Must-Have Hospital Bag Essentials: Newborn Packing Guide

Cozy & Stylish outfits for newborn babies

Packing a hospital bag for one baby is already a big task, but preparing for twins? That’s a whole new level of planning!

I wanted to make sure I had all the newborn essentials ready.  While hospitals provide most of the basics, I wanted to create my own hospital bag checklist to ensure my twins had cozy, stylish outfits—especially since we’ll be in the hospital for 3-6 days after my C-section. Plus, our hospital offers complimentary newborn photography, so having curated outfits was a must!

If you’re an expecting parent looking for guidance on what to pack in a hospital bag for your newborn, this checklist of baby essentials will help you prepare for a smooth and stylish hospital stay.

Hospital’s Discharge List for Babies

My hospital provided a basic list of clothing requirements for discharge:

  • jacket
  • romper
  • hat
  • socks
  • blanket
  • car seat for the car
Cloud G Lux Comfort Extend SensorSafe Car Seat & Base, e-Gazelle S Stroller, Snogga Mini 2

What to Pack in a Hospital Bag for Your Newborn

Since my babies will be born in winter (with temperatures between 29-35°F), I made sure to pack warm, cozy essentials while keeping style in mind. Here’s what’s in their hospital bag:

Car Seats: Safety first! We chose the Cloud G Lux Comfort Car Seat for its superior support, and paired it with the footmuff  to keep them warm on the ride home. These easily attach to our e-Gazelle S Stroller for seamless transitions.

Blankets: Soft and breathable, I packed two swaddle blankets for comfort and warmth.

Going Home Outfits: For their special debut, I selected heavy duty wool blankets, adorable knit jumpers paired with contrasting mittens, beanies, and booties.

Layering Pieces:

  • 3 cotton long-sleeve bodysuits
  • 4 leggings with footies for extra warmth
  • 4 sleepsuits—easy to zip and perfect for cuddles
  • 2 swaddle blankets to keep them snug
  • Scratch mittens to protect their delicate skin
  • Beanies for added warmth
  • Winter Outerwear: For extra protection against the cold, I packed faux shearling jumpsuits as an outer layer. Since my babies will be winter newborns, I also included wool base layers to ensure they stay warm during our trip home.
Cozy & Stylish Baby Outfits For Hospital Stay

Why These Newborn Essentials Matter To Me

While the hospital provides essentials, I wanted my babies in outfits that reflect my personal style. Plus, since the hospital offers newborn photography, I made sure to select outfits that would look great in pictures—something I’ll cherish forever!

By packing carefully, I feel prepared, comfortable, and excited to welcome my twins into the world in style. If you’re expecting, I highly recommend planning ahead and choosing high-quality, cozy essentials that make you feel confident about your baby’s first days.

Did I miss anything? What are your must-haves for a hospital bag? Share in the comments below!