Obviously I'm not a first time mom, but when it came to packing our bags for the hospital I had no idea what to pack. Yes, I've done this before but I feel just as clueless as the first time around.
There were a few things I specifically remember being helpful, but beyond that I felt pretty lost.
I even scoured the internet trying to find any comprehensive "what to pack" lists. I didn't really find any one list that I felt was super helpful so I figured I'd make my own and share it with you guys. Hopefully other soon-to-be-mamas will find it helpful!
. . .
This is the last of the three "packing your hospital bags" posts.
Diaper Bag: All the things baby needs during your stay.
What you need in your diaper bag will vary depending on what time of year your baby will be born in. It's also a good idea to check with your doctor to see what items your hospital supplies you with. Some hospitals provide everything for the baby, and others provide squat. I was surprised to see a pack of newborn diapers, wipes and newborn "soothie" binkies provided for us last time.
- The bag. This is obvious...moving on.
- Nursing cover. It will take you a while to get the hang of things (you will be awkward and fumbly) unless you want your plethora of visitors to see your girls, a cover is a good idea.
- Nursing paraphanalia. Nursing pads, soothies, breast shells, etc. Your milk will most likely not come in while you are at the hospital, but it's always good to be prepared.
- Nail clippers, scissors and a file. Babies are usually born with long fingernails, so to keep them from scratching themselves bring an assortment of nail tools because newborn nails are tough to cut so you may need a few different ones to get the job done.
- Diaper changing pad. Newborns won't need many diaper changes in their first couple of days, but you definitely will want something to put under them when you do change them, because it will most likely be taking place where one of you sleep and there is a good chance it will get quite messy!
- Sensitive wipes. Bennett had very sensitive skin in the beginning so I'm bringing my own baby wipes for sensitive skin. Look for unscented!
- Burp cloth. Once again, your milk supply will most likely not be established yet, which means that baby won't be getting enough to even spit up but a good burp cloth is your best friend and it doesn't hurt to be prepared.
- Calendula cream (or some other natural ointment for baby). For irritated spots, baby acne, dry skin, eczema, etc. This stuff is awesome.
- A couple kinds of binkies (you never know what they will like). My lactation consultant stressed that nipple confusion wasn't real and that binkies are actually a good thing because they help your baby establish the sucking reflex that is so important in breastfeeding. They also help you keep your sanity when you feel like you're going to rip your hair out. You aren't a failure if you newborn uses a binky, embrace it. Bennett took a binkie from his first day and never had any problems with getting confused (even when we threw bottles into the mix a month or two later). He also had no problems with being too attached to it, and got rid of it cold turkey once he turned 10 months old. Lifesaver I tell you! These are my favorite ones (hello it has a cap to keep it clean, and they are clear so they won't obstruct pictures!)
- Hats and socks. Newborns aren't able to regulate their body temperature so it's good to pack a few of these things.
- A toy. No your baby won't be into playing with it, but it good for eye stimulation and at the very least cute photo ops.
- Newborn clothes. You would think that 0-3 would incorporate newborns, but for some reason that's not how it works. Bennett was 8lbs 8oz. and stayed in newborn clothes for at least a week or two.
- A sweater. This is mostly for the ride home and the split second they will be outside. I'm sure they would be fine if you just covered them with a blanket, but you need to start being an overly protective parent sometime right?!
- Gowns. These are priceless in the first few weeks. Newborns sleep a lot, and poop a lot which means that you don't want to be waking them up all the time to change them. In a gown you just simply lift it up while they are still sleeping...genius!
So that's it for my "what to pack" list!
Mamas-feel free to add any items or suggestions you have for your diaper bag.
This is the 2nd post in a 3 part series...to read 'part 1- the delivery bag' click here.
Obviously I'm not a first time mom, but when it came to packing our bags for the hospital I had no idea what to pack. Yes, I've done this before but I feel just as clueless as the first time around.
There were a few things I specifically remember being helpful, but beyond that I felt pretty lost.
I even scoured the internet trying to find any comprehensive "what to pack" lists. I didn't really find any one list that I felt was super helpful so I figured I'd make my own and share it with you guys. Hopefully other soon-to-be-mamas will find it helpful!
. . .
Overnight Bag: This bag contains what you would typically take on an overnight trip.
(with some fun postpartum items thrown into the mix)
- Toiletries. Lotion and face moisurizer (hospital air tends to be dry). Contact solution, contacts case, glasses (not good things to forget for either you or your hubby), a razor (you can finally reach your legs to shave them!), some fancy shampoo and conditioner (once again, pamper yourself a little!)...I'm packing samples to save a little space.
