What to Pack in Your Hospital Bag: A Simple, Stress-Free Guide for New Parent
The first few hours after your baby arrives are so special, sacred and precious, but also exhausting and overwhelming at times. As a fresh 48 photographer and mama of soon to be FOUR babies, I’ve been around a few postpartum hospital rooms. A question you might have as a pregnant or expecting mama is what to pack in your hospital bag? So today, as I share this gorgeous Boise fresh 48 session, I also wanted to share my tips for packing a hospital bag.
For Mama
Robe or cozy cardigan – At some point your probably going to want to get out of that stiff hospital gown and something soft and cozy helps you feel more at home. A robe or cardigan are also easy to unbutton or untie for skin to skin or breastfeeding. For a summer baby I would recommend a lightweight robe, something like this or this waffle knit option.
Button Up Pajamas - You’ll definitely want something comfortable to sleep in and a button up shirt makes nursing or skin to skin time a breeze. Something like this set is perfect.
A few Nursing bras or nursing tank tops - You definitely want more than one in case of spit up or leaking. I love these comfortable sleep bras
Flip flops, slippers or slip on shoe – You’ll be in and out of bed tending to baby or going to the restroom and having something easy to step into is a must. Personally I’m not big on slippers but I couldn’t survive without my Rainbow Sandals, especially when having a summer baby.
Comfy going-home outfit – Think soft, loose, and forgiving. Your body deserves kindness. But also avoid yoga pants since granny panties will be your friend for a while.
Personal Care Essentials
Toiletries – Toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo, face wash, chapstick (trust me… chapstick), deodorant (I forgot deodorant with my third and early in to labor I was begging the nurses to track some down for me)
Make Up - While some mamas welcome their baby with a full face of make-up, I usually didn’t pull the make up bag out until the next day when I as hoping to freshen up a bit and start feeling like myself again. You may also want to bring a small mirror so you can do your make up while in the hospital bed
Hair ties or clips – You’ll use more than one.
Fragrance-free lotion – You won’t need it for the baby, but you may need it for yourself. Hospital air can also be very dry
Birth & Postpartum Must-Haves
Your ID + insurance card
A copy of your birth plan (if you have one)
Snacks – The hospital’s kitchen may close at a certain time of night and you will likely be up around the clock so snacks are a must. You may be surprised by how hungry you are after labor and while nursing. So pack a good variety of the kind you love, you’ve certainly earned them!
For Baby
The Sweet & Simple Essentials
A swaddle or two – The hospital provides some, but I find them pretty stiff. Bringing one you love makes cuddling with your baby that much more cozy and helps your photos feel personal. I love Lou Lou and Co or Caden Lane
Two going-home outfit options – Babies love to surprise us with sizing!
A hat or bow – Especially helpful for Fresh 48 photos.
Car seat already installed in the car – The golden rule.
A few options of Pacifiers - The hospital typically has one kind, and my babies never liked these very much. A pacifier may not get used at all during your hospital stay as baby is establishing feeding routines, but it’s nice to have if you just need a little extra help getting baby settled. I love these and these.
For Your Partner
Sometimes partners forget they’re staying for a while too!
Change of clothes
Phone charger (extra-long if you have one)
Snacks + water bottle
Toiletries
A pillow or blanket from home – Hospital chairs aren’t the coziest.
Slippers or slip on shoes
For Your Fresh 48 Session
As your photographer, I want your session to feel effortless and calm. Here are a few things that help set the tone:
Two swaddles or a blanket and a swaddle – I often like to photograph baby in the bassinet and having one blanket for under baby and one blanket to wrap baby in is ideal. Prints are fine, but choose two coordinating options. I prefer one solid and one print. Muslin swaddles are great for under baby.
Outfit for baby – White, cream, or muted tones let baby shine. We want to be able to photograph all of babies tiny details so make sure the outfit leaves baby’s hands and feet are free. A romper or simple onsie is ideal
Props - A few meaniful props can make your session personal. A Name plate or Announcement Sign – I purchase this wood name plate for my daughter’s birth and loved it for her fresh 48 photos. A small stuffed animal to photograph with baby can also be sweet. I also love to photograph baby’s footprints that the hospital puts on baby’s birth announcement and some parents like to purchase a custom footprint sign
Coordinating Outfits for Mom & Dad - You can really keep it simple here. I like a neutral shirt for dad (with no prints) and something comfy for mom. You can even wear the robe or pajamas you packed.
A Final Thought
No matter what you pack—or forget—you already have everything your baby needs: your love, your presence, your steady breath against theirs. The rest is just details.
And when I step into your hospital room for your Fresh 48 session, my hope is to capture the miracle of these first hours exactly as they unfold: natural, tender, beautifully imperfect, and completely yours.
If you’re preparing for a Fresh 48 session and want to learn more about booking, availability, or what the experience looks like, I’d love to chat.
