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March 2012 Moms
jenskurn
member
Packing for hospital questions
jenskurn
member
I spend a lot of time thinking about what to pack for the hospital. I don't know why. I'm guessing its just misplaced excitement and nerves. I have seen the lists online and here is my question (it maybe dumb): What do I pack for the baby? It always says an outfit to come home in, but what will she wear from the time she is born until we go home? Does the hospital provide something? Any list I have ever seen doesn't include more than one outfit for the baby.
Also, when do you ladies plan to pack? I was thinking 36 wks, but is that too late?
Thanks :-)
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Re: Packing for hospital questions
Most hospitals have little shirts and hats they put on LO, but I would definately call L&D to check if your hosptial does. As far as I know, you can also take any diapers/blankets for baby they provide you with in the hospital. Every hospital is different though, so I will be double checking with mine--- my sister's hospital did the above.
I'm going to pack around 32 weeks just so I won't be freaking out about it. I'm bringing pajamas, a robe, socks, lotion, 2 normal outfits (just in case), hairbrush, toothbrush, minimal makeup (powder and maybe blush--- too many photos being taken) and a blanket for baby so DH can bring it home early for the dogs to sniff.
I'll probably be adding to the list after seeing everyone else's answers
For baby to be on the safe side I am bringing: an going home outfit (with a hat), diapers, a blanket.
For me: my pillow (with the water proof cover underneath), a robe, some yoga pants and breastfeeding camis/bras, some makeup, towel, toothbrush, shampoo, birthing plan list, that sort of thing.
I will probably start packing around 32 weeks to be on the safe side.
I think that most hospitals provide something for the baby to wear during their stay there. I know at my hospital I am allowed to dress the baby is what they provide or in any outfit I bring with me. So I am going to bring a few outfits.
When my neice was born in May, My SIL put an outfit on her and the hospital made her take it off. They wanted as little on the LO as possible and it had to be what they provided. They wanted easy access to the baby in case of an emergency. I think it just depends on each hospitals rules.
I plan on packing the things from the normal lists. I am also allowed to wear whatever I want during labor and my hospital stay so comfy clothes for myself. I am bringing my hair dryer and straightener. My husband thinks I am crazy but at least I will have the option to use it if I feel up to it. I just keep thinking of the people who will come to take pictures and I want to enjoy looking at the pictures afterwards. If i don't feel up to it, then I just won't use them.
My hospital provides meals for me and DH as well, but they also allow us to bring our own food and drinks and snacks so I will be packing some, especially for DH!
I wouldn't say 36w is too early. That's when I packed with DS2 and when I'll pack this time, too- better safe than sorry, right?
That said, I will pack: nursing cami/pants, socks, a pillow, boppy, hygeine essentials, maybe mascara, Nintendo DSlite and a few games (for both the H and I), camera/charger, phone/charger. And some snacks. Last time I made beef jerky.
With DS#1 all I packed was his coming home outfit. Trust me, your hospital will have everything for your baby. They will provide onsies, diapers, hats, blankets for swaddling, pacifiers, etc. They aren't the most fashionable, but in the first day or two, they are doing medical checks and you are getting to know your little one. If you are one to play dress up, by all means, pack your own clothes for LO. A high school friend was dressing her little girl up a few hours old with flower headbands and zebra pjs and posing pics of fb.
I'll be more concerned with sleeping and nursing and healing than playing dress up, IMO.
This time and last time, I'll pack around 36-37 weeks.
For DD, the hospital had the little kimono style undershirts for her to wear and they put one on her top and on her legs like fake pants haha. My mom will bring the coming home outfits (one for boy one for girl) so I don't have to worry about that, but I will pack up a paci, socks, hats and gowns for LO. I like baby to be dressed but I don't want to do sleepers because I know the hospital was taking DD for tests and it will just be easier for all involved.
For myself, some comfy jammies/yoga pants, my pillow, make up, hair brushes (they had a blowdryer in the room), my own toiletries (shampoo, conditioner, lotion and powder), my laptop, phone and charger, camera and battery charger, camcorder. Maybe a book? We don't have a lot of family in the area and I imagine that DH will be home with DD in the evenings and things, so I will need something - I was definitely bored in those hours I just couldn't sleep last time.