Preparing Your Hospital Bag

👉 Download complete checklist

Download our complete hospital bag checklist to print out, so you won't forget anything before the big day. You can also check items off directly on this page as you prepare.

Our printable hospital bag checklist — baby's birth bag and mum's bag, everything you need from the first day at the hospital.

👉 Download complete checklist

Preparing your hospital bag in advance helps you approach baby's arrival with greater peace of mind.

It's advisable to prepare two separate bags:

  • A small bag for the day of birth, easily accessible
  • A main bag for your hospital stay

This page brings together the complete list, for mum, for baby, as well as specific options in case of caesarean or premature birth.

🎒 Preparing a Small Bag for the Delivery Room

🩺 Medical Records

  • Your pregnancy monitoring records
  • Blood tests carried out throughout your pregnancy
  • Your blood group test results
  • Your ultrasound scans

🤷 For Mum

  • A comfortable change of clothes
  • A small toiletry bag with essentials
  • Something to help you relax (music, headphones, book)
  • Unscented sanitary towels
  • Comfortable cotton pants (or disposable briefs)
  • A water bottle
  • Mineral water spray (optional)

👶 For Your Baby

  • A bodysuit
  • Pyjamas
  • A cardigan in wool
  • A pair of socks
  • A hat
  • A sleeping bag (small size, newborn fit)

👜 The Hospital Bag – Your Stay

🤷 For Mum

👚 Clothing and Comfort

  • Comfortable outfits
  • 2 to 3 nightgowns or pyjamas
  • Slippers

🫧 Underwear and Hygiene

  • 6 to 8 comfortable cotton pants or period pants
  • Unscented sanitary towels
  • Complete toiletry bag
  • Bath towel
  • Hand towel
  • Flannel (according to your habits)

✏️ Useful Accessories

  • 1 pen
  • 1 water bottle
  • A napkin for meals
  • A bedside lamp for night-time or a nightlight for added comfort if you wish, as rooms are often only equipped with a ceiling light

🤱 If You're Breastfeeding

  • Tops or shirts that open at the front
  • 2 nursing bras (without underwire)
  • Nursing pads (washable preferred)
  • Nipple cream (lanolin recommended)
  • Baby carrier (wrap, sling – optional)

👶 For Your Baby

🌿 Clothing and Accessories

  • 4 to 6 bodysuits
  • 4 to 6 pyjamas
  • 2 to 3 cardigans in wool
  • 2 hats
  • 2 to 3 pairs of socks
  • 2 sleeping bags (small newborn size)
  • 1 or 2 dummies (according to your choice)
  • 1 soft comfort toy

🫧 Care and Linens

  • 1 pack of newborn nappies 3–5 kg (if not provided, check with the hospital)
  • Cotton wool or flannels
  • 5 muslin squares or bibs
  • Baby thermometer with soft tip
  • Bath thermometer
  • 1 hooded towel or large towel
  • 4 medium hand towels
  • Oleo-limestone liniment (nappy change & massage)
  • Gentle liquid soap for bathing
  • Hairbrush / soft comb
  • Saline solution in single doses

🤱 For Baby's Hospital Departure

  • A warm garment (whatever the season)
  • 1 warm blanket
  • 1 hat and booties

👥 Essentials for the Co-Parent's Stay

  • 1 sleeping bag or, failing that, a throw
  • 1 pillow
  • 1 water bottle
  • A set of cutlery, a mug and a glass

⚠️ Meals are generally not provided for the birth partner, but catering options are available in the hospital or nearby.

🌸 Option – Caesarean Section

Additional Items to Plan

In case of caesarean section, the stay may be slightly longer and requires greater comfort.

🤷 For Mum

  • High-waisted underwear (non-compressive)
  • Loose, easy-to-put-on clothing
  • Front-opening pyjamas or nightgowns
  • Personal cushion or small throw
  • Body moisturiser
  • Mist spray or thermal water
  • Long-cable phone charger

👉 Choose soft fabrics and simple-to-wear clothing.

