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You don’t need to pack your entire house or fully stock a nursery before your baby is born. The key is knowing what must be ready for the hospital and what needs to be set up at home — everything else can wait. This simple breakdown will save you money, stress, and last-minute panic.
🏥 Hospital Bag Essentials (Keep It Simple)
For Mom
- Photo ID + insurance card
- Phone + long charging cord
- A show ready to watch or something to keep your mind busy
- Comfortable robe or Women Waffle Kimono Bathrobe
- Going-home outfit (loose and cozy)
- Nursing bra or comfy bralette
- Slippers or non-slip socks
- Basic toiletries (toothbrush, face wash, hair tie). Here is a budget friendly toiletry bag.
- Glasses/contacts (if needed)
- Snacks/drinks for hubby
👉 The hospital provides most recovery items — pads, mesh underwear, peri bottle, etc.
For Baby
- Going-home outfit and some simple zip up pjs.
- Hat (hospital may provide one)
- Pacifiers – We tried a lot, these are the real deal.
- Swaddle Blanket
- Hospitals provide bottles and even formula. I brought my own so our baby got used to what we would be doing right away.
- Blanket for the car ride (weather-appropriate)
- Here is a budget friendly Soft Blanket or 100% Cotton blanket
👉 You do not need diapers, wipes, or bottles — the hospital supplies them.
Optional (Nice, Not Required)
- Nursing Pillow
- Comfy blanket for mom
- Minimal makeup or skincare
🏠 Home Essentials to Have Ready Before Birth
These are the true must-haves waiting for you when you get home.
Safe Sleep Setup
- Pack n Play, Crib or Basinet. You only need one:
- Baby Crib
- Crib Mattress
- Mattress Protector (at least 2, ideally 3)
- Crib Sheets (ideally 4 sets)
- Pack n Play
We brought our pack n play everywhere. We weren’t the type of parents to stay home, and this was exactly what we needed. Easy to fold, easy to set up, and great quality. - Bassinet
- Baby Crib
Car Seat (Installed Before Delivery)
- Infant car seat properly installed
This is non-negotiable — you can’t leave the hospital without it.
- Infant Stroller & Car Seat Combo
This is a lifesaver. No one wants to wake a sleeping baby just to move them from car seat to stroller. One click and you’re on your way. - Extra Car Seat Base
Diapers & Wipes
Don’t overbuy in newborn size diaper sizes— babies grow fast.
Feeding Basics
Just enough to get started.
Breastfeeding:
- Nursing bras
- Nipple Cream
- Breast Pads
- Nursing Cover (also doubles as a car seat cover)
Bottle or combo feeding:
Clothing (Minimal)
Zippers save sanity. Snaps are exhausting at 3am.
Diaper Changing Setup
- Changing Pad – If you don’t have a liner/cover you can use a towel.
- Diaper Caddy
- Diaper Bag
You don’t need a full changing table right away.
Bath & Health Basics
🚫 What Can Wait Until After Birth
These items are easy to order once baby arrives — and many parents realize they don’t need some of these at all.
- Toys
- High chair
- Walker or jumper
- Baby food or feeding gear for solids
- Baby shoes
- Large clothing stockpiles
- Nursery décor
JUMP TO ⤵️:
Hospital Bag vs. Home Essentials: What You Really Need Before Baby Arrives
Budget-Friendly Baby Essentials You Actually Need (Amazon Finds)
Car Seat Must-Haves Every Mom Needs for Smooth (and Saner) Outings
A Year-Round Gift Guide for Babies, Kids & Teens
👜 Diaper Bag Essentials (What You Actually Need)
✨ Final Thoughts
The goal isn’t to be “fully prepared” — it’s to be ready enough.
If you have:
✔ A safe place for baby to sleep
✔ A car seat
✔ Diapers, wipes, and clothes
✔ A way to feed your baby
—you’re ready.
Everything else can be ordered later (usually at 2am 😉).