Packing for the hospital can seem overwhelming, but when it comes to what you need for baby you really don’t need that much. I recommend packing your stuff sometime in the beginning of your third trimester, and before you hit 35 weeks. Here are four things you should pack for baby before heading to the hospital:
- Car seat. You cannot leave the hospital without one. I highly recommend getting an infant car seat rated for 4 pounds and up, and installing it in your car before you hit your 35 week mark. This is my favorite infant car seat — we loved it and had the whole system. But if you want something a bit less expensive, this one is a super safe and awesome option — It consistently gets some of the highest ratings on consumer reports. In the off chance that you have a preemie (like I did), you cannot go home without a car seat that is safe for a small baby like the ones listed above. Many hospitals will make you bring the car seat in for a car seat test if your little one is small or has any other issues for a safety test. Some people prefer to go right to a convertible car seat, but there are many reasons why I think an infant car seat is a better option. The infant car seat is typically rated for a lower weight and secures the neck more for a little baby. It also lays back more, and since newborns do not have great head control, the infant seat is a bit safer.
- Going home outfit. Pick something (or two) super cute for bringing baby home in. You will probably want to take pictures as it will be something to remember, and some hospitals even have photographers that will take newborn photos (to purchase) in the hospital if you choose to do so. I love Mud Pie outfits like this or Kissy Kissy outfits like this to go home in.
- Receiving blanket like these or a car seat cover like this (bonus because this doubles as a car seat cover). In the beginning, I recommend covering baby so that no one is tempted to reach in and touch baby — you will be surprised by how many people want to do this!
- Hat. You will get the pink and blue one in the hospital, but I brought my own because I wanted something cuter! Babies cannot regulate their body temperature like we can, and they lose heat quickest through their head. Did you know that your baby should be wearing one more layer than you are?
The hospital should provide everything else so don’t worry about diapers or wipes or anything like that!
Read more!
Like this article? Make sure to find out what to pack for mom in this article by Rachel.
Rachel is a mama to two beautiful identical twin girls, Izzy and Maddy, and lives in Atlanta with her husband, girls, and cute little pup. Rachel graduated with honors from New York University earning a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree and the Founders’ Day Scholar Award. She also received her Masters of Science in Nursing degree from New York University. Rachel has spent the majority of her career as a pediatric nurse and currently works in pediatric oncology.
One Comment
Theo
I like the article