Hospital bag checklist: essentials not to forget
The big day is fast approaching, and the countdown is on… It’s time to start thinking about the little bag you’ll take to the hospital. But what do you really need to pack? Here’s a clear, complete checklist to help you set off with peace of mind!
When should you start packing your hospital bag?
Most maternity units recommend packing your hospital bag from the seventh month of pregnancy and having it ready before 36 weeks of gestation. That way, you won’t be caught off guard by a baby in a hurry, and you’ll have everything ready to go with peace of mind.
FOR MOM
Hospital-stay
essentials
to pack
- 2 to 3 nightgowns or pajamas
- a robe or a loose cardigan
- slippers or nonslip socks
- 5 pairs of disposable or dark cotton underwear
- 2 to 3 nursing bras + nursing pads
- 2 bath towels
- 1 to 2 packs of postpartum pads
- 1 to 2 pairs of compression stockings
- 2 to 3 comfortable outfits
- a toiletry bag
- hairbrush, hair tie, deodorant, gentle soap, shampoo
- toothpaste and a toothbrush
- face and body cream
- a little makeup (if you like)
- stretch mark oil
- under-eye patches
- French health insurance card + supplemental insurance card
- blood type card
- family record book or prenatal acknowledgment of parentage
- pregnancy records (ultrasounds, blood tests, exams…)
- birth plan (if you’ve written one)
the (very) important documents
- facial mist
- snacks such as dried fruit or granola bars
- your own pillow
- a soothing book or podcast
- nursing pillow
- earbuds
- night-light
little extras that make all the difference
clothes
- 6 to 7 cotton bodysuits
- 5 to 6 pajamas
- 2 to 3 wool sweaters or cardigans
- bibs and swaddle cloths
- 2 hats
- 2 to 3 pairs of socks or booties
- 1 warm one-piece suit (depending on the season)
- 1 sleep sack
care essentials for soft skin
- newborn diapers
- a pack of wipes or baby cleansing lotion
- a washcloth or reusable cloth squares
- saline solution
- diaper cream
- a baby toiletry bag
- a hooded bath towel
- a bath towel
for the trip home from the hospital
- complete outfit (bodysuit, pajamas, hat, cardigan)
- a bunting bag or blanket
- an appropriate car seat
For the other parent
- a change of clothes
- a lightly packed toiletry bag
- a few treats + a bottle of water
- tissues
- chargers
- overnight essentials (if allowed)
- some change for the coffee machine
- a surprise box: scratch-off tickets, a magazine, a little gift like a personalized sweatshirt, or a book for the super dad
Our Petit Picotin hospital-bag essentials
At Petit Picotin, we love creating beautiful, practical, long-lasting products that are there for you from your first days with baby.
Here are a few ideas for your baby registry:
For baby
- a personalized lovey: a unique gift for a tender first meeting
- a personalized child health record cover: the perfect gift to accompany your little one to doctor’s visits for years to come
- a personalized toiletry bag: perfect for tucking in baby’s gentle care essentials.
- a hooded bath towel: ideal for wrapping up little ones from head to toe!
for mom
- a personalized bag : a one-of-a-kind bag you can use before and after baby arrives
- a personalized diaper bag: stylish and practical, with room for everything you need to keep baby clean and dry
- a personalized pouch: for tucking away little essentials (documents, charger, jewelry…)
for matching
looks
A personalized sweatshirt for mom, dad, the soon-to-be big brother… It’s a must-have you can make your own in endless ways, and it’s sure to be a hit in the whole family’s closets for matching looks at the hospital!
A hospital bag packed with comfort, love, and tenderness in mind
No need to pack everything—the essentials are whatever makes you feel good.
A well-packed bag is a little like a declaration of love: We’re waiting for you, and everything’s ready! And if you’re looking for beautiful essentials to keep for a lifetime, you know where to find us!
We’ve covered the hospital essentials… but think about what comes next, too! Once you’re home, a personalizable linen baby backpack quickly becomes the ideal companion for those first outings. It’s not essential on the big day, but it’s perfect for carrying a change of clothes and a lovey on your walks.
things your little ones say
“How does nighttime keep from hurting itself when it falls?” — Romane, age 4
“It’s the bust of the game!” — Aliénor, age 2
“Daddy, I’m beautimazing!” — Lia, age 2
AUTHOR
Hello, moi c’est Capucine ! J’espère que cet article vous a plu. Passionnée par la rédaction et spécialisée dans les contenus autour de la petite enfance, je fais partie de l’équipe éditoriale de Petit Picotin. Au fil du blog, j’explore les questions du quotidien des familles pour vous partager conseils, idées et inspirations, en m’appuyant sur des recherches, des sources spécialisées et l’expertise de notre équipe.
SHARE THIS ARTICLE
leave a comment