The arrival of a new baby will definitely send any household into a flurry of activity in preparation. When the birthing day arrives, you must be ready with all necessary items in your hospital bag. Not sure where to start? Read on to know about the top must-have items you need to bring with you so you can welcome your new bundle of joy with comfort and convenience.

A warm receiving blanket

A receiving blanket is a newborn staple because its warm and fleecy texture helps maintain an infant’s body heat. It is called such because it is typically the first blanket to “receive” a newborn immediately after birth. A hospital may provide one to wrap or swaddle your infant in, but for the duration of your hospital stay and the ride home, it’s best to bring your own.

A take-home outfit for baby

It’s important to keep a newborn snug and warm so a going-home outfit is a must. Hospitals typically provide just a simple undershirt for an infant. It’s best to prepare a couple of weather-appropriate layette set that’s easy to put on and take off, in comfortable fabrics. Winter-born children in particular need thick ones, especially for the drive back home. Consider packing a pair of booties and mittens, a baby bonnet, an easy-tie shirt, and an extra swaddling blanket.

Loose, front-opening shirts (for breastfeeding)

Nursing your baby at your hospital room or in the nursery should be as comfortable and convenient as possible. Bring loose shirts that open at the front to make it easy for you and your new baby. You can also invest in a nursing tent cover so you can breastfeed at leisure.

A going-home outfit for you

Aside from a toiletry and grooming bag, a going-home outfit is something you must thoughtfully pack in your hospital bag. It should be made of baby-friendly fabric and no embellishments that can snag on baby’s sensitive skin and hair. Bring your favorite outfit which makes you look and feel good, and can enhance that new-mom glow for your first pictures at home together. And keep in mind there are very few moms that are able to wear their regular clothes home. You’ll most likely still wear your maternity clothes for awhile.

A rear-facing infant car seat

It may not fit in your hospital bag, but a rear-facing infant car seat is also a must for a newborn. Most hospitals inspect your vehicle for one before you can go home, and if it meets pediatric and national road safety standards. It should be installed properly, and shouldn’t budge an inch in any direction with any movement.

You might feel inclined to include more items to put in your hospital bag for your baby’s delivery, however, many hospitals already provide things such as diapers, bottles and nipples, thermometers, and a basic collection of newborn essentials. To be better prepared, call up your hospital or birthing center for a list of things they give so that you can only bring what’s needed.

Best of luck!

Julie McCaffrey

About Julie McCaffrey

Parenting expert Julie McCaffrey is a proud mommy to 3 kids and owns BabyNav Baby Planners where she offers personalized consultation to new and expecting parents along with functioning as the Chief Brand Officer at PishPoshBaby.com—the high-quality baby store that supplies the facts and advice, along with the right choice, to parents who are completely lost in the whirlwind of baby gear. She loves to help moms and dads navigate everything from baby gear, preparing for multiples, getting back to work and getting the whole family on a routine.

The post Packing Your Hospital Bag for the New Baby appeared first on AKAMom Magazine.

If you are nearing your wife’s due date you will absolutely want to be prepared and ready to go at a moment’s notice. There are certain items that all daddies need to bring to the hospital on delivery day. Keep in mind that Mother Nature does not always consider your plans. You should have a backpack ready to go, so you can get up and get moving – no matter when Baby decides to arrive.

The bag you pack for the hospital will be your toolbox for the incredible and unpredictable delivery of your baby.

You never know how long it is going to take. All women are different, and just because you’ve heard stories about a few moms squeezing their babies out before daddy can even put his scrubs on does not mean this will be your experience. Use the following list to create your perfect “Daddy Go Bag”.

1.  Bag – First and foremost you’ll need to obtain a bag.  Make sure the bag can be dedicated solely to the birth of your child, so it can sit by the door or in the trunk of your car and be ready to go; the bag should NOT have a dual purpose at this time.

2.  Reading material – Get your Kindle loaded with a new book to read, or pick up a paperback from your local bookstore that you would like to read and pack it away in your Daddy Go Bag.

3.  Music – An iPod, or similar music device is essential, and a portable speaker system is even better in case your wife wants to listen to music.  There are travel size speaker systems that work very well.   Also pack headphones in case mommy does not want to listen music at the same time you do.

4.  Toiletries – Don’t forget your toothbrush and toothpaste! Of equal importance are deodorant, a shave kit, personal shampoo and conditioner, face wash, contacts, solution, etc.

5.  Medications – If you take medication on a daily basis don’t leave this at home! I also suggest Advil or Tylenol for any aches, pains or headaches you may get from sleeping on that impossibly hard and uncomfortable hospital chair all night long.  Throat lozenges are good, as the hospital air can be dry, and you do not want to get sick.  I also suggest packing a bottle of personal hand sanitizer; there are machines all over the hospital, but it is always nice to have your own bottle to use whenever you want to or need to.  Chapstick will also help combat the dry hospital in the air so pack a tube or two.

6.  Nutrition – Pack plenty of water and snacks. Protein bars, nuts, cookies and fruit are always great go-to snack foods that you’ll be glad you have accessible when hunger strikes.

7.  Money – You’ll need change for parking, change for vending machines, possibly a Starbucks card as well as about $20 extra for that emergency run to the hospital cafeteria. Make sure you’re prepared for anything!

8.  Clothing – I highly recommend packing a set of DaddyScrubs for the big moment.  They are doctor inspired scrubs that are super comfortable for the new dad to wear throughout the entire hospital stay – from Labor to Delivery to Post Partum.  Pack a few extra t-shirts, socks and underwear, too. And take my advice on this one and pack a hat; you might not get a chance to shower and a hat will at least hide your crazy hair.

9.  For Her – Although she will pack her own hospital bag there are a few things you can pack in your bag for your wife that may come in handy. Preselect and sign a Hallmark Card to give to her after Baby arrives. Additionally, I suggest a “push gift,” which is a special something (necklace, earrings, bracelet, etc.) that you give to your wife once Baby arrives to share in the excitement and give her something extra to remember the day by.

10.  Most Important – Bring your “A-game”; be alert, awake, attentive, and ready to help and support your wife wherever and however you’re needed.  Remember, she is having the baby and you are there to help.  So bottom line: do not complain about being tired or hungry or express your reluctance to sleep on a chair. She is having a baby – cater to her every need!

Good luck guys – and welcome to fatherhood.

Sincerely,

Daddy Nickell

Robert Nickell, aka Daddy Nickell, father of 7, offers his “5 cents” worth of advice to expectant and new parents.  Daddy Nickell is the founder of Daddyscrubs.com, delivery room duds and daddy gifts and apparel, and the DaddyScrubs blog where he covers topics about parenting all from a Dad’s perspective.

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