Newborn Swaddles or Gowns You're not responsible for bringing outfits for your baby to wear during your hospital stay. Most hospitals prefer to dress babies simply, either in just a diaper and swaddled in a flannel blanket, or in a side-snap bodysuit or basic gown. (All of these items will be provided for you.)
Clothes should be comfortable, soft and easy to take care of. Stretchy jumpsuits that fasten at the front are best, as well as tops with envelope necks, which are easier to get over your baby's head. Jumpsuits with zips can make dressing your baby quick and easy too. Clothes made from cotton are a good choice.
Most hospitals in Australia provide nappies, basic baby clothing and blankets to use during your stay. Check with your hospital or birthing centre first to be sure. We recommend packing: Stretchy swaddle - babies love being swaddled.
Pack two different outfits in different sizes because you don't know how big or small your baby will be! 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 ideal temperature for a baby's room is between 16-20 degrees. It's important to consider baby's clothes and blankets and the air flow within the room when it comes to managing temperature. Clothes and bedding should be lightweight – 100% cotton is best as it is more breathable.
It is important to make sure that your baby is a comfortable temperature – not too hot or too cold. The chance of SIDS is higher in babies who get too hot. A room temperature of 16-20°C – with light bedding or a lightweight, well-fitting baby sleep bag– is comfortable and safe for sleeping babies.
Your baby can't put into words how they feel, so it's up to you as a parent to find the right room temperature for them. You don't want your baby's room to be either too hot or too cold. It's recommended that the best temperature for babies is between 68 to 72 degrees Fahrenheit or 20 to 22 degrees Celsius.
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.
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!
Nappies – approximately 6-8 a day. Baby wipes (non-perfumed) and/or cotton wool balls. Clothes: 3 x vests, 3 x babygros, cotton scratch mitts and a hat (most babies will wear a hat for the first 24 hours until they can maintain their temperature).
You will be taken to the labour ward or your room, where you can change into a hospital gown or other clothes of your own. Choose something that is loose and, ideally, made of cotton, because you'll feel hot during labour and may not want to wear anything tight.
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.
Dress the baby in loose-fitting, easily removable clothing. Pack diaper bag essentials — a change of clothes, diapers, wipes, bottle of formula if not breastfeeding, a pacifier if your baby uses one, and special blanket. Bring your insurance card and any documents from the hospital.
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.
Dress your baby in layers of fitted clothing rather than just thick pyjamas. You can add or take away layers as the temperature changes. Babies cool themselves down by releasing heat from their heads and faces. Babies can quickly overheat if they fall asleep wearing hats or beanies.
A lot of mothers want breast coverage while they deliver, which is completely understandable, and you can keep your bra on during labor if you want. However, we recommend wearing a simple bra that is comfortable and easy to remove.
New mothers need to wear full coverage pads and ladies diapers to manage their incontinence. Some women prefer to wear disposable underwear while others wear pant-style overnight diapers for adults as these are easier to wear just like an underwear.
Newborns are usually washed in hospital soon after birth, but here's why you may want to wait. Before she latched—before she even opened her eyes—my eldest daughter had her first bath in the hospital.
We recommend packing two-three 1.0 TOG newborn swaddles in your hospital bag in size newborn or 0-3 months. Depending on the time of year your baby is born and home temperatures, you may want to get another 0-3 months Cocoon Swaddle Sack for home.
The best way to check if your little one is the correct temperature is to put your hand on the child's chest. Does their chest feel comfortable and warm? It should not be hot or cool to your touch. Touching your baby's hands and feet is not a good way to determine if your child is warm enough.
The temperature can make your baby cry. They may cry because they are too hot or too cold. If your baby is fussy because of the temperature, there are signs that you can look for. Signs of the baby being too hot are sweating, damp hair, heat rash, or clammy skin.