Packing your hospital bag: the essential checklist

When should you pack your hospital bag?

From the beginning of the 7th month of pregnancy, it is recommended to start preparing your newborn layette. Not only does this allow you to be ready in case of an earlier-than-expected delivery, but it is also a lovely moment to picture your baby in their first outfits.

What should you pack in the hospital bag for baby?

• Clothing and layette
• 6 to 8 pajamas
• 6 to 8 bodysuits (cotton for winter, terry cloth for summer)
• 2 to 3 wool jackets
• 1 pair of mittens (to prevent baby from scratching themselves)
• 1 to 3 newborn hats
• 2 pairs of booties or socks
• 1 to 2 sleep sacks
• 3 to 4 organic cotton muslin swaddles
• 1 newborn blanket super soft and generously sized, or a swaddle wrap (ideal for leaving the hospital)
• 1 to 2 pacifiers and a pacifier clip
  
  What size should you choose for a newborn?
  Plan for 1-month size for a full-term baby. If there is a risk of premature birth, add a few pieces in newborn size.
  
  

The essentials for coming home

To prepare serenely for baby's arrival and avoid mental overload, have you thought about creating a baby registry? Even better, we're sharing with you directly a complete gift ideas list to add to yours, put together by minipouce, the ultimate baby registry platform.

The concept behind minipouce is simple: you can create, as easily as possible, a multi-retailer baby registry, with the option of adding an integrated gift fund to your list. Say goodbye to receiving the same gift multiple times in the same color or size, and goodbye to the countless loveys — admittedly very cute, but not very useful in baby's first months. In short, the list you create on minipouce reflects who you are and is easy to use for you as well as for your loved ones.

As a bonus for the environment (and all budgets), you have the option of choosing second-hand products and pre-owned items. And also, a rare feature worth highlighting, it is possible to add "services" to your list: postpartum massage, house cleaning, meal delivery, etc.

Finally, minipouce makes the "essentials" section easier with many practical checklists for coming home from the hospital, hospital bag must-haves, birth bag, baby clothing list by birth month, everything for the first year and more…

Baby care essentials

• A practical and safe changing table: opt for our elegant wooden changing table PAGO, or for the wall-mounted changing table NOGA
• 2 to 3 packs of newborn diapers
• Shampoo, gentle cleansing gel, moisturizing cream, saline solution
• Reusable cotton pads
• Liniment
• Soft brush
• Thermometer
• Soft bath towels
  

Meals

If you choose infant formula:

• 2 to 4 large baby bottles
• 1 bottle brush
• At least 8 pacifiers
• 4 to 6 bibs

The nursery and comfort

• A cozy nest for newborns: A baby basket, a wooden bassinet without bars or a co-sleeping evolving bassinet
• 4 to 6 fitted sheets
• A blanket
• A baby monitor
• A baby bouncer suitable from birth
• A play mat on which to place an activity arch

The must-haves you don't always think of

• Find a trusted pediatrician before the birth
• Plan ahead for a nanny or childcare arrangement
• Attend a babywearing or baby massage workshop
• Keep a supportive ear close by (family, friend, midwife) to get through the harder moments
• Limiting time on Instagram: motherhood is not a competition
• Prepare small meals in advance (to put in the freezer) to get ahead of the lack of time and energy!

Don't forget your hospital's checklist

Each facility provides an official list of items to bring (administrative documents, specific clothing, items for mom, etc.). It is therefore important to combine this personalized checklist with your own to make sure you don't forget anything on the day of delivery.

✅ You now have everything you need to prepare your complete hospital bag. The key is to plan ahead for the essentials, and trust yourself for the rest.

FAQ – Packing your hospital bag

**When should you pack your hospital bag?**
It is recommended to pack your hospital bag from the 7th month of pregnancy. This allows you to be prepared in case of an early birth and to feel at ease if baby decides to arrive sooner than expected.

**What should you put in the hospital bag for mom?**
Pack nightgowns or pajamas suitable for breastfeeding, towels, comfortable underwear, postpartum sanitary protection, a toiletry bag, a pair of slippers and your administrative documents (health insurance card, ID, family record book…).

**What clothing size should you choose for baby at birth?**
The 1-month size is generally suitable for full-term babies. However, if an early birth is possible, also pack a few pieces in newborn size.

**What documents should you bring to the hospital?**
Hospitals generally require: health insurance card, mutual insurance card, ID, family record book (or advance recognition document), results of the most recent medical tests and pregnancy file.

**Should you follow the hospital's checklist?**
Yes! Each facility provides an official checklist tailored to its own organization (for example: number of bodysuits, sleep sacks, items for mom). It is therefore recommended to combine your personal preparation with this list so you don't forget anything.