Packing

Your Hospital Bag

Okay, you are coming to the end of your second trimester. You have the nursery complete (or almost complete), you’ve hired an NCS 😉, baby names are picked out or down to a few choices,  your baby shower is quickly approaching, and now it is time to think about your delivery!

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Full term babies are delivered anytime between 37 to 42 gestational weeks! But, what if your baby decideds he/she is ready at 36 weeks and 6 days, would you be ready too?! 

Must-haves (for both parents!)

  •  Gov’t issued IDs*
  • Cash  
  • Pajamas
  • Dresses / night gowns are most   comfortable, especially after a Cesarian
  • Shampoo & Conditioner
  • Body wash
  • Tooth brushes & tooth paste
  • Hair brush
  • Phone Charger
  • Daytime relaxing clothes   
  • Pumping bra  
  • Nursing bra / tank top  
  • Nipple shells   
  • Mom’s outfit to wear home  

For Baby

  • Going home outfit (onesie, pants, socks, hat) 
  • Outfit for pictures (if you’re doing them)  
  • Boppy Pillow 
  • Diaper Bag- leave it in the car if it’s not too hot outside!  

 Nice to have

  • Slippers (walking around hospital or going to bathroom) 
  • Your own socks  
  • Shower flip flops (if you feel necessary) 
  • Make up  
  • Make up remover  
  • Your own blanket & Pillow (dad too!)  
  • Baby book 
  • Video camera & Charger  
  • Snacks  
  • Reuseable water bottle

Unnecessary Extras 

(Hospital provides majority of these things if you ask!) 

  • Diapers  
  • Wipes   
  • Lanolin
  • Pads / Mom Diapers  
  • Multiple outfits for baby (you’ll do far less outfit changes than you think!) 
  • Breast Pump  

🆘 Not sure where exactly to start on your hospital toiletry bag?

Check out The Mother Duck  & ensure all your ducks are in a row 🐥🦆 —> these also make AMAZING baby shower gifts! Nothing quite like giving the Mother-to-be one more useful thing she can check off her todo list! 

 https://www.themotherduck.com/

 

Your bag is packed, now the Car!

Having your car packed up early, saves you and especially your already panicking spouse, a lot of stress when the time comes to head out the door. Install your car seat and have your suitcases already in the back.

- If you’re delivering in the summertime, keep your suitcases in the coat closet near the front door to avoid your things melting or getting too hot in the car -

Make sure you have a mirror set up in the back seat so that you have a clear view of your baby at all times. Safety, convenience & peace of mind! 

 

***   Best Mirror: see link below! ***

 The Zarco Baby Mirror is clear, sturdy, and easy to set up. It also has a great ball & socket feature that allows you to tilt it in many directions. I’ve tried so many and this one is hands down, my favorite! 

Zacro Baby Car Mirror, Shatter-Proof Acrylic Baby Mirror for Car, Rearview Baby Mirror-Easily to Observe The Baby's Every Move, Safety and 360 Degree Adjustability https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01M3PCW2C/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_mIKyCbK1GYA84


 Tip: Drive to the hospital 1 or 2 times late in your pregnancy, in order to map out the best routes. It’ll make you feel more comfortable when you’re in a rush!