What to pack in your hospital bag for baby
Packing for the hospital can feel overwhelming, especially the first time around. The good news is that the baby side of things is simpler than it seems — and getting it right matters, because these are the first photos you will ever have of your little one.
The hospital bag checklist for baby
Here is what we recommend packing for your newborn:
- Muslin wraps (2–3)
- A going home outfit (bodysuit, romper or a jersey wrap set)
- Newborn beanie or knotted beanie
- Bassinet sheet, if the hospital allows
- Nappies and wipes (the hospital usually provides these, but bring a small pack)
- Dummies, if you plan to use them
Most hospitals provide blankets and a bassinet — check with yours before packing duplicates.
The going home outfit — your little one's first
The going home outfit is the one in the first photos. It gets passed around at the hospital, admired by every nurse and visitor who walks through the door. It ends up framed. It matters more than most things you will pack. A Jersey Wrap Set makes a complete going home outfit — wrap your little one in it straight from birth, and it doubles as their first photo prop. Our Muslin Wraps are ideal because they are breathable, gentle on newborn skin, and made from GOTS certified organic cotton — safe from the very first moment. And if you want to start capturing every milestone from day one, tuck a set of Milestone Cards or our Wooden Milestone Cards into the bag — the first one gets used sooner than you think.
Jersey Wrap Sets | Muslin Wraps
What size and what to actually dress them in
One of the most common anxieties is sizing — and it is worth knowing that many newborns skip 0000 entirely. We recommend buying 000 as your main size, but having one or two 0000 pieces just in case. For early arrivals, Snuggle Hunny carries preemie sizing (00000) through the Tiny Treasures collection, designed with the smallest and most precious babies in mind.
Gifting a going home outfit — what to buy a new mum
If someone you know is expecting, the going home outfit is one of the most meaningful gifts you can give. It is something the parents have usually thought about but not bought for themselves. A wrap and beanie set, or one of our gift sets, arrives beautifully packaged and ready to give. Our Milestone Cards and Wooden Milestone Cards also make a beautiful addition — something the whole family will use and keep.
The hospital bag does not need to be perfect. But the going home outfit does — because those first photos last forever. We hope yours are everything you dreamed of. Shop newborn essentials.
