Hospital bag for a newborn
A short list for the baby, and what to ask the hospital.
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Packing only
This list covers what to pack. It is not newborn care advice. Ask your baby's clinician what your baby needs.
The MedlinePlus list
For the baby, MedlinePlus includes a hat and socks, a receiving blanket, and an outfit for the ride home. In cold weather, it adds warmer clothes for the trip.
Ask what your hospital provides
Ask your hospital or birth center what it provides and what it allows. Ask what you need to bring for your baby, too.
The car seat
For car seats, we point only to NHTSA, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, and the American Academy of Pediatrics. Our car seat page has the links. We give no fitting advice.
Twins or more
We suggest one set of each item per baby. Ask your hospital or birth center what to bring for each baby.
FAQ
General information only, not medical advice. We are not a hospital, birth center, or health care provider, and we cannot tell you what your hospital provides, allows, or requires. Ask your clinician and your hospital or birth center what to bring and what to expect. For car seats, follow the seat maker's instructions and your vehicle owner's manual, and see NHTSA's car seat guidance. If you think you have a medical emergency, call 911.
Next: going-home outfit
Clothes for the trip home.
