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!
What to pack in your hospital bag for mom:
- 2-3 pairs of comfy PJ's, button down tops preferred if you are wanting to breastfeed. I'd also go for short sleeve no matter the season, those postpartum sweats are no joke!
- Here's a great set from amazon: https://a.co/d/cbVrAGi
- One from target: Cloud Knit Short Sleeve Jammies
- a robe (these are great to have especially if you want fresh 48 photos!)
- I love this one from Caden lane: Printed Maternity Robe
- nursing bra or tank
- a long charger cord
- shower shoes and slippers- those hospital floors are nasty
- snacks- especially important for those middle of the night feeds when the cafeteria is closed
- going home outfit- think comfy!
- This is one of my all time favorite lounge sets: https://a.co/d/2HiUtFG
- 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
- your own pillow
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!
Must haves for baby in the hospital:
This is particularly where less is more comes in to play! The majority of the time your little one is going to be in just a diaper and hat snuggled up on your or your partners chest! Skin to Skin is just the very best!
- wipes
- going home outfit
- one cute swaddle/outfit that matches mom
- Love these mommy and me sets from Caden Lane: Matching Sets
- pacifier if you want to start using one
- anything special you might want to include for fresh 48 photos
- baby's carseat
Don't Forget These Partner Essentials:
Your partner might now be the one doing the pushing, but they will be doing a whole lot of supporting- so they'll need to be prepped too!
- clothes- especially a hoodie, you may be sweating, but he'll likely be freezing
- shower shoes
- water bottle
- snacks
- a roll up camping mat (those couches are hard as rocks!)
- their own pillow, towel, and extra blanket
- their chargers (long cord for him too!)
- Patience, encouragement, and the ability to say "you're doing amazing" about a million times
Nice-to-have Extras That Make a Big Difference
- a fan- the sweats are real, and they come often!
- a bluetooth speaker- especially helpful if you're wanting to use a labor playlist
- a large scarf if you worked with a doula and know how to use it to lift some pressure off of your belly
- a firestick (although- depending on the hospital some TV's allow you to cast now!)
- air mattress- those hospital couches, no matter how hard they try are just not comfortable
- dry shampoo
What Not to Pack in Your Hospital Bag:
There’s a fine line between prepared and wheeling in a carry-on that screams “overkill.” Skip anything the hospital will provide — like diapers and mesh undies (glamorous, I know). You also don’t need a full makeup kit, bring the essentials, no need to go full glam even if you are doing fresh 48's. Leave your pre-pregnancy jeans at home (your uterus didn’t get the memo yet), and unless you’re filming a documentary, three outfits for baby are probably two too many.
Here's a quick summary if you don't feel like reading everything!
- ❌ Diapers (the hospital's got it)
- ❌ Too many baby outfits
- ❌ Your entire skincare routine
- ❌ Pre-pregnancy clothes
- ❌ Anything you’ll be mad got ruined
Bonus: Consider doing a fresh 48!
As a mama of three and a lifestyle newborn photographer, I know firsthand how magical and foggy those first few days in the hospital can be. I’m so grateful I chose to document that fleeting window with Fresh 48 sessions for each of my boys.
You might be wondering—why do a Fresh 48 if you're already planning newborn photos? The answer is simple: the hospital tells a different story. The bassinet with the little name card, the crinkly hospital blanket, those tiny fingers still wearing ID bracelets, that fresh umbilical cord, and the raw, beautiful emotion of siblings meeting for the first time. These are moments you can't recreate at home—and trust me, they’re worth remembering.
As your lifestyle newborn photographer (and someone with both hospital experience and three babies of my own), I'm totally at ease in that setting and here to make sure you have these once-in-a-lifetime memories to hold onto forever.
Some of the OKC Metro locations I serve include:
- Love Family Women’s Center
- Lakeside Women’s Hospital
- INTEGRIS Health Edmond Women's Center
- Integris Health Baptist Women’s Center
- Oklahoma Children’s Hospital
Tips for a Meaningful Fresh 48 Session
1. Pack a neutral swaddle or two.
Hospital blankets have charm, but bringing a simple, soft swaddle (in a neutral or muted tone) can elevate your photos and keep baby cozy.
2. Choose a comfy outfit for yourself.
You're not "posing" in a glam shoot, but you'll be in photos. A loose, neutral-colored robe, button-down, or soft loungewear looks lovely and feels good postpartum. All those links I posted above are great options for this!
3. Don’t stress about cleaning the room.
You just had a baby—nobody expects perfection. I’m a pro at working around hospital trays, IV poles, and snack piles. (Also, that Jell-O cup might just make it into a photo.)
4. Let siblings be themselves.
Whether they're thrilled, confused, or bribed with fruit snacks—it’s all part of the story. Those real reactions make the photos even more special.
5. Trust the natural light.
If possible, I’ll aim for a time of day when your room has the most light. Big hospital windows can be magic for that soft, dreamy glow.
6. Don’t worry about baby being sleepy.
Fresh 48 is documentary-style. Whether baby is snoozing or stretching, it’s all perfect.
7. Communicate with your care team.
Let your nurses know a photographer is coming—most are super supportive and will help make sure you’re undisturbed during the session.
8. Book ahead if you can.
Since babies don’t RSVP, I’ll stay flexible around your due date. Just let me know once baby arrives, and I’ll be there within 48 hours!
Hi! I'm Lindsey- A lifestyle newborn and family photographer based out of Oklahoma City, OK.
I specialize in capturing real, emotive moments during those first sweet days at home or in the hospital. Whether it's your first or your third, I'm here to document all those new yawns, wrinkly toes, and new sibling moments. If you're expecting and thinking ahead to your newborn photos, I'd love to help you document this new chapter in a way that feels relaxed, meaningful, and so you. Check out my work on instagram! Ready to book? Let's Chat!
