Preparing for your newborn baby can be an overwhelming experience. Even though you technically have months to get ready, those months can fly by before you know it. From preparing a baby’s room to purchasing all of the essential items that you will need for a newborn; you can find yourself overcome with lists and registries. With all of this in mind, you might not have yet considered the bags that you will need to pack for the hospital when it is time for your little one to arrive.
Your hospital bag is something that you should look to have ready to go when you enter your third trimester. Most parents like to have their bags packed and ready around 35 weeks. You never know how early a little one will arrive, and you want to be ready even if that time comes earlier than expected.
It can be difficult to know precisely what should be included in your hospital bag. It can help to categorize things by items for you, for baby, and for your partner. You should consult with your healthcare provider to determine what will be provided by the hospital and what you should bring for yourself.
Here are three tips to help you as you pack your hospital baby bags.
1. Remember the Post-Delivery Baby Items
When you think about the things you will need for your hospital, you might be tempted to focus on the things you will need for the labor and delivery process itself. However, you need to bear in mind that once your little one has arrived, you will need a variety of items to start caring for them immediately.
Don’t forget a decent supply of diapers and wipes, a few extra outfits for your little one, and the safest convertible car seat. It is also a good idea to bring along some newborn baby formula even if you are planning to breastfeed just in case complications with feeding arise at first.
2. Bring Snacks
You might have heard that when a woman goes into labor, she shouldn’t eat anything. While it is true that you shouldn’t consume an entire meal while you are in labor, that doesn’t mean you should forget to bring snacks to the hospital.
Labor can take a long time, so having a few little things to munch on can help with your energy levels. Think small, light things that you can have one or two bites of from time to time. Furthermore, your partner will surely need snacks throughout the time that you are at the hospital.
3. Bring Small Home Comforts
Labor is an intimidating and long process, especially for first-time moms. It can help to include a few small home comforts in your hospital bag to help you feel more relaxed. Your own pillow from home, for instance, can help you feel more comfortable, as can a diffuser or scented spray if your hospital will allow it.
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