Whether you’re about to welcome your first baby or your third, one important step to prepare for the birth of your little one involves packing a bag for your stay at the hospital or birth center!

The internet is full of suggestions when it comes to what items are must-haves for mama and baby for their hospital stay, but as a mother of two myself and a newborn photographer serving the Fort Worth area, I’m constantly hearing what works (and what doesn’t) for new parents. Consider this checklist as you pack your mama-tested, mama-approved hospital bag!

As for when you should pack for the hospital, I always recommend planning ahead. Pack your hospital bag around 38 weeks to give your baby ample time to decide when his/her birthday will be! Some parents-to-be like to keep the hospital bag in the car, while others stow it by the front door or garage entrance to ensure it’s easy to grab on the way out the door.

For Mom

• Photo ID and insurance information
• Robe
• Button-down pajamas or adjustable nightgown
• Comfortable undergarments for recovery (and maxi pads, if you prefer a certain brand)
• Breast pump, nursing bras, and nursing pillow (if breastfeeding)
• Baby bottles (for pumping or formula feeding)
• Fuzzy socks/slippers
• Pillow from home
• Shower flip-flops
• Earbuds
• Makeup
• Toiletries, including lip balm and scrunchies or headbands!
• Phone Charger
• Going home outfit

For Baby

• Car seat
• Going home outfit (consider bringing a few outfits in different sizes to ensure a good fit for your baby!)
• Sound machine
• Swaddles and blankets
• Onesies and socks

If this is your first baby, you may not know this: hospitals and birthing centers provide diapers and wipes during your stay, so you don’t need to bring those with you!

IMPORTANT: Consider meeting with a Child Passenger Safety Technician (CPST) prior to your baby’s birth to ensure that you know how to properly install your car seat and safely harness your new baby. Contrary to popular belief, fire stations and police stations do not always have CPSTs at every location, and hospital nurses are not often trained on proven car seat safety – so it’s wise to plan ahead!

For Partners

• Pillow and blanket
• Toiletries
• Change of clothes
• Phone Charger
• Shower flip-flops
• Snacks for you and for Mom
• Entertainment (book, magazine, etc.)

I hope this hospital bag checklist helps you remember everything and allows you to focus on meeting your new baby!

BONUS: Want a printable list of must-have items to include in your hospital bag? Click here for a printable version of this checklist!

A First 48 session during your hospital stay is the perfect compliment to an in-home newborn session – more documentary in style and meant to capture the raw details of this intimate time. Want to learn more? Set up a time to chat here.