I'm getting ready to have my second child. My first is 6 y/o and I had her early, so I never had the chance to pack my suitcase. So, my question is this: What item(s) did you find useful? What would you suggest I don't pack?
Beyond PJ's, shampoo/conditioner, hair brush, soap, toothbrush, clothes to come home in, clothes for baby...I'm at a loss. TIA for the help.
i packed and repacked for weeks and never used anything! I packed for LABOR, not the hospital stay (aside from a maternity night gown) so my husband took my bag home, emptied it and brought the things I needed.
I also took a blanket with me along with everything else mentioned. It gets so cold in the hospital, plus I liked having mine rather than one of their thin ones.
I used my nursing tops and boppy super helpful. Congratulations!
I didn't see anyone that put snacks, I would take some snacks bc sometimes hospital food isn't all that great. Gaterade, crackers, fruit, etc.
-You might want to bring an extra baby blanket to wrap the baby in and take home for the dog to smell before you bring the baby home. It will help the dog adjust to the new baby being in the house.
-Change for vending machine or snacks for husband (and you after delivery).
-Baby nail file or clippers just incase she has long nails when she is born
-chapstick, lotion, makeup, anything else to make you feel better and more comfortable
I was going to tell you to bring plenty of coins for the vending machine for hubby, but I see you've gotten that response! Also, I made a list of people to call when the baby was born and gave it to my sister. So many of my friends and family were not able to be at the hospital for the birth and wanted to know details after the baby was born. So I made a list with their names and numbers they could be reached during the daytime, and my sister took charge of that since, well obviously, my husband and I were quite busy. Many blessings to you and your family!
Something I liked with a new baby are burp cloths. I usually buy a package of cloth diapers and those work perfect. They're large enough that you can use as a drape if someone were to walk in while you're getting situated.
- Slippers, robe, front zip gowns, cotton panties, sleep-in nursing bra
- soap, shampoo/conditioner, razor, brush, hair clips/band, deodorant, lip balm!!!, lotion, facial cleanser, moisturizer
- body pillow (good for sleeping and nursing)
- cash for vending machine for hubby, writing pen for signing things, magazines for your and hubby entertainment
- camera, extra battery and charger, cell phone charger
- clothes for going home, baby outfit for going home, baby blanket
one thing i really appreciated that hasn't been listed yet was a swimsuit for my husband. he helped me shower and that was quite a comfort, and a bonding experience that we both appreciated.
Chapstick, nursing tanks, make up (maybe I'm just vain!), camera, CD player/CDs (for labour), car seat, warm socks. I think that's a pretty good list, but then again I overpacked and everyone asked if I was staying for a week...
If you will be nursing, I recommend taking a boppy if you have one. I forgot to take it with my 1st and used it soo much when I got home that I took it with my 2nd. Way easier than using pillows.
Bring some entertainment! Music, books, baby book, whatever you like to do. Also, if you'll be breastfeeding, consider Lansinoh for your nipples. Good luck!
- Your own pillow. This little thing will provide the best comfort!
- Silly to say, but bring makeup. You won't regret putting on a little makeup before all of of the camera flashes. These pictures will live on and on.
- A CD & CD player of your favorite music. It will help you during delivery. I would suggest soft, relaxing songs.
- Your own breast pump, if you have it. The lactation nurse can work with you and show you how to properly express.
Good luck!
I took my laptop. Baylor Grapevine has free wifi which is great. Most of our family and friends are in CA so they loved that we were able to upload the first pics of our new baby to facebook within a couple hours of him being born. Plus when the baby was sleeping and visitors were gone I was able to chit chat with my bestfriends back home.
Hello........
nail clippers and file for baby
baby mittens
pillow (I take mine everywhere :) )
camera & batteries
list of people to call
baby book for footprints
nursing bra
pads...you may not like the hospitals
car seat
swaddle blanket
hth :) Congrats on the new baby!!
the one thing I didnt bring that I wish I had were mittens for my lil' girl. Her nails were SO long when she was born and she kept scratching her face. The hospital cannot cut their nails and they don't have mittens.
Hi J.,
Lots of recommendations already.
Take some make-up for sure - you will like to put on some for pictures as well as when people come to visit.
Also, I suggest taking a light cardigan/zip up sweater or hoodie. If you have sudden visitors and don't want to see them in your hospital gown, it's easy to put on over the gown.
Congratulations and good luck !
K.
Since the hospital probably only provides you with bedding and a gown that can expose things unexpectedly, but I might suggest taking a robe, socks and/or slippers. I think the floors might be a little cold. It's been almost 14 years since having my 4th child, so the hospitals may provide more, but it is better to be prepared than not. Many blessings to you and your little family :)