🐣 Option – Premature Baby

List Adapted to the First Days

🌿 Clothing (Premature Size)

  • 4 to 6 wrap-front bodysuits
  • 3 to 4 pyjamas
  • 1 to 2 cardigans in very soft wool
  • 1 lightweight hat
  • 2 pairs of socks
  • 1 premature-fit sleeping bag

🫧 Comfort and Care

  • Special premature nappies (if requested)
  • 2 soft muslins
  • Protective nappy cream

💛 For Parents

  • Comfortable outfit for skin-to-skin contact
  • Warm cardigan or shawl
  • Notebook to record medical information

📁 Administrative Documents to Take

🩺 Your Medical Documents

  • Blood group card
  • Medical file: ultrasounds, blood/urine tests
  • Pelvimetry X-ray (if you have one), other radiology
  • Maternity notes
  • Current prescriptions
  • Any useful document related to the pregnancy

🏛️ For Civil Registry Declaration

  • Family record book (if you have one)
  • Advance acknowledgement (if done)
  • Parents' identity cards / passports

🪪 For Your Admission

  • Official identity document with photograph
  • Proof of address
  • European Health Insurance Card (if applicable)
  • Mutual insurance certificate

📱 Practical Items

  • Mobile phone + charger
  • Camera (optional)
  • Some cash
  • List of telephone numbers to notify

💬 A Few Last Tips

Start preparing your hospital bag around the 7th month of pregnancy.

Place the list somewhere visible to tick off items as you pack.

Check with your maternity hospital what they provide (nappies, toiletries, etc.).

Keep your bag near the door so it's ready when the time comes.

For your newborn essentials, choose natural fibres that respect delicate skin. Merino wool offers gentle softness, warmth without overheating, and naturally regulates temperature — ideal from the very first days.

Our premature baby collection is specially designed for the smallest sizes, with supple fabrics and seamless finishes.

Wishing you a peaceful and joyful birth.

🐑

What fabric should I choose for baby's first outfit?

<p>For baby's first days, choose natural, soft and breathable fabrics. Worn as a second layer, over a sleepsuit or bodysuit, <a href="/en/pages/newborn-essentials-merino-wool">merino wool</a> is particularly well suited: it helps maintain a comfortable temperature while allowing air to circulate and moisture to escape.</p> <p>Its fine, supple knit provides warmth without adding bulk, making it an especially good choice for cardigans, hats, booties and blankets in the newborn layette.</p> <p><a href="/en/collections/newborn-essentials-merino-wool">Explore our merino cardigans</a></p>

How many cardigans should I pack for baby?

<p>For your hospital stay, pack <strong>3 cardigans</strong> ideally. This gives you enough for changes if baby spits up or has a little accident, without overpacking your hospital bag.</p> <p>Worn over a sleepsuit or bodysuit, the cardigan adds an extra layer of warmth for your newborn. Choose soft, supple styles that slip on easily to make those first changes and dressing moments gentler.</p> <p><a href="/en/collections/newborn-essentials-merino-wool">Discover Mistricotine newborn cardigans</a></p>

When should I pack my hospital bag?

Start gathering items around 7 months and finalize packing by 8 months, so everything's ready when the time comes. Organize the bag in pouches: "mum," "baby," "toiletries," "documents." Don't overpack: your partner or family can bring extra items if needed.

Do I need special clothing for a premature baby?

Yes, but needs vary depending on the stage of care. When a premature baby is still in an incubator, they may wear very little—sometimes just a nappy—so the medical team can easily monitor their condition and regulate their temperature precisely. Practices differ depending on gestational age, weight, health status and the neonatal unit. Once the medical team approves dressing baby, clothing suited to their small size becomes helpful: soft, easy-to-put-on cardigans, a hat, booties and, as needed, a blanket. At Mistricotine, preemie size 00 fits approximately 40 to 45 cm and 1.8 to 2.5 kg. Mistricotine's premature layette is designed to step in when baby can be dressed, then accompany those first days home. During the hospital stay, the medical team's guidance always comes first.