minimalist approach ensures you'll have just what you need without overpacking.
This guide will help you focus on your hospital bag essentials so you can feel prepared and unburdened by extra stuff when the big day arrives. We've organized these lists into Essentials and Optional Items to help you prepare.
What to Pack in a Hospital Bag: Essentials
Essentials for You
Labor and postpartum recovery require a few key items to keep you comfortable so you can focus on welcoming your baby. Here's what to pack in a hospital bag for you:
Important Documents
- ID, insurance card, and hospital paperwork
- Birth plan (if you have one)
Comfortable Clothing
- A loose, cozy robe or cardigan
- Comfortable going-home outfit (Think stretchy leggings or a maxi dress.)
Toiletries
- Toothbrush and toothpaste
- Lip balms (Hospitals can be very dry!)
- Hairbrush and hair ties
- Face wipes or gentle facial cleanser
- Deodorant
Nursing and Postpartum Care
- Nipple balm for comfort
Tech and Helpful Items
- Phone and charger (A long charging cord is helpful.)
- Earbuds for music or guided meditation
If this is your first time around, you might be thinking, “Why so few clothes?” To be honest, you'll probably stay in the hospital gown for the entire stay with no bra, nursing your little one quite a bit. The hospital also provides you with undies and pads, so you won't have to worry about those essentials.
Essentials for Baby
Hospitals provide most newborn necessities, so you can keep this part of the list light. Here's what to pack in a hospital bag for your baby:
Clothing
- A going home outfit for baby, think sleeper or onsie
- Socks or booties
Car Seat
- A properly installed infant car seat is nonnegotiable. Make sure it's set up before heading to the hospital.
The hospital provides everything you need for baby. Think diapers, wipes, swaddles, hat, and more items like formula if needed.
Essentials for Your Partner or Support Person
If you have someone joining you, they'll need a few essentials:
- A comfortable change of clothes
- Snacks and drinks
- A pillow and small blanket for resting
- Phone charger
- List of important contacts such as family, doula, pediatrician, etc. (Ideally, this is saved in their phone.)
- Fresh 48 Photo Guide
A Note on Clothes
If you're hoping to document this once-in-a-lifetime moment with some photos, consider packing coordinating clothes for everyone. You don't need to go full-holiday card formal. Solid neutrals are a good way to go.
When Baby Notebook co-founder Davia gave birth, Bella Baby came to her hospital room and offered to take photos. As amazing as the experience was, Davia ended up not purchasing any because everyone's clothing clashed. Her advice: “Don't wrap your baby in a printed swaddle that clashes with your partner's graphic tee and your flowered robe.”
Reach out to your hospital or birthing center ahead of your birth to find out if they offer Bella Baby or a similar service.
What to Pack in a Hospital Bag: Optional Items
These items are nice to have but aren't necessities for your hospital bag. Hospitals provide many of them.
- Nursing-friendly nightgown or pajama set
- Non-slip socks or slippers
- Travel-size shampoo and body wash
- Maternity pads
- A reusable water bottle with a straw
- A swaddle blanket
- Newborn mittens (to prevent scratching)
- A pacifier (if you choose to use one)
- A hat for baby (if seasonally appropriate)
- Snacks for after delivery (high-protein bars, nuts, or dried fruit)
- Adult diapers or postpartum underwear (Many prefer these over bulky pads provided by the hospital.)
- Nursing bra and pads
What You Don't Need to Pack
People often underestimate how much hospitals provide for your stay. To keep things simple, here's what you can leave out of your hospital bag altogether:
- Diapers and wipes
- Excess baby clothes
- Breast pump
- Jewelry and accessories
- Full makeup kit (If you want to freshen up for some photos, just bring the basics.)
A Minimalist Approach to Packing Your Hospital Bag
Taking a minimalist approach to packing lets you focus on what truly matters. By sticking to the essentials, you'll avoid overpacking and make your hospital stay more comfortable. Plus, with less stuff to manage, you'll have more energy to focus on bonding with your baby.
As you prepare for this incredible moment, don't forget to preserve it with photos! Download Baby Notebook's free Fresh 48 Photo Guide to learn how to take stunning first-day photos for your newborn right from your phone.