| Getting ready for the arrival of your little one is an | | | | and using a breast pump, then it may be a good idea |
| exciting time! “Nesting” instincts, | | | | to bring your breast pump along with you. By having |
| over-compulsive cleaning, and neatly folding and | | | | it on hand, you will get plenty of opportunities to |
| arranging all those little clothes are just some of the | | | | practice with it and you will have the support of the |
| things you will do to pass those last few weeks and | | | | nursing staff to help you in case you have questions. |
| days. Another way moms-to-be like to prepare for | | | | 4. Sleep gowns or other PJ’s. While you |
| their little one is by packing a hospital bag that | | | | won’t be able to put your baby in some of their |
| includes not only things for mom, but for baby as | | | | own pajamas right away, you can ask the baby |
| well. While hospitals are equipped with all the things | | | | nurse to dress your baby in something you’ve |
| you will need, packing some personal things for your | | | | brought for them after the baby receives it’s |
| baby may help them get used to the smell of their | | | | first bath. While the hospital has little outfits there for |
| new home. | | | | newborns, you may want your little one to wear |
| 1. Car seat. Okay, so you don’t necessarily have | | | | something of their own from the very beginning. |
| to pack this, but you should have it installed and | | | | 5. Socks. Hospitals are very cold, so in addition to |
| ready to go in your car. If you’re not sure how | | | | pajamas, you may want to pack 2 or 3 little pairs of |
| to install it properly, then you can go to your local fire | | | | socks to help keep your newborn extra warm. |
| station and the volunteers there will be happy to help | | | | 6. Diapers (size newborn). The hospital has diapers |
| you. Most hospitals won’t let the baby leave until | | | | and they will most likely send you home with a pack |
| the car seat has been brought up to the hospital | | | | or two, but because the sizes of babies differs so |
| room and they have seen the baby be strapped in | | | | much, most hospitals only provide size 1 diapers. |
| securely. So, it’s important to have your car seat | | | | While size 1’s will probably work for your baby, |
| on hand. | | | | they most likely will be too big. So, you may want to |
| 2. Pacifiers. Hospitals usually give newborns extremely | | | | pack a few newborn size diapers so that your baby |
| archaic looking pacifiers, and if your baby gets | | | | gets diapers that fit. |
| attached to that kind of pacifier it will be hard to | | | | 7. Going home outfit. Every baby needs a going |
| switch them and the really kicker is that you | | | | home outfit, so be sure you pack something that is |
| can’t buy those pacifiers anywhere. So, you may | | | | cozy and comfy for your little one. You should also |
| consider bringing your own pacifiers, and giving one | | | | consider the weather, is it cold? Hot? Rainy? You |
| to the nurse, as you get ready to deliver. You may | | | | may want to wait and pack the babies outfit until like |
| consider bringing two or three different kinds, just in | | | | a week or two before that way you can get a feel |
| case your baby doesn’t take to the first one | | | | for what the weather may be. Another suggestion |
| you give her. | | | | would be to pack a couple different outfits that way |
| 3. Breast pump. If you are planning on breast feeding | | | | you are prepared for any weather situation. |