A Guide to Packing Essentials in a Newborn Baby Hospital Bag

As your due date nears, it is no question that it’s exciting to welcome a new baby. But excitement aside, you also need to prepare for the baby’s arrival. You must gather everything that a newborn baby needs, including towels, newborn clothes, and others. 

Your hospital bag should be ready four weeks before your delivery date. If you haven’t gathered the essentials yet, we’re here to help. Here’s a guide to everything you need in a newborn baby hospital bag:

Newborn Baby Clothing

Your baby will need clothes to wear, but specifically, it should be newborn baby clothing. As your due date nears, think about the season your baby will be born and plan accordingly. If the temperature is cold, you should prepare socks, hats, and mittens. 

The first newborn baby clothing your baby wears will also be memorable. As a mother, you’ll likely cherish this for years or save it as a keepsake. 

Diapers

Hospital staff will likely diaper your newborn baby for the first time, but you’ll have to pack your own diapers for changes after that. 

You can also inquire about whether the hospital provides diapers for newborns. If they do, you can save space in your bag for other essential stuff. Still, it’s better to come prepared with everything.

Blankets and Swaddles

Pack your own baby blankets to keep your baby swaddled and protected against the cold. The hospital will also provide blankets for newborns, but they’ll likely get dirty and may not be as soft as you want them to be.

Blankets also come in handy when you leave the hospital. You can use it to cover up your newborn baby as you step outside and in the car ride home. It is also better to bring your own blankets since hospital nurses will teach you to swaddle your baby correctly. That will` help you be confident in swaddling your newborn after getting discharged.

Baby Wipes

Aside from packing diapers in your bag, you should not forget to include bringing baby wipes, too. These will help in so many things, including cleaning your baby, cleaning yourself, removing sweat and makeup on your face, and others. They’re a comprehensive instant cleaning solution, and they’re convenient to use in hospitals.

Car Seat

You and your baby cannot go home until you pass the car seat test, ensuring that your baby properly fits in the car seat for safety reasons. Nurses who wheel you to your car won’t let you leave unless you have a properly installed car seat in the back seat, with plenty of padding and mounted facing the rear of the car. 

Bottles and Formula

Hospitals generally provide bottles and formula, but it’s best to check what they use. If you want to bottle-feed your baby, be sure to pack several bottles and your chosen formula in case the hospital does not provide what you want or need.

This is important for when you’re staying longer at the hospital after the birth. You can ask for the nurse’s assistance in cleaning the bottles to use in the next feeding.

Conclusion

Aside from packing the essentials, it’s also a good idea to leave extra room in your bag. That way, you can bring anything the hospital gives you, whether it’s diapers, wipes, or complementary items.