What's In My Hospital Bag (baby addition)
Packing my hospital bag felt overwhelming at first — I wanted to be prepared, but I also didn’t want to bring the entire nursery with me. After a lot of research and asking other moms, I narrowed it down to items that are truly helpful for those first few days. Here’s what I packed for my baby:
8/22/20253 min read
Every baby is different, and every mom’s hospital bag will look a little different too. There’s no one-size-fits-all when it comes to preparing for those first few days, and I definitely packed a few extra items just in case. But after putting my bag together, these stood out as my top baby essentials, the products I really love and know I’ll reach for again and again.
Click the links that are underlined to look at the products on Amazon :)
1. Dr. Brown's Baby Brush + Comb
Those newborn hairs are so soft and delicate. A gentle baby brush is perfect not only for smoothing their little head but also for helping with dry skin or cradle cap down the road. Plus, brushing becomes a sweet bonding moment right after bath time. These brushes are the most affordable on Amazon, and they are wooden to match everyone's aesthetic.
2. Egg Night Light
Hospital rooms can be bright and clinical, and turning on the overhead lights in the middle of the night is disruptive. A soft egg night light gives just enough glow for diaper changes or feeds without waking everyone up completely. Bonus: It’s great for nighttime feeds at home, too. This specific light alos has a 1 hour timer and the option to change colours. It is also soft, so no need to worry about breaking it if knocked over.
3. Knit Name Sweater
I wanted something special for baby’s first photos, and a knit name sweater feels both cozy and personalized. It’s one of those keepsakes you’ll treasure forever and is the perfect “coming home” outfit or first picture moment.
4. Muslin Swaddles
I packed the LifeTree muslin swaddle blankets because they’re next-level in both quality and versatility. Made from a super-soft blend, 70% viscose from bamboo and 30% cotton, they’re breathable and gentle on newborn skin, perfect for avoiding overheating while keeping baby cozy. Measuring a generous 47 x 47 inches (120 cm), these blankets are large enough to swaddle even the wriggliest babies comfortably, and they’ll grow with your baby into toddlerhood. Personally, I was obsessed with the bear pattern, and all the nurses on the unit are obsessed with this one.
5. Kyte Baby Sleeper
Comfort is everything for newborns. A Kyte Baby sleeper is buttery soft, breathable, and gentle on baby’s skin. The zipper makes diaper changes easier (a lifesaver at 3 a.m.), and it keeps baby snug without being too hot.
6. Cuddle + Kind Stuffie
This is more of a comfort and keepsake item. So adorable for photos with babe. A soft little stuffed animal makes the hospital feel more homey. Cuddle + Kind dolls are not only adorable but also meaningful, since each purchase helps provide meals to children in need. Amazon has the cutest pack of 3 minis, which I linked.
7. Dr. Brown's Pacifiers + Pacifier Clip
Whether or not your baby ends up loving pacifiers, having one (with a clip so it doesn’t fall on the hospital floor every five minutes) is so helpful. It can soothe them between feeds, during car rides, or just when they need comfort. I personally love Dr. Brown's because they are well-trusted in the medical world, and they are also the most affordable. Of course, every baby is different, and they like different pacifiers.
8. Moonkie Pacifier Holder
This small but practical item keeps pacifiers clean and easy to find in your bag. Hospitals aren’t exactly the cleanest places to be dropping things on the floor, so having a holder gives me peace of mind.
9. Soft Headbands
For girl moms, soft stretchy headbands are a fun extra for those newborn photos. They’re gentle on baby’s head and add the sweetest little touch to those first memories. These ones are also handmade, which I love!
10. Dreamegg Portable Sound Machine
Hospitals are loud, monitors beeping, nurses in and out, carts rolling down the hall. A portable sound machine helps drown out the background noise and gives baby (and mom!) a better chance at rest. This one is compact, easy to charge, and will definitely keep being useful at home. You can also attach this to the car seat for trips in the car.
11. Touchland Hand Sanitizer
So many people will want to hold the baby, and hand hygiene is non-negotiable in those early days. Touchland hand sanitizer is easy to use, smells nice, and doesn’t dry out your skin. I like having it clipped to the bag so it’s always within reach. Plus this one is super cute to have on hand.