As a second-time mom, I’ve learned what’s actually useful to pack for baby—and what ends up staying in the bag. This list includes all the newborn essentials I brought to the hospital this time around: simple, cozy, and practical items that made thos...
I love using large 100% cotton muslin burp cloths for baby—they’re soft, breathable, and gentle on sensitive skin. I try to stick with fabrics that are GOTS certified, organic, or pure cotton whenever possible. These are perfect for feedings, spit-up...
Muslin Burp Cloths Large 100% Cotton by Comfy Cubs (Sand, Pack of 6)
It might sound a little crazy, but I actually use organic reusable diaper cloths as burp cloths. They’re bigger than any traditional burp cloth and so much more absorbent—since they’re designed to soak up like a diaper. Made with soft, natural fabric...
The first meconium diapers are no joke—they’re thick, sticky, and take a little effort to clean up. Even if your baby doesn’t have a rash, applying a thin layer of diaper cream after each change helps protect and moisturize their skin. It also makes ...
Diaper Cream | Badger
Zipper onesies are a total game-changer for those first few days. No snaps, no fuss—just easy changes when you’re tired and baby needs to be cozy. I always pack a few soft, breathable ones made from organic cotton or bamboo so baby stays comfortable ...
Baby 3pk Cotton Moons Sleep N' Play - Cloud Island™ Gray
My baby absolutely loves this swaddle! It’s so much easier to use than the hospital blankets and helps them feel snug and secure without needing to be wrapped up tightly. The soft cotton fabric is breathable and gentle on baby’s skin—perfect for thos...
Love to Dream Swaddle Up Sleep Sack- Cotton 1.0 TOG - Gray - S
A cute going-home outfit is such a special thing to pack. It’s the perfect little set for those first photos and the sweetest way to bring baby home. I like choosing something soft, simple, and cozy—comfortable enough for the car seat but still pictu...
NEWBORN SET AND POUCH
A cute going-home outfit is such a special thing to pack. It’s the perfect little set for those first photos and the sweetest way to bring baby home. I like choosing something soft, simple, and cozy—comfortable enough for the car seat but still pictu...
Modern Moments by Gerber Baby Neutral Super Soft Take Me Home Set
I had a blue version of this blanket for my first and a green one for my second—it’s become such a special favorite. It’s incredibly soft, warm, and perfect for all those first newborn snuggles in the hospital. The kind of blanket you’ll end up using...
BAMBONI® RECEIVING BLANKETS
A good car seat is one of the most important things to have ready for baby’s first ride home. I love Nuna because their seats are made without flame retardants and use premium, breathable fabrics that feel so much better on baby’s skin. It’s definite...
Nuna PIPA™ RX Car Seat & Base
A night light is one of those small things that makes a big difference during nighttime feeds and diaper changes. I love having one with adjustable brightness so I can keep the room soft and calm without fully waking baby. It creates the perfect cozy...
Night Light for Kid, Egg Light for Nursery with 7 RGB Colors Changeable & Stepless Dimming, Rechargeable Breastfeeding Light with 1h Timer & Touch Control, Portable Night Lights for Babies BPA Free
A sound machine is a must for helping baby (and you) get better rest in the hospital and at home. The steady white noise helps drown out background sounds and creates a calming environment for sleep. I love using one with a gentle volume—it makes the...
Hatch Babies and Kids' Rest Go Portable Sound Machine
An expanding file organizer is such an underrated hospital essential. It’s perfect for keeping all your important papers in one place—your birth plan, discharge forms, baby’s stamped footprints, cards from visitors, even a few Polaroids from those fi...
SKYDUE Expanding File Organizer with 8 Pockets
My favorite diapers ever! Freestyle diapers are such high quality—made with clean, nontoxic materials from a brand I truly trust. They’re soft, absorbent, and feel so gentle on baby’s skin. They do run a little big in the smallest size, so if you hav...
The best wipes ever! Freestyle wipes are thick, strong, and make diaper changes so much easier since you don’t need to use as many. They’re EWG Verified and made with safe, gentle ingredients you can trust—perfect for sensitive newborn skin and peace...
Freestyle Soft Jumbo Baby Wipes for Sensitive Skin, Unscented, 3 Flip-Top Packs, 216 Total Count
The nurses told me not to trim my baby’s nails right away, but they were so sharp! A soft baby nail file is the perfect solution—it gently smooths the edges without cutting and helps prevent little scratches on their face. Such a small thing that mak...
Frida Baby NailFrida The SnipperClipper Nail Care Set
Baby hand mitts are perfect for keeping little ones from accidentally scratching their face in those early days. I like choosing soft, breathable cotton ones so they stay gentle on baby’s skin and don’t overheat. They’re tiny, practical, and one of t...
Baby 3-Pack Mitts - Ivory/Heather
My baby absolutely loves these pacifiers! He’ll tolerate other brands, but these are the only ones he keeps in without getting fussy. They stay in place, soothe him so well, and have such a soft, natural feel—definitely a must-pack favorite for us.
Tommee Tippee UltraLight Stay Put Silicone Pacifier 0-6m - Light Blue & Green - 2pk
The hospital will have formula on hand, but if clean ingredients are important to you, it’s worth bringing your own. Even if you plan to breastfeed, it’s always good to be prepared—especially as a first-time mom when milk production can take a little...