How to pick what goes in your hospital bag?


As a 3x mom and lifestyle newborn photographer, I thought this would be a great post to help all you first time (or maybe not first time) moms pack for your sweet newborns arrival! For me, less is more. For my first baby, I packed a ton and used very little of what we brought. These are my must haves for you and your newborn those first precious days!


For mom:

  • 2-3 pairs of comfy PJ's, button down tops preferred if you are wanting to breastfeed. I bought mine off of amazon and target
  • a robe
  • nursing bra or tank
  • a long charger
  • shower shoes and slippers
  • snacks- especially important for those middle of the night feeds when the cafeteria is closed
  • going home outfit
  • toiletries/makeup (if you are doing fresh 48's)
  • a large towel- the hospital towels are tiny and scratchy and there's nothing worse than trying to cover up in those tiny towels when you finally get to shower post birth


For dad:

  • clothes
  • shower shoes
  • water bottle
  • snacks
  • a roll up camping mat (those couches are hard as rocks!)


For baby:

  • wipes
  • going home outfit
  • one cute swaddle
  • pacifier if you want to start using one
  • breastfeeding pillow


Things some other mama's suggested that I didn't bring but I think are great ideas!

  • a fan
  • a bluetooth speaker
  • a firestick
  • air mattress
  • dry shampoo
  • your own pillow/blanket


When it comes to postpartum items, the hospital should provide it all! I didn't use anything that I had purchased until I got home! For home, the Frida post partum line is fantastic!


This isn't something to bring, but something to consider! Again, as a mama of 3 and a lifestyle newborn photographer- I know there's nothing like the first few foggy days in the hospital. I'm so thankful I chose to do fresh 48's with my boys. You may be thinking, why do a fresh 48 if I'm doing newborns? With fresh 48's you're focusing on the hospital- the bassinet, the hospital bracelets, their umbilical cord, all things you couldn't replicate at home. As your lifestyle newborn photographer, I want to capture those moments for you, so that you'll never forget just how tiny and wrinkly they are those first few days, how excited older sibling was to meet baby for the first time, the bliss of that new baby. Having had three babies myself and having a background in healthcare, I'm super comfortable in the hospital setting!


Please reach out if you'd like to know more about how I can become your lifestyle newborn photographer!





newborn baby in hospital bassinet for fresh 48 newborn photography
mother and father touching newborn baby for fresh 48 newborn photography
older sibling with hand resting on newborn baby in bassinet for fresh 48 newborn photography
father handing baby to older sibling in hospital bed for fresh 48 newborn photography
parents with children in hospital room for fresh 48 newborn photography