Newborn Hospital Bag Checklist: Complete List 2026
Share
Preparing the newborn's layette is one of those special moments of pregnancy that mixes excitement with a small dose of anxiety. How many bodysuits do I need? What size should I buy? Am I forgetting something important?
Don't worry – this guide has gathered everything you truly need for your baby's first few months, without unnecessary purchases, without obsessing over endless lists, and with advice we wish someone had given us earlier.
Updated list for 2026, designed for families in Europe.
What is a layette and when to prepare it
A layette is the set of clothes, accessories, and hygiene items you will need for your baby from day one. Traditionally, it was prepared in a wicker basket, hence the name, but today it is simply "everything the baby needs when arriving home."
Ideally, it should be ready by week 32-34 of pregnancy. This gives you leeway if the baby arrives earlier than expected, and you avoid last-minute shopping with the stress of late pregnancy.
The complete layette list for 2026
Clothing — the essentials
Clothing is the most important part and also where you can most easily go wrong by buying too much or choosing the wrong sizes. Here's what you really need:
Bodysuits (8-10 units) The bodysuit is the baby's base garment for the first few months. Buy them in size 0-3 months and 3-6 months — don't buy too many newborn sizes, as many babies outgrow them in a few weeks.
A tip that more and more families are applying in 2026: choose bodysuits with an easy-opening system at the crotch. Traditional bodysuits with multiple snaps can become a nightmare during nighttime changes. Models with a bottom zipper — like those from Biloo — allow for diaper changes in seconds without exposing the baby to the cold or unbuttoning anything from the top. See easy-zip bodysuits.
Pajamas or sleepsuits (4-6 units) For sleeping, the baby needs to be comfortable and warm without overheating. Organic cotton pajamas are the best option: they regulate temperature better and are softer for sensitive newborn skin. Look for models with zippers instead of buttons — buttons at 3 am are the number one enemy of parents' sleep.
Coveralls or long-sleeved bodysuits (3-4 units) For colder months or for extra layers. If your baby is born in autumn or winter, increase this quantity to 5-6.
Hats (2-3 units) Newborns lose a lot of heat through their heads, especially in the first few weeks. Always take one to the hospital.
Mittens (2-3 pairs) To prevent the baby from scratching their face with their own surprisingly fast-growing nails.
Socks (6-8 pairs) They get lost with incredible ease. Buy more than you think you need.
Swaddle or comfort blanket (1-2 units) A soft organic cotton blanket that will accompany the baby in their first few months. Very useful for swaddling the newborn in the hospital and for the first few days at home.
Hygiene and care — the essentials
Baby bathtub Not essential in the first few weeks — many families use a large basin or bathe the baby in the sink. But if you have space, an ergonomic bathtub makes bathing much easier.
Bath thermometer Bath water should be between 36-38°C. A bath thermometer eliminates doubts and prevents scares.
Soft sponge or bath mitt Specific for babies, without dyes or abrasive materials.
Baby gel and shampoo (pH neutral) Less is more. A mild gel with neutral pH is sufficient for the first few months. You don't need a full range of products.
Diaper cream or Lassar paste To prevent diaper rash. Apply it at every change from day one as a preventive measure.
Wet wipes (many) Buy several boxes. You'll use them for everything: diaper changes, cleaning drool, stains... Pure cotton, unscented ones are best for sensitive newborn skin.
Baby nail clippers or file Newborns' nails grow very quickly and are sharp. Specific nail clippers or a soft file are essential.
Nasal aspirator Babies cannot blow their own noses. A nasal aspirator (oral suction types like Frida or electric ones) will be your best friend during cold months.
Rectal or ear thermometer To monitor temperature when the baby is sick. Rectal is the most reliable for newborns, although ear thermometers are more comfortable from 3 months onwards.
Feeding — according to your choice
If breastfeeding:
- Nursing bras (2-3)
- Nursing pads (reusable or disposable)
- Nipple cream (pure lanolin)
- Manual or electric breast pump (optional but very useful)
- Nursing pillow
If bottle-feeding:
- Bottles (4-6 units of different sizes)
- Slow-flow nipples for newborns
- Sterilizer (electric or microwave)
- Bottle brush
For both options:
- Waterproof bibs (4-6 units) — essential when drooling and complementary feeding begin. Silicone or waterproof fabric ones are the easiest to clean. See Biloo waterproof bibs.
- Muslin cloths (6-8 units) — useful for everything: covering your shoulder when burping, covering the baby, improvising a clean surface...
