1. Swaddles 

Bring a soft cotton or bamboo swaddle and a newborn outfit (with feet + hat). Hospitals provide blankets, but a personal one makes photos sweeter and keeps baby cozy for discharge. For nighttime swaddling, I do prefer the hospital ones. They tend to have the perfect stretch and hold a swaddle better.

2. Infant Car Seat (Installed in Advance)

You can’t leave without it! Make sure it’s installed before you go into labor — straps at or below shoulder level for a newborn, chest clip at armpit height.

3. Long Phone Charger + Portable Battery

Hospital outlets are never where you need them. A 10-ft charger or portable power bank keeps your phone ready for photos, updates, and pediatric follow-ups.

4. Snacks for Mom (and Partner!)

Labor and postpartum hunger are real. Pack protein bars, trail mix, and something salty.

5. Baby’s Pediatrician Info

Bring your pediatrician’s name, phone, and office location for the hospital forms. You’ll need this to schedule baby’s first visit (usually 2–3 days after discharge).

6. Postpartum Care Kit

Hospital mesh undies are iconic, but you’ll want your own extras:

• Peri bottle
  
  

• FridaMom cooling pads
  
  

• Witch hazel spray
  
  

• High-waisted soft underwear
  
  

7. Comfortable Robe & Slippers

You’ll be walking the halls and feeding baby around the clock — choose something soft, lightweight, and nursing-friendly.

8. Toiletry Mini Kit

Pack a small pouch with:
Toothbrush, dry shampoo, hair ties, face wipes, chapstick, and a travel-size lotion (hospital air is dry).

9. Sound Machine or App for White Noise

Helps both mom and baby rest through the endless beeping and hallway noise. A small portable white-noise machine or app works wonders.

10. Folder for Paperwork & Keepsakes

You’ll get discharge instructions, baby footprints, vaccination card, and pediatric visit summaries. Keep them together in a labeled folder to make postpartum life easier.

11. Wipes

My hospital did not provide wipes, although they DID provided diapers. Pack some wipes just in case your hospital doesn't either. I really like the Water Wipes.

12. Vaseline

This is important for any boys who have a circumcision. Get a big squeeze tube of it. You can never have too much vaseline.

13. Nursing Pillow

This is a must if you are breastfeeding. Practice with your nursing pillow and with the lactation consultant. I promise, it does get easier as time goes on. 

14. Pacifier (if you decide to use one)

All 4 of my kids were pacifier babies so I made sure to pack one. Most hospitals do not provide a paci so it's best to be on the safe side and bring your own.