Baby’s Hospital Bag Checklist: What to Pack (+ Free Printable)

When I had my first two babies — both winter babies — I only packed a going-home outfit and a blanket. That was it. Back then, the hospital really did provide just about everything, and for the most part, they still do.

My first ended up staying five days for jaundice, while my second was a quick stay, and neither time did we really need more than the basics.

Fast forward 11 ½ years, when I had my third (a summer baby), and things had changed. Hospitals no longer bathed babies before discharge (at least mine didn’t), they didn’t provide pacifiers or nail clippers, and some of the “standards” I remembered had shifted. Looking across the 14 ½ years between my first and my third, it honestly felt like I was having a baby in a completely different era.

Our third baby also had jaundice and stayed 12 days, which gave me a lot of time to notice what I actually used, what I wished I had, and what wasn’t necessary. Here’s my real-life baby bag checklist.

What to Pack in Baby’s Hospital Bag

Clothing

Going-home outfit Winter baby → cozy sleeper, hat, socks, and blanket. Summer baby → lightweight onesie, soft pants, breathable swaddle, and a light hat. Extra onesies & tiny sweatpants (I packed two — not for the hospital, but so I wouldn’t need to repack for our first outing). Hats & socks — hospitals provide beanies, but I liked having my own. Mittens (optional) — if nail trimming feels intimidating. Personally, I prefer to trim nails and let babies have their hands free.

Blankets & Swaddles

Hospitals give you standard receiving blankets, but I’ve always packed muslin swaddles. I used them with all three of my babies — even back when they were harder to find and more expensive.

My oldest had one of the original Aden + Anais swaddles in the mid-2000s, and I remember it being a splurge at the time.

I lean toward natural fabrics, so muslin was perfect: soft, breathable, and versatile. A muslin swaddle doubles as a nursing cover, a light blanket, or even a photo backdrop.

I also packed muslin burp cloths. They’re practical, but having ones I loved made those hospital days feel a little more special.

Diapering

Diapers & wipes → The hospital provides plenty, but I brought Nikki wipes (my favorite) and a couple of diapers so my bag was already stocked for the ride home. Diaper ointment (optional) → Not always needed. If you delay your baby’s first bath, vernix acts as a natural moisturizer and barrier. Diaper disposal bags with a cute holder → I clipped a little bear-shaped one on my backpack bag. Waterproof laundry bag → An absolute must for blowouts or messy clothes.

Feeding & Comfort Extras

Pacifier → My hospital didn’t provide them. I was grateful I had one when my baby spent long hours under those blue lights for his light therapy jaundice treatments. Baby book → For footprints or keepsakes. Nursing pillow or manual pump (optional) I left mine at home → Many hospitals stock pumps, so you may not need your own.

Bag Choice

This time, I used a backpack diaper bag instead of a tote. It kept everything organized, hands-free, and was already set up for life after the hospital. Plus, it’s a lot easier for partners to carry too.

What You Don’t Need

Multiple outfits → one going-home outfit is plenty. Bulk diapers or wipes → the hospital will load you up. Baby wash/lotion → most hospitals delay or skip baths. Heavy extras → remember, everything you bring in, you carry out — and leaving the hospital is way more exhausting than arriving.

💡 Pro tip: If you realize you need something extra, order online for pickup (Target, Amazon, Walmart) or have your partner grab it with prescriptions before heading home.

Packing for your baby doesn’t have to be complicated. Between what the hospital provides and a few thoughtful extras, you’ll have everything you need for those first sweet, hazy days.

For me, the 11½ years between my second and third babies really showed how much things had changed — from muslin swaddles becoming staples to hospitals no longer handing out pacifiers. But the heart of it stayed the same: keep it simple, choose what brings comfort, and trust that less is often more.

When you’re heading home, you’ll be grateful for a light, organized bag and a clear mind. Pack the basics, take a breath, and enjoy the beginning of this new chapter.