Sleep — creating a safe environment
Crib or bassinet The American Academy of Pediatrics and the Spanish Association of Pediatrics recommend that babies sleep in their own space (crib or bassinet) in the parents' room for at least the first 6 months. This reduces the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome.
Firm and breathable mattress The crib mattress should be firm — not soft — and without pillows, cushions, or stuffed animals inside during the first few months.
Fitted sheets (3-4 units) Specific for the crib size. Organic cotton ones are the softest and most breathable.
Baby sleeping bag In 2026, sleeping bags have almost completely replaced blankets in the crib. They are safer (cannot cover the face) and more comfortable than swaddling the baby with blankets. Choose the TOG rating according to the season.
Projector or white noise machine Not essential, but many families consider it a lifesaver. White noise (rain, vacuum cleaner, fan sounds) mimics uterine sounds and helps many babies fall asleep and not wake up from environmental noises.
Outings and strolls
Stroller or pram One of the most important and personal purchases. Consider its weight, folded size, car compatibility, and if it can be used from birth (carrycot or reclining seat).
Group 0+ or i-Size car seat Legally mandatory from day one. The car seat should always be rear-facing for young babies. Research thoroughly before buying — not all car seats are compatible with all cars.
Ergonomic baby carrier Highly recommended for the first few months. Skin-to-skin contact calms the baby, frees up parents' hands, and facilitates breastfeeding. Make sure it is ergonomic (M-position for the baby's hips).
Diaper bag To carry everything you need when leaving the house. Look for one with an included changing mat, organized pockets, and easy to hang on the stroller.
What you DO NOT need in the layette (even if they tell you otherwise)
This section is as important as the previous one. The baby market is full of products sold as essential that you will actually use very little:
- Bathtub with hammock and reducer, jacuzzi, and bath accessories: a basic bathtub is sufficient
- High-end UV sterilizer: a microwave sterilizer does exactly the same thing
- Changing table with all accessories: a flat surface with a changing pad works just as well
- Baby monitor with high-resolution camera and connected app: useful, but not essential in the first few months if you sleep in the same room
- Too much newborn-sized clothing: many babies are already born in 0-3 month size or outgrow it in 2-3 weeks
How many garments you actually need: the definitive table
| Garment | Minimum Quantity | Recommended Quantity |
|---|---|---|
| Bodysuits (size 0-3m) | 5 | 8 |
| Bodysuits (size 3-6m) | 4 | 6 |
| Pajamas / Sleepsuits | 3 | 5 |
| Coveralls or L/S Bodysuits | 2 | 4 |
| Socks | 4 pairs | 8 pairs |
| Hats | 1 | 3 |
| Mittens | 1 pair | 3 pairs |
| Bibs | 3 | 6 |
| Muslin cloths | 4 | 8 |
The organic cotton trick more and more families are applying in 2026
If there's one clear trend in 2026 regarding baby clothing, it's certified organic cotton. Newborn skin is 20 to 30% thinner than adult skin, making it much more permeable to chemicals present in conventional fabrics (pesticides, dyes, formaldehyde).
Certified organic cotton (with GOTS seal or similar) guarantees that the fabric is free of these substances from cultivation to the final product. It is softer, more breathable, and more durable than conventional cotton.
Biloo's bodysuits and pajamas are made from certified organic cotton, specifically designed to make parents' lives easier during those first few months. Discover the collection.
Quick list to print or save
Clothing: bodysuits (x8), pajamas (x5), coveralls (x4), hats (x3), socks (x8 pairs), mittens (x3 pairs), comfort blanket (x1)
Hygiene: bathtub, bath thermometer, neutral gel/shampoo, diaper cream, wipes (many), nail clippers, nasal aspirator, thermometer
Feeding: waterproof bibs (x6), muslin cloths (x8), + items according to chosen feeding method
Sleep: crib or bassinet, firm mattress, fitted sheets (x4), sleeping bag
Outings: stroller, car seat, baby carrier, diaper bag
Preparing the layette doesn't have to be a source of stress. With this list, you have everything you need to welcome your baby calmly and enjoy those first few days without last-minute rushes.
Do you have questions about any product or want to know more about our organic cotton baby clothes? Write to us — we are here to help. Contact Biloo.
At Biloo, we are parents who design baby clothes with real parenting moments in mind: nighttime changes, bath time, first strolls. Designed for both baby and parents to be more comfortable. See the entire collection.