The Ultimate Hospital Bag Checklist: What You and Your Baby Really Need for the Big Day
Welcoming your baby into the world is one of the most emotional and unforgettable moments for any parent. And being prepared makes all the difference. Having your hospital bag packed and ready means less stress and more space to focus on what truly matters, meeting your little one with calm, care, and love.
In this guide, we walk you through when to pack your hospital bag, what essentials to include for both baby and mom, and share some of our favorite newborn must-haves from the Tutto Piccolo collection.
When Should You Pack Your Hospital Bag?
The best time to prepare your hospital bag is between week 32 and 36 of pregnancy. From this point on, labor can happen at any moment, so having everything ready in advance will help you stay calm and avoid last-minute rushes.
Being prepared brings peace of mind, and lets you focus fully on the well-being of both mom and baby.
What to Pack in the Hospital Bag for Your Newborn
Packing your baby’s first bag is a moment full of emotion, it’s the first clothing and care they’ll receive outside the womb. Here’s a list of baby essentials to include for your hospital stay and the journey home:
-
Newborn Onesies: Choose based on the season your baby is due. Soft cotton onesies help regulate body temperature and avoid sudden changes in warmth, which are especially delicate in the first days. Discover our collection of Tutto Piccolo newborn onesies, designed to gently care for their skin.
-
Baby Bodysuits: Perfect for layering and temperature control. Look for ones with snap buttons for easy outfit and diaper changes, something you’ll do often in those early days. Be mindful that zippers can actually create friction, specially for newborns, that's why in Tutto Piccolo we work with snap buttons.
-
First Outfit (Coming Home Set): That unforgettable outfit your baby wears for the first time, a moment you’ll always remember. Tutto Piccolo offers timeless newborn sets, perfect for making that first trip home extra special. We love the Provenza collection.
-
Hats, Mittens & Socks: Essential for keeping your newborn warm right after birth. Mittens also help prevent them from scratching their delicate skin, and socks are useful especially if the onesies don’t have feet. We have created very cute hats for the Fiji collection, check them out here.
-
Blanket or Swaddle: Ideal for gently wrapping your baby during transitions. Explore our adorable baby blankets in the Tutto Piccolo accessories collection.
-
Baby Toiletry Bag: Include essentials like newborn diapers, fragrance-free wipes, diaper cream, a soft baby brush, and a hypoallergenic moisturizer. Having these items at hand makes caring for your baby in the hospital much smoother.
-
Other Practical Must-Haves: A portable changing mat is a smart addition, making diaper changes easier on any surface. You may also want to pack a pacifier if you plan to use one, it can help soothe your baby in their first days.
What to Pack in the Hospital Bag for Mom
While we focus on every detail for baby, it’s just as important to care for mom. The hospital stay can be intense, so comfort is key. Preparing your own hospital bag in advance ensures you can fully enjoy the magic of birth without last-minute worries.
Here are some hospital bag essentials for new moms:
- Comfortable nursing pajamas or nightgowns
- Robe and slippers
- Nursing bras and breast pads
- Maternity underwear and postpartum pads
- Toiletries (toothbrush, hairbrush, lip balm, etc.)
- Phone charger and documents
- Snacks and water bottle
- A going-home outfit that feels both comfy and beautiful
Final Thoughts
Packing your hospital bag is more than a task, it’s a ritual. A way to prepare your heart and home for this new chapter. Whether you’re welcoming your first baby or adding to your family, having everything ready brings peace, comfort, and confidence.
And when you dress your little one for the very first time, may it be in something soft, special, and full of love. Explore our Tutto Piccolo Newborn Collection, elegantly crafted for life’s most beautiful beginnings.



