What Should I Put In My Hospital Bag During Labor
Body lotion or massage oil. Some moms-to-be find a little massage during labor relaxing. If this could be you, pop some lotion or oil in your hospital bag. Water spray and sponge. During labor, if you start to feel hot, it can help to spray some water on your face and neck, or to sponge some cool water on your forehead.
Hospital Bag Checklist For Partner
Youve meticulously gone through the hospital bag checklist for mom and babybut dont forget about packing a bag for your partner! Since youll both likely be spending a night or two in the maternity ward, gather up some overnight essentialsplus a few things to keep your partner occupied . Heres what to put in a partners hospital bag:
Cell phone and charger
Toiletries: toothbrush, deodorant, face wash, shampoo, conditioner, contact lens case and solution
Snacks
Entertainment, whether its something to read, listen to or watch
Camera with batteries, charger and an extra memory card
Any daily prescription medicationfor both parents!
When youve gone through the hospital bag checklist and are satisfied youve packed what youll need, stash your hospital bag in your car or by the front door if you plan on taking a taxi to the hospitaland get ready for babys arrival!
Please note: The Bump and the materials and information it contains are not intended to, and do not constitute, medical or other health advice or diagnosis and should not be used as such. You should always consult with a qualified physician or health professional about your specific circumstances.
Plus, more from The Bump:
Items To Pack For Babys Sleep/nap Time When Traveling
Sleeping at a strange place can be difficult for your baby. Luckily, there are several items you can bring on your family trip to make falling asleep easier for your baby.
Travel cribOne of the first items Suzi from Survey Suzipacks for trips with her baby is a travel crib.
Having your own crib can help baby sleep so much better and makes travel less stressful so I see it as essential. Often hotels do have cribs available, but this is never guaranteed and the quality can be questionable especially if you are traveling internationally.
I recommend the Phil & Teds Portable Traveller Crib: it is compact, light to carry and a comfortable crib for a baby. If you are going in a car you can take a pack-n-play, but for plane travel, the size of these tend not to be practical and a dedicated travel crib works better.
Pro-tip: it can be smart to get your baby used to the travel crib before your trip, set it up at home and let your baby take his or her naps in the crib for a week or so. This way, the travel crib will soon feel familiar to your baby and he or she will fall asleep more easily.
Video baby monitor
Katrina from Mamas Organized Chaos considers her video monitoran essential item when traveling with her baby.
Baby monitor app
If you dont want to bring a video monitor on your trip, but do want to keep an eye on your sleeping baby, Celine from Baby Can Travel recommends the Baby Monitor 3G app.
Portable blinds
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Before You Pack Have You Thought About Packing Cubes
Packing Cubes
Seriously, where have packing cubes been all my life? I had heard about them and then my husband bought some for himself. Needless to say, we have since bought more. It makes organising a suitcase so much easier. We always split our clothes between 2 or 3 cases, in case one goes missing, so this helps keep us all organised. You can check and compare latest prices here. I really like these ones from Hello Jolie as they have labels which makes sorting SO much quicker!
Travel Checklist For Flying With A Baby Or Toddler
Below you will find my specific packing tips for carry-on and checked in baggage. Ive also included a BUMPER free printable baby packing list as well as carry on baby checklist, for you too, with space for you to add any unique items for your family and tailor it to your needs.
Obviously, you wont need all of these suggestions, but it will give you some ideas of what to pack which suits your families circumstances, age of your baby, flight time, destination etc.
Do let me know if you find this packing checklist for traveling or flying with a baby useful or if you would add something?
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Baby Essentials To Pack For The Hospital Stay
Be sure that you check the following essential items off before you head to the hospital:
- A nursing pillow
- Other breastfeeding supplies, like lanolin and nursing pads
- Scratch mittens. You may want to consider these if your baby is sent for any needle pricks or vaccines. Occasionally, babies have been known to scratch themselves during intense crying spells following uncomfortable procedures.
Take a list of everything you brought and double-check before you leave the hospital that you have everything on the list packed in the car.
