It's best to start packing your hospital bag early. There's no point leaving it until the last minute, as things can vary and labour may start sooner than expected. By taking care of it in advance, you won't be adding extra worries for yourself. Sorting out the essentials for hospital admission and for the delivery room before and after birth will also help take your mind off things, as a young mum is probably already quite impatient. So pack products that ensure comfort and hygiene for both you and your baby, such as gently formulated cosmetics that won't irritate mum and are safe, since delicate skin needs special care, as well as the essential newborn clothes for the hospital. Let's get started!

What newborn clothes to pack for the hospital?

Although you need to pack both a bag for mum, containing cosmetics, a dressing gown, clothes, hygiene products, and the necessary documents with test results and pregnancy records, as well as the essential newborn clothes for the hospital, we'll focus on the bag that will contain the baby clothes. This is usually the bigger challenge. What to dress a newborn in at the hospital depends on parents' preferences and can be approached in different ways. Some don't worry too much and rely mainly on the hospital's own clothing, while many mums prefer to have their own newborn hospital outfits.

Which clothes to choose? Organic cotton clothing for babies – what is organic cotton and is it worth choosing?

What to dress a newborn in at the hospital?

Short-sleeve envelope bodysuit for newborns

For the first outfit, envelope bodysuits will certainly come in handy, as they're the easiest to put on. You'll also need rompers and a cardigan. This should be complemented by a light cotton hat and scratch mitts. It's also worth preparing a blanket or swaddle wrap for laying the baby down. This first set after birth should be enough. You can hand it to the nurse, who will dress your baby first, right after delivery.

How many newborn outfits to pack for the hospital?

Both what newborn clothes to pack for the hospital and how many is a very flexible matter. It all depends on the weather, the conditions in the delivery ward, and the number of days spent there. Things are much simpler if everything goes according to plan, as then you can prepare thoroughly. However, if labour comes sooner than expected, or an unplanned caesarean section or a longer hospital stay is needed, there's no way to predict it. Fortunately, your partner can usually bring the necessary items if needed, so there's nothing to worry about.

A standard hospital stay for a natural birth without complications is up to 2 days. A longer stay should be expected if a caesarean section is anticipated, which could mean 4 or more days. This shows that you don't really need extensive preparations, as it's not a long period. However, if you want to feel adequately prepared, it's worth packing:

• cotton bodysuits (3 pcs)
• rompers (3 pcs)
• cardigans (3 pcs)
• all-in-ones (3 pcs)

Also remember a blanket or swaddle wrap, a hat (preferably two), socks and scratch mitts. Muslin cloths will also be essential, as they have many uses, so it's worth having at least a few on hand.

Summer hospital bag for a newborn

All-in-one for newborns

Hospital outfits for a newborn must be suited to the season and temperature. Although the wards are usually very warm, you need to make sure not to overheat your baby in summer, and not let them get cold in winter. A summer hospital bag for a newborn doesn't differ much from a winter one, but it includes more short-sleeved bodysuits. Even in winter, a short-sleeved style is useful, with a cardigan added on top if needed. Often a newborn only needs a short-sleeved bodysuit and a muslin cloth for covering when it's warm – nothing more is needed.

Winter hospital bag for a newborn

Hospital clothes for a newborn are similar regardless of the season. In winter, you can additionally bring a warmer blanket or an extra pair of long-sleeved bodysuits. Hospitals tend to be quite warm, and babies shouldn't be overheated. Even though it may seem that your baby could be cold, use common sense and dress them only slightly warmer than yourself.

How to prepare a newborn for leaving the hospital?

Long-sleeve envelope bodysuit for newborns

The outfit for leaving the hospital must take the surrounding temperature into account. It's important how mum and baby will get home. If the journey is short and by car, you just need suitable clothing for the moment of moving from the hospital to the car. In warm months, this isn't too difficult – a bodysuit and a light blanket are enough. In autumn and spring, it's worth adding a romper suit, a hat and mittens, depending on the temperature. In winter, choose a warm romper suit and an extra layer such as a sweatshirt, as well as warm socks and a hat. This newborn clothing set should be taken to the hospital, unless someone can bring the going-home outfit later.

A hospital bag for a newborn doesn't differ much between summer, spring or winter. If you can't decide what to choose, or want to make packing easier for the mum-to-be, it's worth checking out the newborn clothing set – these are outfits for both baby girls and boys, and the set is universal. It will certainly come in handy and make preparing baby clothes for the hospital easier. The most important thing, however, is to choose comfortable, gentle and safe newborn clothes, which matters more than the quantity of outfits. You'll find more inspiration for dressing babies and tips for nursing mums here - https://mybasic.eu/info/newborn-set, and here you'll find all the baby clothes.