Packing for the hospital

Preparation makes every plan better! So sometime this week get your bag for the hospital packed and located in an easy to get to location. You may go into labor at 1am and that is not the time to be throwing things into a duffle, or worse having your hubby do under duress and panic. You will want to get a bag that is not too big, has shoulder straps and you can easily identify as your own (of course you will want to label it with your name, but it is also good to be able to recognize it by sight). Before you start packing, you will want to check what the hospital suggest, requires, provides and prohibits. Then compare that list to this one.
1. A change of clothes to come home in for you – something super comfy – think sweats – that fit you in about the 6th month of your pregnancy, and I will suggest it be in a dark color as you will be bleeding for a few days, or weeks.
2. A couple pairs of socks – don’t know exactly why, but they always seem to get used.
3. A blanket and hat for baby to use on the way home.
4. A nursing bra – if you are planning to breastfeed.
5. A file folder with copies of your birth plan, your hospital pre-registration, your insurance information, your OB’s information, your pediatrician’s information, the records your OB has given you to carry, as well as the phone numbers of the people you want to contact at the special moment.
6. If dad is going to be sleeping in the hospital, a change of clothes for him.
7. Any birthing aids you intend to use, that will not be provided by the hospital.
8. If you are planning on cloth diapers, you will need to bring some, otherwise you will be coming home in disposables.
9. If you are planning on formula feeding, you will want to have some ready, in case the hospital is out or doesn’t have the type you prefer. This means formula and bottles.
10. Toiletries – toothbrush, toothpaste, hair items, and makeup if you feel it is necessary
11. Charger for your phone

12. Your camera/camcorder with charger! You will be devastated if you do not get tons of pictures of you newborn in the hospital.
This is also a good time for installing the baby’s carseat in the vehicle that will be taken to the hospital. This is for two reasons: 1. Better to take your time and install it properly (you might even contact the local fire department to be sure that you have do it correctly) and 2. All hospitals in the United States require that you have a properly installed and appropriate sized carseat before you can leave the hospital with your child.

Word of the Week

Car seat – noun – a removable seat designed to hold a small child safely while riding in an automobile and that usually attaches to a standard seat with hooks or straps. (www.dictionary.com)

Buying guide

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