Hospital Bag For Your Baby
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Bodysuits. Hospital policies can vary on what newborns can be dressed in so consult with your doctor in advance about what to pack. You may need to add to what the hospital provides in terms of accessories and layers. Remember, with bodysuits itâs a good idea to choose those that fasten up at the front.
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Socks and hats. Newborns can get cold easily so take some socks and hats just in case. Even during skin-to-skin contact, your newborn can wear a hat and socks.
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Blanket. The hospital will likely provide blankets, but a blanket of your own is always good to have on hand to use during skin-to-skin contact. It can also be used to keep your baby warm in the car seat on the way home.
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Going-home outfit. Consider the weather conditions: a bodysuit, booties, and hat could be fine during the warmer months, but in winter, pack mittens and a jacket or snowsuit, as well.
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Car seat. This obviously isnât for the hospital bag, but the right car seat should be installed in your car around the same time you pack your baby bag so itâs ready for the day you bring your newborn home from the hospital. You wonât be able to take your baby home otherwise.
Keep in mind, diapers and wipes will be provided by the hospital or birthing centre, so you donât have to worry about packing them. However, if you prefer, you could bring your Pampers sample kit to the hospital with you.
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Should You Pack One Bag Or Two
If you plan on packing one bag, keep birth tools for comfort such as battery operated massage tools, massage oils, and music on the top. But keep in mind, two small bags will help you easily access the items that you need during labor, while keeping the items you need post-delivery separate. Keep your insurance card, ID, and your birth plan in your purse.
What Baby Items Do I Need To Pack For A Hospital Delivery
What to pack in a hospital bag: For your baby
- A going-home outfit.
- Approved infant car seat with the base properly installed in your vehicle.
- A few sleepers and onesies, socks and a hat.
- Cozy blanket and several receiving blankets.
- Package of newborn/size small diapers.
- Package of unscented baby wipes.
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Medicine And A Thermometer
You dont want to get stuck without medications on vacation when your baby is not feeling well. Add the basics to your vacation packing list, like Infant Tylenol, as well as any prescriptions your baby may need. A thermometer is also a good idea to have on hand so dont have to scramble to find one.
My pick:iProven Medical Digital Ear Thermometer with Temporal Forehead Function
Why You Might Need A Diaper Bag
âDo I really need a diaper bag?â is a question you might have been asking yourself when putting together your baby shower registry or shopping for baby gear.
Technically, you could get away with using a backpack or tote bag you already have at home, but if youâre looking for something more specific to the task, there are plenty of great shoulder diaper bags or backpack diaper bags on the market that are designed for carrying your diapering gear and other essentials for your baby.
Many diaper bags include extra features like changing pads or cooler bags to help keep breast milk or baby food chilled when youâre on the go. Most diaper bags come with lots of pockets and compartments. And, with some diaper bags, you donât even need to carry a separate handbag or purse, as thereâs a parent pocket or pouch for stowing your phone, wallet, and keys.
When it comes to the look, some diaper bags are disguised as normal backpacks or totes, with a modern and neutral design, while others come in a sweet pattern or shade you’d expect to see in a diaper bag. Take your pick!
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Copper Pearl Baby Bandana Bibs
Babies come with a lot of drool and spit up, and while I typically have burp clothes scattered in every room in my apartment, sometimes there just isnt time to reach into a bag to grab one on a flight. Thats where bibs come in handy. I love these Copper Pearl ones because they come in great designs and dont scream bibinstead, they look like a chic, color-coordinated accessory. We go through so many of these a day that I always had a spare in my Kibou, for times when we would soak through one in a matter of hours.
What You’ll Need For Labour And Birth
Get a few things ready at least 3 weeks before your due date.
