The leap from being an expectant mother to actually being a mother to a real life person is a life-changing transition. The heady mix of excitement and apprehension, mixed with those wonderful postpartum endorphins means your first few days will be a whirlwind of learning for everyone involved.
Thinking about what to take to the hospital will feel a lot easier when packing for just yourself but throw in another little person and it can be tricky to figure out what essentials your baby hospital bag should include. Have no fear, we’ve done this a few times before and are here to help.
Your newborn hospital bag checklist will be a lot shorter than your own list – check out our blog on what to pack for a hospital bag for mum – as your baby won’t need quite as much as you. Our newborn baby hospital bag checklist below includes all the obvious things, and some of the often overlooked items, you will need to welcome your new arrival.
This baby hospital bag list is arranged in the order you’ll need things. Immediately after birth, newborn babies love skin-to-skin time where possible. This can be with mum or dad but that first contact will be magical for both parents. After some quiet time getting to know each other, you’ll probably be helped to try to feed then dress baby. Depending on your birthing experience you may be in the hospital for a few hours or a few days. However long your stay, making sure you have the hospital bag essentials below will see you right for the days following the arrival of your new baby.
Formula and Bottles
The NHS and WHO advocate that breastmilk is best, but this is not always possible for new mums for a whole variety of reasons. If you have decided not to breastfeed or think you might need to supplement your breastmilk, then choose a first infant formula to take with you to the hospital as well as sterilised bottles. Some infant formula, Kendamil for example, provide newborn baby formula in handy first feed bottle with disposable teats. These can be handy for packing in your baby hospital bag, just in case.
Muslins
Even before you have dressed baby, having some muslins with you will help wrap baby up as you feed or hold them close to your skin. Muslins come in a range of sizes and both small and large ones are endlessly useful.
Nappies and Cotton Wool or Wipes
Before dressing baby, they will need a nappy. Size 0 nappies will suit more newborn babies and babies can need between 6-8 a day. Initially, changing your baby before every feed is a good idea so they can feed themselves to sleep without you having to disturb them. One of the most commonly asked questions is about how many nappies for a hospital bag is needed? We would recommend taking around 20 nappies to hospital then you have plenty for longer stays and they will get used at home otherwise. Newborn skin is so delicate that it is recommended to use cotton wool and warm water only for their first week or so. If you do want to take wipes, then pick a variety that has no chemicals or scent and is suited to sensitive skin.
Babygrows, Vests, Hat and Mittens, Sleepsuits
After baby has had a first attempt at feeding and has a nappy on, its time to get them dressed up and warm. Babies can’t regulate their body temperature as well as we can and after birth, they need keeping warm whilst their body adjusts to the temperature outside of the womb. Babygrows or sleepsuits with zips on the front are probably the easiest thing to start with. Pop a vest underneath beforehand then a onesie on top. Your newborn will need a hat for the first day or two of their life, so they don’t lose heat out the top of their heads. This should be nice and soft, so it fits snuggly but isn’t too tight. Newborn babies can have long fingernails and as they stretch and flail their limbs for the first time, they can be prone to scratching themselves. Scratch mitts are a good way of stopping this happening, whilst also keeping their hands warm.
Blankets
At some point you’re going to have to put your baby down to rest and recuperate. Taking some soft comforting blankets to hospital for baby will soothe them with your scent and keep them warm whilst they nap. Cellular blankets are breathable but can be folded for extra warmth or use fleece, wool or cotton but be careful not to overheat your baby.
Sterilising Equipment
If you’re in hospital for a few days, taking Milton sterilising tablets or fluid to sterilise bottles is a good idea, if you are bottle feeding. It can be hard to predict how long your hospital stay will be as it will depend on your labour and birth. There is nothing wrong with being prepared though.
Car Seat
The moment you’ve been waiting for, home time! It is totally normal for people to forget to bring a car seat to the hospital, as its not something you will have considered when labour begins. Pop it in the car a week or so before your due date so it’s there when you need it.
Summary
We hope this hospital bag list for baby is useful! Pregnancy wreaks havoc on your body and brain function, so anything that helps with planning is usually appreciated. The mamas here at Nature’s Divine have been through all this, more than a few times, and every experience is different. It is because of and for our children that we created our range of natural, organic, vegan baby products that are super gentle to new skin and wonderfully soothing. From our Organic Baby Balm to our Organic Baby Oil, our newborn baby skin products are packed full of mild, natural ingredients to help new skin stay soft and hydrated. We also look after mums skin too!
Shop organic baby skincare.
