Bringing Home Baby: What to Bring to the Hospital For Your Baby

Getting ready for the arrival of your little one is an exciting time! “Nesting” instincts, over-compulsive cleaning, and neatly folding and arranging all those little clothes are just some of the things you will do to pass those last few weeks and days. Another way moms-to-be like to prepare for their little one is by packing a hospital bag that includes not only things for mom, but for baby as well. While hospitals are equipped with all the things you will need, packing some personal things for your baby may help them get used to the smell of their new home.

1. Car seat. Okay, so you don’t necessarily have to pack this, but you should have it installed and ready to go in your car. If you’re not sure how to install it properly, then you can go to your local fire station and the volunteers there will be happy to help you. Most hospitals won’t let the baby leave until the car seat has been brought up to the hospital room and they have seen the baby be strapped in securely. So, it’s important to have your car seat on hand.

2. Pacifiers. Hospitals usually give newborns extremely archaic looking pacifiers, and if your baby gets attached to that kind of pacifier it will be hard to switch them and the really kicker is that you can’t buy those pacifiers anywhere. So, you may consider bringing your own pacifiers, and giving one to the nurse, as you get ready to deliver. You may consider bringing two or three different kinds, just in case your baby doesn’t take to the first one you give her.

3. Breast pump. If you are planning on breast feeding and using a breast pump, then it may be a good idea to bring your breast pump along with you. By having it on hand, you will get plenty of opportunities to practice with it and you will have the support of the nursing staff to help you in case you have questions.

4. Sleep gowns or other PJ’s. While you won’t be able to put your baby in some of their own pajamas right away, you can ask the baby nurse to dress your baby in something you’ve brought for them after the baby receives it’s first bath. While the hospital has little outfits there for newborns, you may want your little one to wear something of their own from the very beginning.

5. Socks. Hospitals are very cold, so in addition to pajamas, you may want to pack 2 or 3 little pairs of socks to help keep your newborn extra warm.

6. Diapers (size newborn). The hospital has diapers and they will most likely send you home with a pack or two, but because the sizes of babies differs so much, most hospitals only provide size 1 diapers. While size 1’s will probably work for your baby, they most likely will be too big. So, you may want to pack a few newborn size diapers so that your baby gets diapers that fit.

7. Going home outfit. Every baby needs a going home outfit, so be sure you pack something that is cozy and comfy for your little one. You should also consider the weather, is it cold? Hot? Rainy? You may want to wait and pack the babies outfit until like a week or two before that way you can get a feel for what the weather may be. Another suggestion would be to pack a couple different outfits that way you are prepared for any weather situation.

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