For yourself, you’ll probably want to pack:
- your birth plan and hospital notes
- something loose and comfortable to wear during labour that does not restrict you from moving around or make you too hot
- 3 changes of loose, comfortable clothes
- 2 or 3 comfortable and supportive bras, including nursing bras if you’re planning to breastfeed remember, your breasts will be much larger than usual
- breast pads
- 2 packets of super-absorbent sanitary or maternity pads
- 5 or 6 pairs of knickers you may want to bring some disposable ones
- your washbag with a toothbrush, hairbrush, flannel, soap, lip balm, deodorant, hair ties and other toiletries
- towels
- things to help you pass the time and relax for example, books, magazines, music or podcasts
- a fan or water spray to cool you down
- front-opening or loose-fitting nighties or tops if you’re going to breastfeed
- dressing gown and slippers
- a TENS machine if you intend to use one
- any medicines you’re taking
For the baby, you might want to pack:
- bodysuits, vests and sleepsuits
- an outfit for going home in
- a hat, scratch mittens and socks or booties
- plenty of nappies
- a car seat for the trip home
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The Essential Packing Checklist For Flying With An Infant
- Diapers: In your carry-on, you’ll need one for each hour of transit, plus extras. Don’t risk getting stranded without diapers during a travel delay.
- Diaper cream
- Baby wipes for diaper changes and messes
- Sanitizing wipes for cleaning tray tables and other surfaces
- Plastic bags for wet or dirty clothes and diapers
- Burp cloths
- Bibs
- Nursing cover
- Blankets: Small ones for wrapping baby and a big one to place on the airport floor so baby can playCarrier or sling
- Two changes of clothes for your baby
- Change of clothes for yourself
- Pacifiers
- Snacks, such as cereal, puffs, crackers, fruit
- Breast milk or formula: In reasonable quantities, both of these are exempt from the TSA’s 3-ounce limit, as is juice. These liquids may be tested by security agents. You can also try individual, pre-measured formula packets to mix with bottled water.
- Canned or jarred baby food: These items may be subject to additional TSA screening.
- Small cooler with ice packs: Gel packs and other cooling accessories are allowed by the TSA.
- Bottles
Baby Feeding Items To Pack
Unlike with slightly older kids who can eat a variation on what older kids and grownups eat, babies and very young toddlers require a BYO approach to eating on vacation. Here are common baby feeding items to pack for vacation. Adapt your own baby travel checklist depending on age and whether you rely on breast milk, formula, or a combination of both.
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Happy Baby Means More Beach Time
Vacations, long weekends and days spent at the beach are in the near future for many of you. Last month we spent several days at the Jersey Shore, during which time we got a real crash course in BEACHING with a BABY. Yeah, that was interesting. Dont get me wrong we had a GREAT time! But going to the beach with a baby is like packing for a jungle safari, a riverboat cruise and an all-inclusive week on a desert ranch, all at once. A bit of an exaggeration? Maybe. Just kidding. Im not exaggerating at all.
Its hard to replicate the comforts of your own home on a vacation when you have a baby. All of that handy GEAR that takes up every square inch of your house is convenient and turns into part of your daily pattern with the baby. High chair, swing, pack n play, exersaucer, crib, etc we pretty much use em all on a daily basis but short of renting a small box truck for a long weekend at the beach, it aint coming along for the ride.
In the last 11 years, we have covered all kinds of family travel tips.
Lets talk beach gear for the youngest crowd around babies!
What To Pack For Your Baby In A Carry
When you’re traveling by plane, you’ll have to follow TSA and airline guidelines for what can be brought in your carry-on and checked bag, so factor that into your baby packing list. Many airlines allow you to bring diaper bags, breast pumps and car seats on board in addition to your allowed carry-on bags but check with your carrier before flying to be sure.
Formula and breast milk that you take on board are exempt from the TSAs 3.4 ounces rule for liquids , but youll still have to screen them separately from the rest of your stuff and potentially go through additional security checks.
Remember that all of your kiddos accessories like strollers and car seats will also have to be screened via X-ray, so be sure to factor in extra time to go through security. Expect to carry your baby through security too.
Traveling by car is a bit more flexible , and thus might make figuring out your baby packing list a bit easier. The most important thing is having a properly-installed car seat to keep your baby safe. Ideally, someone should ride in the backseat with your little one to keep an eye on her and keep her occupied while shes awake. The AAP advises taking breaks every two to three hours to change diapers, feed your baby and stretch your legs.
Wondering what to stash in your carry-on bag for baby? Here’s a list so you don’t have to make one for every new trip you take together:
- Diapers: two days’ and nights’ worth
- Wipes, lots of them
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