- Hair stuff. You will be taking a lot of very important pictures during your stay, so you may want your hair to look somewhat decent. I'm also packing my shower cap and some dry shampoo.
- Postpartum goodies. You may or may not be aware of the fact that after you push a baby out, you bleed. A lot. For weeks. Tampons are a no-go, so giant pads it is (the hospital will most likely provide you with some while you are there along with some sweet mesh underwear) but you may want to bring some of your choosing in case you don't like the options. Speaking of underwear, pack a couple pairs that you don't mind throwing away in case you don't like the mesh ones.
- Bella Bands. You will look like you're about 6 months pregnant for at least a few days, except that your belly will look/feel like jello. Don't fret...these bands will make you feel a little more secure and it just feels better to have something tight on your stomach.
- Nursing bras. Bring a sleep bra and one that has a little more substance to it. Your girls will be sticking out more than normal, which is always awkward when you have a constant flow of visitors wanting to take loads of pictures.
- Clothing for you. Bring an assortment of maternity clothes and stretchy, normal clothes. You'll want a mixture of comfy clothes and maybe an outfit that's a little less scrub-like since you'll have guests most of the time. Don't forget pajamas!
- Clothing for hubby. In addition to his regular clothes, he may want to pack something to lounge in. Don't forget his pajamas as well.
- Long tank tops. (hopefully the ones mentioned here) These are easy to pull down without getting stretched out for breastfeeding. You'll wear these underneath the tops I mention in #9.
- Looser-fitting tops. You may be a little self-concious about your post baby body (though you will be rejoicing that you are no longer a giant prego). Loose shirts will hide your jello belly, but will be easy to pull up for feedings. I went out and bought a couple new shirts and am really looking forward to wearing them. After wearing the same thing for months on end, it will be nice to put on something new.
- Pants. Both comfy and normal...you most likely will not be able to fit in your pre-pregnancy jeans for a few weeks. You'll probably just want to bring whatever you were the most comfortable in during your pregnancy.
- Brown-nosing treats for your recovery nurses. You may or may not be transfered to a new room after delivery, though you probably will get a whole new set of nurses after the shift change. Spoil them so they spoil you!
I hope you guys found this list at least somewhat helpful!
Mamas- feel free to add any items or suggestions you couldn't live without during your hospital stay in the comments!
Obviously I'm not a first time mom, but when it came to packing our bags for the hospital I had no idea what to pack. Yes, I've done this before but I feel just as clueless as the first time around.
There were a few things I specifically remember being helpful, but beyond that I felt pretty lost.
I even scoured the internet trying to find any comprehensive "what to pack" lists. I didn't really find any one list that I felt was super helpful so I figured I'd make my own and share it with you guys. Hopefully other soon-to-be-mamas will find it useful!
(*I realize that if you are delivering at a birthing center or are having a scheduled c-section your bags may look different than mine, but these posts will at least give you a starting off point if you feel as clueless as I did.)
. . .
I have three different bags packed for three specific purposes; the delivery bag, the overnight bag and the diaper bag...this first post is focusing on the most difficult to pack, yet probably the most important...
The Delivery Bag: Grab this bag first when you head into the hospital. It has your essentials for delivery in case your labor is going by quickly.
(if it's going slowly, your hubby will most likely have a chance to grab the other bags,
but no need to complicate your arrival with a bunch of luggage.)
- Comfy tank and shorts. I don't mind wearing the hospital gown while I'm in labor because I know that if I were wearing something of my own, I would just end up throwing it away. Birthing a baby is not a clean process! I plan on wearing a tank under my gown this time mostly because I want to try to labor in the tub for a while, which may be a little awkward in a full on birthday suit (you have to walk down the hall to get to the tub). I'm also bringing some comfy shorts to change into afterwards.
- Comfort items for labor. When I was in labor with Bennett, my body was extremely hot and the only things that made me feel somewhat comfortable were a cold washcloth on my neck/forehead and being sprayed with cold water...this time I've also included a soft washcloth from home and a mini travel spray bottle. I also packed a dorky neck cooler (the gel beads expand when placed in water and really help to keep you cool). Other comfort items include chapstick, hair ties, head bands and bobby pins, a toothbrush and toothpaste, deodorant, and makeup remover wipes. You may want to include some easy-to-apply eye shadow and mascara for a quick touch up after the baby comes out. You most likely won't even care what you look like, but it doesn't hurt to have some primping supplies just in case. These are, after all, some of the most important pictures you'll ever take!
