There’s no moment more eagerly awaited by a pregnant woman than packing the baby’s hospital bag for the long-anticipated day. But what should you bring to the hospital that is truly useful and not just a pile of things to carry? Every time I remember my first trip to the maternity ward, I think of my husband looking like a hotel porter with a bunch of suitcases—he could barely walk with so much stuff to carry! So how about a checklist that could cut down on all of this? What is truly necessary at the hospital?

Many moms are unsure about what to take to the hospital, but a simple list of items and outfits can be really helpful when putting together the hospital bag—for both baby and mom. So what do you really need to bring to the hospital, what should not be left out, and what can become unnecessary at this moment? One important detail to highlight: the layette should be prepared according to the time of year the baby will be born. You should know whether the delivery will happen in summer or winter, because the layette is quite different in terms of fabrics. Something warmer for winter and lighter for summer. I’ve made a list, but everything will depend on the season of the year, right? With experience from three pregnancies I’ve become practical in packing the bag, of course getting some things right and others wrong, so I’ll share my tips here to help anyone who’s still figuring out what is useful to bring to the hospital. Here’s the list:

What to Bring to the Maternity Hospital – For the Baby

Some details can make a difference, for example, swapping the comforter for another blanket during hot weather, and also opting for microfiber comforters, even during colder winters, as they are warm yet much lighter and more flexible to handle. A good tip is to assemble each baby clothing change as a set, including the diaper. Socks and mittens can be included in the kit—I always used regular plastic bags from packaging stores and tied them with a cute ribbon. This way during bath time and changes, everything is right at hand and much easier. A good idea is to also bring one extra of each piece of clothing, so if there’s a mishap (the diaper leaks or the baby spits up), you have a spare item outside the kit to use.

What to Bring to the Maternity Hospital – For the Mom

  • 3 nightgowns or pajamas that open in the front
  • 1 robe
  • 5 postpartum panties
  • 2 packs of overnight pads
  • 2 nursing bras
  • 6 disposable breast pads
  • 2 pairs of socks (for winter)
  • Shampoo, soap, cream, and hairbrush
  • Towels
  • Makeup
  • Camera
  • Cell phone and camera chargers
  • Door decoration and party favors

Packing for mom is usually simpler and knowing what to bring to the hospital should be easier. The same advice about the time of year and season still applies since fabrics will vary. I recommend pajamas or nightgowns that open in the front to make breastfeeding easier, and seamless, high-waisted panties for extra comfort, especially if you have a C-section. The hospital bag should also have some space for dad! Usually, the hospital room allows dads to stay, especially in private rooms, so it’s important to bring towels and a change of clothes for whoever will be staying overnight. While he could go back home, sometimes dads prefer not to leave the hospital during this period, so it’s better to be prepared for emergencies.

If you’re unsure about what is really necessary for your hospital, it’s a good idea to ask for the hospital’s checklist—most provide a list of the main things to bring. Some hospitals offer pads and diapers, as well as soap and towels, so these items may be unnecessary in your bag. The less you have to carry at this time, the easier it will be to head home with your baby.

See also: Baby Layette – How to Save and What is Useful

Photo: clry2, Jessica Merz