What to pack in your hospital bag for having a baby

Your little one is coming soon—yay!!! As your due date approaches, it’s time to get that hospital bag packed and ready to go. But the big question is: What should I pack in my hospital bag for delivery?

It’s easy to overpack (maybe a few moms underpack—THAT was never my problem!). After three babies and NICU stays for two of them, I’ve learned what is most important to pack. This list includes my must-have items, but you can always adjust based on your needs and preferences.

A good tip: Ask in local mom groups about the hospital where you’re delivering—each one provides different items, so you might not need as much as you think.

And remember, all your baby really needs is a comfy outfit to go home in and a cozy blanket. The hospital usually provides plenty of essentials for your newborn! I personally always prefer to provide my own items to avoid the harsh soaps and chemicals the hospital needs to use.

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Doing some things ahead of time like installing your carseat and keeping the stroller in the car are great ways to not have to worry about those items. (If you’re local Max Mamas in Norman will do carseat checks for you!)

What To Pack Clothing Tip: Think Soft, Cozy & Practical

When choosing what to wear, stick with dark, soft, and cozy—and pick items you’d be okay tossing if needed. After delivery, comfort is key, and let’s be honest, things can get messy.

Some moms love cute hospital gowns for photos, but if that’s not your thing, a soft robe and loose, breathable pajamas work great. And if you’re planning on capturing Fresh 48 photos in the hospital, consider bringing a neutral or solid-colored outfit that won’t clash with your baby’s sweet newborn skin.

How to pack smart: Use a Rolling Suitcase

A rolling suitcase is your best friend! It might not look as “aesthetic,” but it keeps your hands free and makes moving from labor & delivery to the recovery room so much easier.

To stay organized and find what I needed I choose to:

✔ Pack mine and my husband’s things in a rolling suitcase.
✔ Pack the baby’s essentials in my diaper bag.

A timeless item: photos with a Fresh 48 Photographer

One of the most special things you can pack? A plan for documenting those first hours with your newborn. If you love the idea of capturing those raw, emotional moments—the tiny fingers, sleepy yawns, and first snuggles—consider hiring a Fresh 48 photographer in OKC to come to your hospital room and document your baby’s first day.

These photos are different from a posed newborn session—they’re all about capturing real, authentic moments of you meeting your baby. Check out this post to take a peek at what a session looks like.

The full list: what to pack in your hospital bag for having a baby.

What To Pack For Mom

• birth plan (love this one from Mama Natural – our nurses always commented on how much they liked them!)
• cotton robe
• soft clothes in dark colors (love these nursing pajamas)
• snacks (both my babies came late at night and the options at the cafeteria were very slim. I was starving and so glad for food I brought!)
• hair ties and head bands
• toiletries
• heating pad
• lip balm
• frida perry bottle
• nipple cream – (earth mama products are my favorite!)
• lotion – hospital air is SO dry
• birth affirmation cards
• nursing tanks/bras
• amber light for middle of the night needs (I like this one or this book lamp)
• sound machine for blocking hospital noise
• ear buds
  
  if you plan to nurse check out my post on 11 essentials for breastfeeding mamas

what to pack for dad

• change of clothes
• pj’s
• toothbrush/toothpaste
• other toiletries
• book
• headphones/entertainment
• snacks

what to pack for both parents

• pillows
• long charging cords
• slip on shoes / flipflops for shower
• glasses or contacts
• snacks (how many times do I mention snacks? lol!)
• extra change of clothes
• ID’s & insurance cards
• a diffuser if you want certain smells
• shirts that open for easy skin to skin

what to pack in the hospital bag for baby 

• aquaphor or nipple butter for baby’s butt (helps those early diaper changes go so much easier)
• wet wipes if you are local and delivering at Mercy
• Bonsie Baby outfit (my absolute favorite baby sleepers!)
• going home outfit
• cozy blanket
• carseat – if you have the carseat/stroller combo this is handy thing to have along. You seem to take so much more out of the hospital than you bring and it gives you an easier way to move everything!
• if you wish to use different pacifiers
• pediatrician info
• lactation consult info
• Fresh 48 and / or newborn photographer info – to let them know baby has arrived and you’ll be in touch soon to set a date 🙂 

Final Thoughts: Keep It Simple

At the end of the day, less is more when it comes to hospital packing. Your baby doesn’t need much, and you’ll mostly want to focus on rest, recovery, and soaking in those early newborn days.

If you’re in the OKC area and looking for someone to capture those priceless first moments, I’d love to help as your OKC newborn photographer! Reach out for details on Fresh 48 sessions or newborn photography that feels natural, timeless, and stress-free.

Author Bio:
Charis – a family & OKC newborn lifestyle photographer serving the metro Oklahoma City area including Yukon, Guthrie, Edmond and Midwest City. She brings her experience as a mother of 3 and photographer of over 5 years to provide sessions that are focused on joyful, honest images you can cherish for years to come.