- A towel and flip flops from home. The hospital towels are definitely not the softest, nor are they the biggest. Why not be a little more comfortable after pushing out a baby? You will probably be walking around a lot, and hospital floors are probably not the cleanest...even if you don't wear the flip flops during labor you may want to use them as shower shoes. Maybe I'm a little OCD about my feet being dirty?
- A neck pillow. I was in labor for 25 hours with Bennett, so this neck pillow was a life saver. You should get one while you're prego anyways, it's been the only way for me to get comfortable these last few weeks.
- If you already have a little one at home, you've probably been worried about how your oldest is going to take to the new baby. I figured it wouldn't hurt to have Bennett pick out a small gift to give the baby (he even colored a picture for him on the wrapping paper). I'm hoping this will help B to realize that his baby brother isn't so bad after all.
- I've heard bringing a treat for the nurses is a good way to ensure top notch care. I'm not above brown-nosing, especially if it could mean a recovery room that's bigger than a closet!
- Chargers of all kinds. Phones and cameras will all be working overtime, and therefore will probably run out of juice at the most inopportune time. If you have a laptop, you may want to bring that with you as well...a lot of hospitals have free wifi!
- A cute and cozy blanket for once the little one is all cleaned up. You'll be wanting a lot of skin to skin contact in the beginning so he/she will most likely just be in a diaper. When it comes time to share your little bundle, wrap him/her up and get ready for paparazzi.
- Baby book (not that you will have time/energy to fill it out) but it's a good idea to bring it so you can get the baby's sweet little hand and footprints while the nurses are doing them for the birth certificate. This time around I'm bringing a piece of folded cardstock and will have them put the prints on the inside then fold it closed so they won't smudge. Once I get home I'll dust them with cornstarch (to avoid any possible smudging in the future) and cut them out for the baby book.
- A waterbottle or cup with a straw. I'm pretty sure the hospital has cups/straws for you but for some reason I just really like having my own.
- Snacks, treats, clear fluids and candies and gum. You may or may not be able to eat during labor, but your hubby will probably get hungry for sure. I was able to bring clear fluids to drink during labor last time and it was nice to have something other than water. Oh and don't forget to eat as much hospital crunchy/pellet ice as you can during your stay. It's SO good, though I may be a little obsessed with ice right now. I've already let Chris know that I'd like a cup full of the cold/crunchy goodness once we arrive.
I hope you guys found this list at least somewhat helpful!
Mamas- feel free to add any items or suggestions you couldn't live without during delivery in the comments!
I'm sure you guys have seen hundreds of household tips and tricks floating around Pinterest, but it's hard to tell which ones will actually work.
I wanted to share with you guys the ones I have tried and loved!
using Bar Keeper's Friend to remove grey scratch marks on white dishes:
So I didn't have this problem with my dishes, but my white porcelain sink had it's fair share of scratches from pots/pans/cookie sheets. It also had a lot of staining due to Mr. Barista's grounds and other various foods (who knew cucumber peels stained so much).
You're probably just picturing a disgustingly dirty sink...trust me, I cleaned it but nothing ever got it to actually look clean.
That is until I tried this little trick.
Run (don't walk) to the nearest store to grab some of this magical powder.
It will change your life!
using rubbing alcohol to fix a broken compact:
I've had a giant bronzing powder that got dropped somehow and it still had a ton left so I felt bad throwing it away. I would make a huge mess each time I used it, so when I came across this little tip I had to try it.It's super messy and I had to use more than "a few drops" of rubbing alcohol to get it to the correct paste-like consistency, but it totally worked! *
I was skeptical that the rubbing alchohol would dry enough to be unnoticable, but I just left it open overnight which seemed to help dry it out completely. Also, since you're using rubbing alcohol, it kills all of the germs on your fingers that you'd otherwise be introducing into the makeup. I'd still be sure to make sure your hands are pretty clean before starting though!
* a suggestion I saw after I fixed, mine was to lay a wet paper towel over the top to help you shape it easier and more smoothly would have been really helpful!
getting rid of excess cooking grease:
(I can't find the original source of this tip or for the picture)
Instead of searching for a can to pour your leftover grease into, just grab some foil and line a bowl with it. Pour your grease into it, and once it has hardened just roll it up into a ball and throw it in the garbage.
