Article: How to pack your hospital bag

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Photograph of a mother carrying her child, maternity bag slung over her shoulder.

May 2, 2025

Packing your hospital bag

The arrival of a baby is a moment as magical as it is unpredictable. Packing your suitcase for the maternity ward is a bit like packing your suitcase for the unique journey of meeting your child.

At 23MaiParis, we love the idea of transforming this step into a reassuring, gentle and organized ritual. A well-thought-out bag means less stress on the big day... and more energy to focus on the essentials.

Advance planning also makes it easier to start breastfeeding, as explained in our article on the first days of breastfeeding.

Photo of a maternity bag, filled with essentials, plus a few accessories like a baby toy.

When should you pack your maternity suitcase?

Ideally, you should start preparing it around the 7th month of pregnancy. This gives you time to add things as you go, without rushing. If your baby decides to arrive earlier than expected, everything will already be ready.

A little tip from , 23MaiParis: Prepare two different bags or two compartments in the same bag: one for the birth, one for your stay. This will prevent you from mixing everything up in a hurry!

What to put in your bag The complete guide

For babies

4 to 6 cotton bodysuits
4 to 6 pyjamas (preferably those that open at the front)
2 to 3 hats and a pair of booties
1 to 2 sleeping bags
Wipes, diapers, products from care (sometimes supplied by the maternity hospital)
1 outfit from warm out if necessary
health booklet (if already issued)

Helpful tip:Remember to wash baby clothes with hypoallergenic detergent before putting them in the bag.

A photograph of a maternity bag next to a baby sleeping peacefully in its crib.

For Mom

2 to 3 Breastfeeding pyjamas (easy to open if you are breastfeeding)
Nursing bras and pads
Post-delivery briefs (disposable or washable)
A kit from toiletries (including special maternity pads)
A comfortable bathrobe
Thick socks or booties
Comfortable clothing for going out (think soft, stretchy fabrics)

23MaiParis favorite: Our nursing clothes combine practicality, comfort, and elegance. Because even when you're a new mom, you have the right to feel beautiful.

The often forgotten essentials

A phone charger (long cable = +++)
Administrative documents: carte vitale, carte mutuelle, livret de famille, birth certificate if you have one
A small speaker or playlist to create a soft atmosphere in the birth room
Energy snacks (cereal bars, compotes, etc.)
A spray bottle and hair elastics
A small nightlight for night-time use

Wellness bonus: Add a notebook or journal to write down your feelings, or why not start writing to your baby?

Photograph of some of the contents of a maternity suitcase: diapers, wipes, baby clothes, bottle...

23MaiParis tip: Pack your maternity suitcase and stay true to yourself

At 23MaiParis, we believe it's possible to be a mother without giving up your identity.

Your clothes aren't just clothes: they're your allies. Choose pieces that look like you, that reassure you, and that make you feel good, even at such an upsetting time as the arrival of a child.

A well-thought-out suitcase means a lighter mind in the maternity ward

Preparing your maternity bag is much more than a to-do list. It's a way of projecting yourself confidently into childbirth, anticipating baby's needs and taking care of yourself.

At 23MaiParis, we're with you every step of the way, with gentle advice, clothes designed with you in mind, and the desire to make your maternity experience as smooth as it is stylish.

If you are breastfeeding, here are some of our nursing clothes that may interest you: