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Third-Trimester: Is your Hospital checklist ready for you, your baby, and your partner?

Chances are, you’ve spent the past several months dreaming of the day you finally get to meet your baby! You’ve stocked up on baby gear, decorated the nursery and maybe even figured out how to correctly install that infant car seat.
But don’t forget one of the most important third-trimester to-dos: deciding what to pack in your hospital bag — for your baby, yourself, and your partner. 


So, where should you start? You don’t want to leave out any essentials, but there’s also no reason to overdo things

Hospital Bag for Mom: Labor and Delivery

On average, when moms deliver, they normally stay in hospital for 1 or 2 days depending on the doctor’s advice and baby health. Hence, keeping your length of stay in mind, you should select what to pack in your hospital bag.

  • Toiletries: Toothbrush and toothpaste, deodorant, face wash, lip balm
  • Comfort Wear: Loose-fitting pajamas or nightgown, nursing-friendly tops, slippers
  • Postpartum Needs: Maternity pads (hospitals may supply these), comfy underwear, nursing bras
  • Extras: Cozy socks, robe or sweater, and any favorite comfort item

Hospital bag for Baby — Simple & Snuggly

You know what you’ll likely need, but figuring out what to pack in a hospital bag for baby can be a little less intuitive. Here’s the good news: When you’re just starting out in life, you don’t need all that much!

  • Clothing: 2–3 sleepsuits or vests; a warm coming-home outfit
  • Cozy Extras: Blankie (in case it’s chilly), socks or booties, and a beanie
  • Diapering: NipNap Premium Diapers (you might use up to a dozen per day) and a burp cloth
  • Safety: A properly installed car seat for heading home from the hospital

Hospital Bag Essentials: Birth Partner

You’ve meticulously gone through the hospital bag checklist for mom and baby—but don’t forget about packing a bag for your partner!

  • Basics: Change of clothes, personal toiletries
  • Stay Fuelled: Snacks, drinks — your favorite treats and hydrating beverages
  • Entertainment: Book, phone or tablet with charger
  • Capture Moments: camera or phone for photos (with extras if needed)
  • Health Essentials: Any prescription medications you need

Why This Works

Balanced Contents: Focuses on essentials—not overwhelm—so parents can pack calmly.
Clear Sections: Easy to navigate, whether you’re browsing for baby, yourself, or your partner.
Local Relevance: Tailored for Kenyan families with hospital stay expectations in mind.

Frequently Asked Questions

Most parents start packing between 32 and 35 weeks of pregnancy. This ensures you’re fully prepared in case the baby arrives earlier than expected.

Essentials include toiletries, loose and comfortable clothing, nursing bras, maternity pads, slippers, cosy socks, and a robe. These help you stay comfortable during labor and postpartum recovery.

Pack 2–3 sleepsuits or vests, a coming-home outfit, soft socks, and a baby beanie. Newborns don’t need much, but it’s good to have extras in case of spit-ups or diaper leaks.

Yes. Your newborn can use up to 12 diapers a day, so pack a small pack of NipNap Premium Newborn Diapers along with burp cloths for easy cleanups.

Hospitals generally require a properly installed infant car seat before allowing you to leave. It ensures your baby’s safety from the very first ride home.

Partners should bring a change of clothes, toiletries, snacks, water, entertainment (book/tablet), and a phone charger to stay comfortable and supportive throughout labor.

Yes. Labor and recovery can be long, and hospital food options may be limited. Pack light snacks, protein bars, fruit, and drinks for both Mom and partner.