BRINGING HOME BABY
Bringing Home Baby
Packing list for Mom
• 2 changes of loose fitting comfortable clothes you can choose from to go home in.
• Shoes: slippers, or flats that you can easily slip on.
• Comfy socks
• Nursing bra
• Small make up bag with only the essentials to feel freshened up.
• iPod
• Snacks for you and Daddy
• Ice pack and heating pad in case the hospital doesn’t provide.
• Camera with charger and extra batteries
• Cell phone charger with contact list so you don’t forget to call anyone important
Packing List for Your New Born
• Don’t go overboard with the outfit, your new born needs to be comfortable for the ride home the same as you do.
• T-shirt or sleeper (check out http://newforbaby.com/)
• Diaper
• Blanket
• Optional: hats are cute but not necessary
Car Seats (child safety seats)
• Every state requires parents to have a car seat before leaving the hospital. There are 2 types of seats.
1. For infants only. You must replace with a child car seat when your baby reaches 22 to 35 pounds. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that infants and toddlers ride in a rear-facing seat until they are either 2 years old or reach the maximum weight.
2. A convertible car seat. This seat can be converted to a front facing seat when your child reaches the height and weight requirements or after they are 2 years old. Read the manufacturer’s guidelines on converting seats.
• Never place the car seat in the front seat of your car. Airbags can harm your newborn if in an accident.
• Place your car seat facing the rear until they are of age, height and weight to be facing front in a child seat.
• If buying or borrowing a used seat, ensure it is not missing any parts and was not in a previous accident. Believe it or not, seats may have a manufacturer’s recommended expiration date.
• Follow the manufacturer’s guide on proper installation and practice installing and strapping in something before your baby arrives.
Before Going Home
• Don’t feel rushed. Make sure you ask all the questions you have before you leave.
• Find out about when to schedule your baby’s first checkup.
• Ask for the direct line and after hours number you can call with questions if something arises when you get home.
• If you have trouble installing your car seat, bring it into the hospital ahead of time so someone can assist and show you the correct and safe way.
When you get home
• It’s OK for new parents feel nervous or have mixed emotions.
• Don’t schedule visitors on the day you get home. Depending on how your delivery went, you may be sore and need time to rest before you can smile for company. TIP: leave a status update on your voicemail or send an email announcement to friends and family with the new baby’s details with a note that everyone is doing fine and you will be in touch after you both rest up.
• Familiarize your pet with your newborn’s scent by placing a baby blanket where they sleep.
• Babies cry and it’s OK. New babies cry on average 1 to 5 hours within a 24-hour period, and may be difficult to calm for the first few weeks.
Resources:
http://kidshealth.org/parent/pregnancy_center/newborn_care/bringing_baby_home.html#
http://www.rookiemoms.com/pack-for-the-hospital/