making a list and check it twice

Filed Under Pregnancy and Birthing, Tips & Tricks | February 4, 2010

Getting prepared for baby requires a lot of lists. Baby proofing your home. Check. Crib, stroller and car seat. Check. Baby clothes pre-washed in non-toxic detergent. Check. But among all those lists don’t forget the things you need to pack in a hospital bag for yourself, your baby and your significant other. You may be in the hospital for longer than you expect, so pack more than you need. Here’s a handy dandy list to get you started:

You:

• An old nightie or T shirt to wear during labour, something you don’t mind getting messy.
• At least two pairs of PJs or nighties and two nursing bras. Night shirts or pajama tops that button up or are front opening make nursing easier.
• Two pairs of warm socks and pair of slippers.
• At least five pairs of undies, ideally old or cheap ones as they’re bound to get messy. If you have any high waisted panties you may want to throw them in your bag just in case you end up having a C Section as they won’t irritate your scar.
• High powered sanitary pads. The hospital will supply some but we suggest bringing along your faves and perhaps your Lunapanties.
• A bathrobe.
• Your toiletries including a hairbrush, shampoo, conditioner, soap, toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, lip balm, massage oil or lotion and ear plugs to tune out the 24/7 hospital noise.
• A comfy, forgiving going-home outfit.
• Books and magazines – it’s unlikely but you *may* get a chance to do some reading. We brought some of our newborn reference books to help over the new baby hurdles.
• Your favourite pillow. You want to get all the rest you can and being comfy will make that easier.
• A nursing pillow. We love YOU Pillows.
• Snacks and drinks for labour and possibly after. Hospital food for new mamas leaves a lot to be desired – there’s not enough of it for one thing – and most wards have fridges you can store your snacks in. Think granola bars, yogurts and fruit, quick and easy food to fill the gap.
• A list of phone numbers for all the people you’ll want to call. Or want your partner to call.

Your Baby:

• A going-home outfit.
• Receiving blankets. Pack a few in case you need to prop your babe up in the car seat.
• Depending on the weather, appropriate outdoor gear – blankets or bunting bags if it’s cold, a sun hat if it’s warm.
• Diapers.
• A car seat. If you want to check that it’s installed correctly before your baby arrives BCAA runs regular car seat clinics.

Your Partner:

• Comfortable shoes for pacing the corridor or supporting you.
• Pajamas, a few changes of clothes and their toiletries.
• A watch to time your contractions.
• wimwear in case they join you in the shower or birthing pool.
• Digital Camera and or video camera.

Other:

• Small gifts for any siblings who may be coming to visit
• A small music player to play the CDs that became your babe’s favourites while in the womb. Also playing “static” is a cheap way of creating white noise to drown out some of the hospital din.

But don’t leave packing your bag till too late. Lately, an astonishing number of babies we know have been making their entrance into the world a titch earlier than expected. So make like a boy scout and be prepared.