As a mom of two and the founder of the baby essentials brand Tidy Sleep. I know just how overwhelming those last few weeks before your baby arrives can feel. You’re excited, nervous, making lists, checking them twice, and somehow, your hospital bag still doesn’t feel complete.

When I was preparing for my own delivery, I had the same questions: How many clothes does my baby really need? How many diapers should I pack? Do I need all those blankets and baby essentials I see on every checklist?

Looking back, I realised I had been making it much more complicated than it needed to be.

So, if you’re a mom-to-be packing your hospital bag right now, let me share what I actually packed for my baby, what was enough for our hospital stay, and the one thing I forgot that I really wish I had brought along.

Think of this as a little chat from one mom to another, because when it comes to those first few days, sometimes you just need someone to tell you, “Don’t worry, you don’t need to pack everything.”

Before getting into the details, I’ve divided the list of items into categories for better clarity, because categorizing your products and managing them accordingly is the best pre-labour preparation you can do.

Let’s start with the basics: clothes for your little one.

For a two-day hospital stay, I kept around four to five onesies. That was enough for me, but you can always adjust the number depending on how long you expect to stay at the hospital.

Along with the onesies, I packed a few mittens, booties, and caps.
You really don’t need to pack too many outfits. Your baby is going to be tiny, and during those first few days, they’ll mostly be sleeping, feeding, and cuddling with you. A few comfortable outfits and a couple of spares should be enough.

And, of course, don’t forget newborn-sized diapers. Having them packed and ready means one less thing to worry about once you’re at the hospital.

The next category is feeding, and this one is for both you and your baby.

For yourself, you may want to pack a few feeding bras, feeding-friendly tops, and breast pads. Comfortable, easy-to-access clothing can make those early feeding sessions a little easier, especially when you’re still getting used to everything.

For your baby, keep two to three bibs and a couple of burp cloths.

Burp cloths are particularly handy because feeding can get a little messy. Having a few within reach means you won’t have to worry about finding a clean towel every time your baby needs a little clean-up.

Now for the cosy part: your baby’s bedding.

I carried around five to six swaddles and a receiving blanket. Swaddles can be useful for keeping your newborn comfortable and cosy during their hospital stay.

I also kept a small baby pillow and one heavier blanket, just in case the room got a little cold.

That said, the bedding you need can depend on your hospital, the season, and the temperature of the room. So, it’s a good idea to check whether your hospital provides any blankets or other baby bedding before packing extras.

Now, here’s the one thing I forgot to pack, and looking back, I wish I had brought it with me.

A breast pump.

I ended up wishing I had one because of some personal circumstances I experienced after delivery. Of course, every mom’s experience is different, and you may or may not need one during your hospital stay.

If you’re considering carrying a breast pump, it’s worth checking with your healthcare provider or hospital beforehand about whether you’re likely to need one.

If there’s one thing I want every new mom to remember while packing her hospital bag, it’s this: you don’t need to pack everything!

It’s called a hospital bag for a reason.

You’re probably going to be there for only a few days, and your newborn doesn’t need a suitcase full of clothes, blankets, and accessories. Pack the essentials, add a couple of spares, and leave the rest at home.

The goal isn’t to be prepared for every possible situation. It’s simply to have the things you and your baby are most likely to need within easy reach.

Before you zip up that hospital bag, here’s a quick checklist to run through:

• Onesies and a couple of extra outfits
• Newborn diapers
• Mittens
• Booties
• Caps
• Feeding bras
• Feeding-friendly tops
• Breast pads
• Bibs
• Burp cloths
• Swaddles
• Receiving blanket
• Baby bedding as recommended by your hospital
• Breast pump, if recommended or needed

You can also check with your hospital about anything they provide or specifically ask you to bring. That way, you won’t end up carrying things you won’t need.

My biggest tip? Pack your hospital bag a little ahead of time.

You don’t want to be rushing around looking for tiny onesies and newborn diapers when you’re already ready to head to the hospital. Keep everything together in one easily accessible bag, and let your partner or whoever is accompanying you know where everything is.

And remember, mama: you don’t have to get everything perfect.

Pack the basics, keep a few extras, and trust yourself. Once your little one arrives, you’ll have much more important things to focus on; like those first cuddles, feeds, and sleepy newborn snuggles.

You’ve got this.

— Priyanka Agrawal

Founder, Tidy Sleep