I think this may be my favorite little trick I've found because it's so darn simple and easy!
diffusing a harsh camera flash with a piece of white paper:
This guy is a professional photographer and uses a business card with some slits cut into it when he's in a pinch. I've used this when I'm trying to take a picture inside and the light isn't quite right with or without a flash. I don't bother measuring out the correct size or making slits. Any small piece of white paper will do, just hold it about an inch in front of the flash!
using a rubber band to get excess paint off of your paintbrush:
I tried this one out yesterday when I was painting the trim in the nursery and it worked like a charm. A giant rubber band is needed for a normal sized paint can and be careful not to flick paint everywhere when you are taking the rubber band off!
using marshmallows to keep your brown sugar moist:
Ok I lied, I like this simple tip just as much as the foil one because once again it's so easy!
We've had the same marshmallows in our brown sugar container for about 9 months and they have kept it at a perfect moisure level. Our marshmallows were a little dried out when I first put them in there but they totally moistened up and are happy to keep the brown sugar moist in return.
A true symbiotic relationship!
freezing chopped green onions in a water bottle:
It always seems like my green onions go bad before I have a chance to use them, or I don't need the whole bunch and the unused portion goes to waste. Not anymore! I just made sure that I had a clean water bottle and I chopped up the onions when they were still super fresh. Now I can pour out as much/little as my recipe calls for and I just grab a new bunch at the store when I'm out. Super simple!
Have you guys tried any tips or tricks you've found on Pinterest?
Please share!
PS: I got fed up with the annoying/hard to navigate new blogger interface, and went back to the old one.
Does anyone else find the new "improved" one way more difficult to use?
While I was browsing Target the other day, I was reminded why I don't bother with actual maternity clothes. I'm no fashion blogger, but I know when something isn't cute.
Case in point:
Drapey ugliness.
There's nothing more unflattering to a pregnant woman's body than something that makes her look even bigger than she is/feels.
Throughout my two pregnancies, I have learned that less is truly more.
Body hugging=body slimming.
When I was first pregnant with B I went out and bought all of the obligatory (and expensive) maternity clothes that I thought I needed. For the most part they ended up being frumpy, unflattering and uncomfortable...not to mention severly lacking any style whatsoever.
The only piece of maternity clothing that may be necessary depending on your job and time of year you are pregnant are some maternity jeans. I've never found any that are that stylish, so I decided to skip the pants all together this time around
(besides the pair I already own)
and stick to leggings and tights for keeping my legs warm.
So far so good.
These are the things I think about when I'm buying clothes for an expanding belly:
-all must be made of mostly cotton
(preferably with some spandex/lycra to make it stretchy and to hold it's shape).
-3 things I consider:
breathable? Crazy hormones means you never know if you'll be hot or cold.
machine washable? A limited wardrobe means that stuff gets washed a lot, not just because there is less to choose from but because food gets on your giant belly all the time.
comfort? The most important factor when you're already uncomfortable.
Cotton it is.
These are the items I am currently living in:
(I have multiple colors in each of these things so I don't feel so limited in my choices...
mixing and matching and layering is where it's at when you are with child.)
super long cotton tanks:
cotton dresses that can play the roll of shirts once you are bigger:
cardigans:
(since closing a jacket over a giant belly isn't an option
unless you want to spend a fortune on a maternity coat)
simple tees :
leggings:
(these are my absolute fave. Expensive, but worth every penny since I wear leggings every day.)
These are a great, and more affordable alternative...
tights:
flat shoes that you can slip on:
(once you get a belly it's next to impossible to tie your shoes, if you can even fit into them)
(these ones are great because I can always loosen the ties if my feet happen to swell towards the end.)
Since you guys have seen my wardrobe this time around, I thought I would post some pictures of my essentials when I was pregnant with B since it was the complete opposite time of year.
It was pretty much the same clothing-wise, just with much less of it since it was the hottest summer ever.
cotton shirt and skirt:
tunic top:
(Good to know: American Apparel has great stuff for pregnancy!)
( I'm actually wearing this shirt in my latest belly photo here.)
I lived in
this versatile dress last time, doing the straps differently allowed me to feel like I had some variation in my wardrobe even when I didn't:
and once again, cotton tank tops:
(this picture was taken when I was 8 days overdue, 1 day before Bennett's birthday!)
Another great thing about buying non-maternity clothing is that you can still wear all of the items afterwards...even for subsequent pregnancies!
(especially if you stick to cotton basics while you are pregnant)
Say "no" to frumpiness ladies!
