Baby checklists
Birth and the first weeks
Hospital Bag Checklist for Baby
15 items · 6 must-haves · Weeks 35–40
Items needed for bringing baby home
Clothing
- Going Home OutfitZipper > snaps — you'll be dressing a floppy newborn with shaking hands. Bring newborn AND 0-3 month sizes since some babies are bigger than expected. Wash it first.
- HatNewborns lose body heat fast through their head — they can't regulate temperature yet. A soft cotton hat is essential for the ride home. Hospital provides one initially.
- Socks or BootiesTiny feet get cold fast. Stay-on socks or soft booties with gentle elastic. Don't stress about shoes — they're decorative only. Warmth is the only job here.
- MittensOPTIONALNewborn nails are razor-sharp from day one and they have zero hand control. Fold-over cuff sleeves work even better than mittens since mittens fall off constantly.
- BlanketMuslin blanket to tuck over baby after the harness is buckled. Don't swaddle baby in the car seat. Hospital teaches swaddling — ask a nurse to show you before discharge. Practice on a stuffed animal.
- Second Outfit OptionOPTIONALSpit-up and blowouts are inevitable, sometimes before you even leave the building. Pack a completely different outfit in a zip bag so it stays clean. Trust this one.
- Seasonal ConsiderationsCheck the weather forecast for your due date window. Layers are key — a onesie + sleeper + blanket lets you adjust. Overheating is as dangerous as being too cold for newborns.
Safety
- Car SeatMust be installed and inspected BEFORE your due date. Hospital checks before discharge. Get a certified CPST inspection (fire stations, NHTSA.gov for locations) — NHTSA found about half of car seats (46%) have at least one installation or use mistake.
- Car Seat Cover/BlanketOPTIONALThin blanket over the buckled harness, never underneath it. In cold weather, use a car seat cover or poncho-style coat — puffy coats create dangerous slack in the harness.
- Window ShadeOPTIONALEven a 10-minute ride home can blast a sleeping newborn with direct sun. Static-cling shades work best — suction cups fall off. Install before the hospital trip.
Feeding
- Formula (if needed)OPTIONALHospital provides ready-to-feed bottles, but bring your preferred brand if you have one. Switching formula later can cause stomach issues, so starting with your pick avoids a transition.
- PacifierOPTIONALAAP says wait 3-4 weeks if breastfeeding to avoid nipple confusion. If formula feeding, no need to wait. Either way, one pacifier in the bag is enough — they're not urgent.
Diapering
- DiapersOPTIONALHospital provides diapers during your stay — stock up guilt-free. Bring 4-5 newborn diapers for the ride home just in case. First meconium poops are sticky black tar — be ready.
Comfort
- Pacifier ClipOPTIONALAttach pacifier to clothing, not around the neck — strangulation risk. Clips with short ribbons only. Remove the clip for every nap and night; never in the crib. In reality, most newborns spit the pacifier out constantly anyway.
- Scented Blanket (Awake Cuddles Only)OPTIONALHave mom sleep with the blanket for a few nights before delivery so it carries her scent. Use it for cuddles while baby is awake and held; it never goes in the bassinet or crib.
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