Who can believe that we’re about a month and a couple of weeks (depending) from meeting our Baby K! One of the first things to add a little stress to the situation is what to include in my hospital bag!
Being the Type A person that I am, I want to be READY. After just moving into our new home I IMMEDIATELY was nesting mode so that Baby K’s room was ready to go! After a few baby classes and lots of research, I realized that reality was approaching way too quickly. Seeing the actual birthing suites in the hospital and mama/baby rooms really hit home for me. THIS WAS REALLY HAPPENING. I was about to go from a little wiggling nugget inside of my belly to having her HERE with us to take care of and hold in real life!
I was fortunate enough to have friends who have had babies, labor and delivery nurses, OB/GYN docs, and mamas of all kinds who helped me to compile this amazing list so that G and I could prepare for the actual birth and our stay in the hospital! I thought I’d create a post to share this list with you too!
Have AT HOME WAITING:
FURNITURE:
♥ Changing pad or table
♥ Crib or bassinet
♥ Swing / rocker
♥ Lights or visual stimulation from a mobile
NURSING:
♥ Boppy Pillow
♥ Nursing pads / Nipple shields
♥ Lanolin / chapstick for chaffed nipples
ESSENTIALS:
♥ Snot sucker (Aspirator)
♥ Infant’s Tylenol and Motrin
♥ Infant’s gas relief
♥ Desitin or butt paste or Aquaphor
♥ LOTS of diapers
♥ More Size 1 than Newborn since they outgrow them quickly – all the way to Size 2 and 3
♥ Assortment Pacifiers
Belly bands for support
TO DO BEFORE BABY COMES:
♥ Practice and latch the baby seat properly
♥ Practice parts and operation for breast pump
HAVE ON DECK for LATER:
♥ Jogging stroller and Umbrella stroller
♥ Books
♥ Exersaucer
♥ High Chair or attached chair
♥ Teething essentials
♥ Tummy time, floor mats
PACK in HOSPITAL BAG:
♥ Maxi pads (ones you prefer and are comfortable with after hospital ones run out)
♥ Pillows (hospital ones aren’t comfy)
♥ Robe, short and comfy
♥ Grippy socks
♥ Macbook/iPad
♥ Nursing Bras
♥ Razor, shampoo, toiletries
♥ Eye mask
♥ 4+ panties
♥ Chargers for electronics
♥ Magazines
♥ Grippy slippers
♥ Hair Ties / Bobby Pins
♥ Makeup, Moisturizer
(for BABY / BABY BAG):
♥ Onesies with zippers (not snaps) Carter’s
♥ Going home outfit
♥ Swaddlers / Binkies
♥ Car Seat
♥ Newborn Diapers
♥ Diaper ointment
♥ Stuffed animal
♥ Beanies/hats/socks
♥ Boppy Nursing Pillow
Even after delivery, I’ve realized this list is PERFECT for anyone. You can make additions or deletions as necessary also [i.e. if you don’t breastfeed.]
I know that every experience is different, so my only prayer is that your labor and delivery goes SMOOTHLY, mama-to-be who is reading this!
Is there anything you’d add to this list for a hospital bag?
Good list 🙂 I actually liked having some jammies with snaps at the hospital because they could just open a little piece for checking her temperature and blood sugar.
Also helped for diaper changes, we didn’t have to fully undress her in a cold hospital to change the diaper.