Preparing for your baby’s arrival is an exciting and sometimes overwhelming experience, but packing your hospital bag doesn't have to be! Whether you're expecting your bundle of joy this spring or summer, it's essential to pack the right items for both you and your little one to ensure comfort, safety, and convenience during your stay. From baby’s first bath to the clothes they’ll wear, having the right products at your fingertips can make all the difference. 

Here's our ultimate checklist for what to add into your hospital bag, including must-have baby skin care and laundry products to keep your newborn’s delicate skin safe and healthy.

Essential Clothing for Baby

When packing baby’s clothes for the hospital, comfort is key. Remember that newborn skin is incredibly sensitive, so choose clothing made from soft, natural fabrics that won’t irritate their skin. Some essentials include:

• Onesies and footed sleepers. We recommend bringing 2-3 different outfits, just in case!
• Going home outfit. While you will be given a standard onesie for baby, you might already have your own outfit in mind to welcome baby home. Plus, you’ll want a cute outfit if you decide to share baby’s arrival to your Instagram!
• A hat for warmth, especially in air-conditioned hospital rooms. The hospital or birthing center may provide standard caps.
• Swaddle blankets for soothing and comfort
• Socks to keep little feet warm

Gentle Baby Skincare

Since your newborn just entered the world, you’ll only want to use gentle skincare products for your baby. The baby amenities that are offered may differ a bit from facility to facility. Most hospitals and birthing centers provide plenty of diapers and wipes, but you may prefer to bring your own. Noodle & Boo has everything you need to care for your baby, from top to bottom!

•  Super Soft Lotion: Perfect for hydrating your baby’s delicate skin after a bath, this lightweight lotion nourishes without irritation, ideal for sensitive skin.
• Newborn 2-in-1 Hair & Body Wash: Gently cleanses baby’s skin and hair with a hypoallergenic, tear-free formula. You can use it during your newborn’s first bath at the hospital.

We recommend our travel sized Bundle of Joy which has both the Super Soft Lotion and Newborn 2-in-1!

Essential Items For Baby

• Diapers. Pack plenty of newborn-sized diapers. Hospitals will provide some diapers of varying sizes (from preemie to size 1), but you might prefer to bring your own.
• Baby Wipes: Opt for gentle, alcohol-free wipes like those used by Noodle & Boo. Be sure they’re ultra-soft and designed for sensitive skin, so you can clean your newborn safely.
• Swaddle Blankets. Baby’s first moments outside the womb should be as cozy and comforting as possible. Swaddle blankets help mimic the comfort of the womb and can help soothe baby. A soft cotton or muslin blanket is perfect for the spring and summer months. Noodle & Boo’s Swaddle Bath Towel Set is designed for infant safety and comfort. Made from bamboo and organic cotton, our luxurious set helps make your baby’s first moments tender and unforgettable. 
  
• Car seat. Your hospital or birth center will not release your baby to leave the hospital with you unless you have a car seat. Installing it long before your due date will save you the time and hassle of figuring it out during the excitement of labor. This also means you will not have to run home and get it after delivery!
  
• Pediatrician’s contact information for the hospital’s reference. 

Feeding Essentials

Whether you plan to breastfeed or bottle-feed, packing the right feeding essentials will make the process easier during your hospital stay.

• Breastfeeding pillow: This can help you get into a comfortable position for feeding.
• Nipple cream: If you're breastfeeding, bring a gentle, lanolin-free nipple cream to soothe any soreness.
• Nursing Pads or Bras for additional comfort.
• Bottles: If you plan to bottle-feed, ensure you bring a few bottles with you, along with any formula or breast milk you may need.

For Mom

As you pack for baby, don’t forget to pack these must-have items into your hospital bag.

• ID. Identification, insurance cards and any other documents your doctor has instructed you to bring to admission are important for check-in.
• Birth plan. A birth plan is, of course, an outline of your preferences during labor and delivery. It’s important to have a plan ahead of time so that decisions are less complicated in the heat of the moment. Decisions like whether or not you want to take pain medication, where you want to give birth, which support person you’d like by your side and so on, are all apart of your birth plan. As seasoned mamas everywhere know, sometimes your labor and delivery may not go as intended. That’s okay! It’s normal for things to happen that you cannot foresee. If this is the case, it is important to go with the flow and make the best decisions from the options given to you.
• Toiletries. You’ll want to have your hairbrush, dry shampoo, toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, lip balm, hair ties, face wipes or wash, extra contacts or glasses to stay refreshed.
• Comfy pajamas or a robe to wear postpartum. Don’t forget socks and/or slippers for maximum comfort!
• Lip balm and lotion to keep your skin hydrated.
• Perineal spray. Traditionally an herbal solution used to alleviate discomfort from pregnancy and childbirth, this is a common option for mamas postpartum.
• Extended phone charger or portable charger so your phone is fully charged for all the good news you’ll be sharing! Some hospital outlets are in awkward locations, so you might find a longer phone charger ideal.

Capture Baby’s First Memories

You will never forget the day of your baby’s birth. Celebrate the arrival and capture all those special details in unique ways!

• Polaroid cameras are great for capturing candid moments. Plus, it means you’ll get a physical photo right away, so you can write the date and/or a caption.
• Bring a casting kit to capture molds of your newborn’s little hands or feet. The molds will become a cherished keepsake, for your family to forever remember just how teeny tiny your newborn was.

Packing the right items for your hospital stay is key to ensuring both you and your baby have a smooth and comfortable experience. With this comprehensive checklist, you can feel at ease knowing you’re prepared for the big day. Noodle & Boo’s gentle, high-quality products make sure your little one is clean, comfortable, and ready for their first moments in the world.

Pro Tip: While you focus on packing your hospital bag, don’t forget to enjoy the final weeks of your pregnancy. Taking a little time for self-care can help ensure you’re relaxed and ready for that special day!

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