Chances are, you’ve found your way to our store because you’re shopping for children’s clothes. And if someone is buying baby clothes, there’s a good chance that a little one is already here—or arriving very soon!
Let’s imagine that right now, deep inside you (or your partner), a tiny new life is gathering strength, growing week by week – your baby!
As one of the most important dates of your life approaches, your mind may feel a little scattered. A well-organized checklist can help make sure you don’t find yourself in the hospital thinking, “Oh no, I forgot that!”
At Safal KIDS, our team has collectively walked through hospital doors for this experience more than a few times. Based on our own personal journeys, we’ve put together a realistic checklist of what you actually(!) need to pack for the hospital.
Broadly speaking, your hospital bag should cover two main areas:
✔️ Your baby’s needs
✔️ Your own comfort and well-being
And honestly, those are the only two things that matter in the coming days.
Don’t worry about your partner’s slippers or their toiletries – trust us, during these moments, the birthing mother is the queen of the room, and everyone will be running around making sure you have everything you need. Your body is bringing a new life into the world – you deserve all the extra attention!
What to pack for your baby
Your newborn’s biggest needs? You and your milk supply. That’s why their checklist is refreshingly short:
- The hospital will provide their first outfit, but you should bring clothes for the trip home.
- A baby onesie or wrap-style bodysuit
- Footed pants or onesie with closed feet
- A baby hat
- An outdoor onesie (choose thickness based on the season)
- A few diapers and baby wipes (hospitals usually provide these, but having a few extras never hurts)
- A car seat. You won’t need this right away, but make sure it’s arranged for when it’s time to go home.
What to pack for yourself
- Water bottle! You’ll need more water than ever before. During pregnancy, your bladder may have felt constantly squished, but now your body will be using tons of fluids – for healing and for producing breast milk. You will be incredibly thirsty.
Personal hygiene essentials:
- Toothbrush & toothpaste
- Shower products
- Neutral or fragrance-free body lotion
- Hairbrush or comb
Postpartum care essentials:
- Nipple cream and breast pads
- Postpartum mesh underwear or large maternity pads
- Extra pairs of underwear (nothing fancy – just something you won’t mind getting messy)
Comfortable indoor shoes
(Some hospitals ask about this at check-in, so it’s good to have them handy.)
Comfortable clothes for the hospital stay
Think soft loungewear – high-waisted leggings and a nursing top, or a loose cotton dress.
Phone charger and snacks!
You never know what time of day (or night) your baby will decide to arrive, and food may not always be available at that moment. Muesli bars, nuts, or other easy-to-eat snacks can be a lifesaver. After labor, you will be ravenous – think mama bear waking up after hibernation.
Most importantly, trust your body – it knows exactly what to do!
Yes, it may feel surreal now, but in just a few weeks, you’ll be looking back at this day with love and nostalgia – and gazing at your baby with even more pure, overwhelming love. 💙
