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.
2x Singlets or bodysuits (per day)
Newborn bodysuits or singlets make for easy layering when worn under a growsuit or sleepsuit. Bodysuits with press studs are a great choice during the day, as they don't ride up when picking up your little one. Our Essentials singlets and bodysuits also come in 2-packs and sets.
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.
Clothing: A bathrobe, a nightgown or two, slippers, and socks. Hospitals and birth centers provide gowns and socks for you to use, but some women also bring their own. Choose a loose, comfortable gown that's either sleeveless or has short, loose sleeves so that your blood pressure can be checked easily.
Each baby is different and grows at their own pace, so don't be alarmed if your baby quickly outgrows Newborn sized clothes. If your little one is in a higher percentile for weight or height, they may even be wearing 0-3 month clothes home from the hospital!
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.
2 pairs of socks. 2 nursing bras. Disposable knickers - I preferred using disposable knickers last time as I could just take off the whole thing when I needed to change. A towel and flannel - I know some hospitals provide these, it turns out mine doesn't.
About five sleepsuits and vests. Newborn babies get through a lot of clothes. If possible, you may also want to have more on standby at home, so someone could bring them in if required.
The hospital will usually have blankets for you, burp cloths, diapers, wipes, pacifiers, bathing supplies, and formula. Usually the hospital does not let you take any of the linen (baby blankets and burp cloths) home so make sure to bring your own baby blanket to keep your babe warm on the ride home!
Some hospitals supply a pack of disposable nappies, but you'll probably need to bring extra ones if you're staying in hospital for more than a day or two.
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.
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 shall I pack in my hospital bag? We'd suggest a pack of three small muslins squares would absolutely suffice.
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.
If you have a partner or someone who'll be with you throughout labor and delivery, have them pack two to three outfits, personal items and supplies. “Make sure they have layers, as they may get hot or more often cold as the birthing parent typically likes to keep the room cool,” Stanley said.
About 20 to 30 nappies made especially for newborns, like Pampers Premium Protection New Baby. Your newborn might get through 10-12 nappies each day. Wipes.
breast pads. maternity pads (two packets) an extra five pairs of knickers. towels.
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.
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.
Until your body fully recovers from giving birth, you may want to wear comfy and loose clothing for a couple of weeks. And now that you're nursing, specialty bras, tops and dresses will be needed to accommodate easier access during feedings.
While you are awake, you can hold your baby in your bed or in the chair. While you are sleeping, your baby will need to be put in the crib next to your bed. Another alert adult caregiver, such as your partner, may hold the baby while you sleep.
They believe the reason for this is that (with less visitors) moms and babies have more uninterrupted time for breastfeeding and skin-to-skin! It's also true that some babies can get easily overstimulated by all the activity of visitors. This can interfere with mother-baby bonding, breastfeeding and sleep.
While six weeks has long been the traditional timeline for rest and recuperation after a birth, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommends ongoing postpartum care from birth to 12 weeks. Six weeks is also the standard recovery time allotted for childbirth-related short-term disability leave.