There comes a point during pregnancy when you open an empty suitcase and just stare inside.
You’ve been through every forum. You’ve read every list. You’ve followed all the advice. And somehow, you end up with twenty-seven things for baby, eighteen for mum and a slight urge to close the suitcase again.
The good news is that baby doesn’t need much for those first few days. Choosing the essentials means keeping them snug in their first little outfits, comfy for visitors and looking adorable in those first family photos.
This guide is here to help you get ready for those first precious moments with baby. The first outfit, the first cuddles, that unforgettable journey home.
When should you pack your hospital bag?
From the beginning of the eighth month, at around 32 to 34 weeks. From 37 weeks onwards, baby could arrive at any time. And sometimes even earlier – one of life’s little surprises. 👶 So it’s worth having your bag packed and one less thing on your mind, so you can enjoy those final weeks of pregnancy.
It’s also a lovely moment. Feeling those tiny clothes, folding the bodysuits, choosing the going-home outfit. It’s a way to picture those first moments together and make everything feel that little bit more real.
The bag for the delivery room: super important
Pack a small separate bag or pouch to keep at the top of your suitcase. It’s the one you can hand straight to the midwife without having to rummage around.
For baby, it’s all about that very first outfit. The one you’ve chosen with care. A bodysuit, a sleepsuit, a hat and socks. Simple, soft, comfy, stylish and just right for the season.
One or two muslin cloths – they’re useful for pretty much everything, right from the start. Wrapping baby up, protecting your shoulder, soaking up whatever needs soaking up. The most discreet yet useful item in the bag.
If you’re bringing a dummy, don’t forget the clip. It’s mega useful – just like a glasses cord 👓
What to pack for your stay
Bodysuits: the foundation of baby's wardrobe
The bodysuit is the foundation. The piece that keeps everything in place, a bit like the insole in a shoe.
You don’t see it, but without it, nothing feels quite right.
In soft cotton against baby’s brand-new skin, with short or long sleeves depending on the season, it’s their everyday underwear.
It’s best to pack several. Newborns need changing often. Spit-up, nappies, those little everyday mishaps. Six bodysuits for your stay strikes the right balance. Pack both newborn and 1-month sizes, because baby’s weight can remain a lovely surprise right until the end.
PS: if baby is expected to weigh more than 4 kg, you can forget the newborn size straight away. 🤣
Sleepsuits: comfort day and night
At the maternity unit, baby will spend most of their time in a sleepsuit. Go for easy openings – it’s one practical detail you’ll really appreciate when every change still feels like a little adventure. Warm or lightweight depending on the season, six sleepsuits should see you comfortably through your stay.
The baby sleeping bag: for those first nights
Rooms in maternity units are generally kept at a stable temperature. But for a better night’s sleep, a baby sleeping bag is the go-to for those first nights. It’s a safer alternative to a blanket, can be matched to the room temperature thanks to its TOG rating, and stays in place even when baby wriggles around.
The bath poncho: a drying cuddle
That first bath is a moment like no other. You’re washing baby, of course, but it’s also a moment that reminds them of life inside mum’s tummy. When bath time is over, you want baby to be wrapped up snugly while the water is quickly absorbed.
That’s exactly what a hooded bath towel is for. We’ve even put together a guide to help you choose the right one.
Hats, socks and booties
Baby loses a lot of heat through their head, so a hat is important from those very first days, even in summer. A few pairs of socks and some soft booties complete the essentials. They’re the first little things you touch, adjust and kiss. 😄
Bibs and muslin cloths: versatile essentials
The muslin cloth is probably the most underrated item in baby’s essentials. It does it all: protecting the changing mat, adding an extra layer, covering your shoulder during burping or even doubling up as an impromptu cover. Pack several in your suitcase and you’ll soon understand why.
A bib protects baby’s outfit between breastfeeds or bottles and keeps them looking their best for visitors – because those first cuddles might as well happen in a lovely outfit. 😄
The going-home outfit: the big moment
It’s the outfit for the journey home. The one you chose with care, sometimes long before the big day. The one for those first photos at home, the ones you keep forever or proudly display in the hallway...
Think comfort, style and season. A soft, coordinated newborn outfit for warmer days, or something cosier for winter. Baby looking great, feeling comfy and seriously cool for the photos – and for everyone coming to meet them. 😄
The footmuff and travel poncho: for journeys
The footmuff is made for that first big journey. Warm and cosy, it wraps baby up snugly in their car seat, creating the perfect little cocoon for those first few minutes outdoors.
For all the journeys that follow, especially when it’s cold, the travel poncho takes over. Super practical: baby stays warm over their harness without getting in the way of the straps. Between the car, the pushchair and home, once you have one, you won’t want to be without it. We’ve put together a guide to help you choose, step by step…
What should you pack in the hospital bag for mum?
When packing the hospital bag, baby usually comes first – but don’t forget about yourself.
Pack loose, comfortable clothes that adapt to your body after giving birth. Soft pyjamas for those first few days, comfy underwear, slippers and an easy-to-wear outfit for the journey home. Basically, everything you need to feel comfortable without giving up on feeling good about yourself. 😅
Don’t forget your toiletries, postpartum essentials if your maternity unit doesn’t provide them and, if needed, anything you’ll need for breastfeeding. Little things you’ll be very glad you packed once you’re there. 😅
Your body has just been through a lot. Giving it the comfort it needs is part of looking after yourself. And looking after yourself also means having more energy and headspace for baby.
Hospital bag FAQ
When should you pack your hospital bag?
At around 32–34 weeks. Before baby decides to answer the question for you. 😄
How many bodysuits and sleepsuits should you pack for the maternity unit?
Six of each strikes the right balance. Pack both newborn and 1-month sizes, because baby’s weight is the last big surprise of pregnancy. And sometimes, that surprise is bigger than you expected. ☺️
What should you pack in your delivery room bag?
Baby’s first outfit, one or two muslin cloths and a dummy with a clip if needed. Keep it simple and easy to reach: this is the bag you’ll hand straight to the midwife without rummaging through your suitcase. And for mum and dad, pack a charger, a water mist spray, something loose to wear and a jacket, just in case…
How should you choose baby’s going-home outfit?
The three Cs: comfort, cosiness and cuteness. Because it’s the outfit baby will wear for those first photos outside the maternity unit. So you might as well make it wow. 😄
Should you wash baby’s clothes before packing them?
Yes. A first wash at 30°C without fabric softener is enough to remove manufacturing residues. Fabric softener, thanks for offering, but we’ll pass. 😄 A newborn’s skin is ultra-sensitive, so we’re already thinking of them before they’ve even arrived.
Does the maternity unit provide nappies and baby care essentials?
Some maternity units do, others don’t. Check when you register. It’ll save your suitcase from being as heavy as your bump. 😄 😄
The perfect hospital bag is the one that’s packed and doesn’t make you think between two contractions. You can figure out the rest as you go.
With the essentials sorted, you’re already ready to welcome baby in style. 😄