Thursday, July 17, 2014

Hospital Bag 101

Sure, there are a ton of resources and examples out there of what should go into mommys, babys  and daddys hospital bags. I can honestly say I've reviewed about 150 different lists in the past 2 months. All of this information can be overwhelming so after all the time and effort I've put into this, I put together an easy, no-hassle list for the three of you. 
MOMMY BAG:
1.) 1 post-delivery outfit for after you shower (I'd recommend a comfortable nursing tank top, comfy shorts or pants, and a light cotton robe)
2.) 3-4 pairs of comfortable, breathable underwear. (Yes, I'm talking about granny panties ladies.  From what I hear you'll be very sore and comfort will be your best friend) Some hospitals do give you a pair or two of special underwear that aren't the most attractive but supposedly very comfortable. At least you'll have options
3.) 1 nursing cover (Just for your extra privacy)
4.) 1 nursing bra 
5.) 1 toiletry bag (travel size shampoo, conditioner, body wash, face wash, deodorant, hairspray, lotion, mini tooth brush and tooth paste, 1 disposable razor, 1 tube of chapstick, 1 travel hair brush and blow dryer, 1 tube of nipple cream, 6-8 pairs of disposable nursing pads, about 8 always night time maxi pads-->(you'll need a bunch of these during your recovery so buy the large package and make sure they are the night time ones)
6.) 1 curling iron or straightener 
**IF you do not want to wash your hair and worry about blow drying/styling then dry shampoo is a great alternative! I recommend the dry shampoo by Treseme
7.) 1 pair of old flip flops (for the shower)
**Some people complain about the hospitals towels. Honestly, I won't really care. I will just want to shower, get dressed in clean clothes and get back into bed. But if you want to bring your own towel then be my guest.**
8.) a few hair ties and/or soft headbands
9.) 1 pair of socks/slippers
10.) IF you are a contact lens wearer, make sure to bring an extra contact lens case, and a pair of glasses
11.) 1 going home outfit (nursing tank top, and comfy/loose pants)
12.) phone & charger
13.) ipod with charger or book
14.) make up bag (it'll be the last thing you throw in your hospital bag)
BABY BAG:
1.) about 8 newborn diapers (most hospitals only have size 1's so its nice to have some on hand that are smaller)
2.) 2-3 outfits (some people bring two different sized outfits because they don't know the babys clothing size; ex: NB & 0-3mon) **Make sure these outfits include head caps, and mittens. Just to keep things organized I put the full outfits in separate ziploc bags so they are easy access**
3.) 1-2 swaddle cloths (I prefer the muslin ones by aden+anais)
4.) 1 bib (to keep spit up off his clothes while breast feeding or bottle feeding)
5.) 1-2 burp cloths
6.) 2 DIFFERENT kinds of pacifiers (your baby may be picky about which one he or she likes. It's good to have a back up)
7.) 1 small bag filled with a soft baby brush, baby nail clippers, nose aspirator, diaper rash cream and baby powder
8.) baby wipes
**Don't worry, If your baby has a couple of accidents and goes through the clothes you brought him. Most hospitals have shirts, caps and blankets they can give you**
DADDY BAG:
1.) 1 pair of comfy pajamas (I would recommend pants and a t-shirt. Hospitals are usually kept pretty cold
2.) 1 pair of socks and underwear
3.) 1 pair of clothes
4.) ipod/ipad and set of headphones with charger
5.) cell phone and charger
6.) camera
7.) toiletry bag
8.) Snacks- chips, nuts, gummy snacks, energy drinks, juice, etc. (Anything your significant other may like to have in the room)
9.) list of names of family/friends you'd like to notify of your babys birth
ITEMS THAT WILL GO INTO THE CAR:
1.) nursing pillow (I prefer the boppy pillow)
2.) extra pillow and blanket for your husband/significant other
3.) car seat & base installed properly (the hospital will NOT let you leave until they see the car seat and base are put together and installed)

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