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Hey, friends. How ya been doing? It has been a gosh darn delay between posts. Two little ones at home all day will do that to a Momma, this Momma none the less. I really envisioned my time off with these two filled with some great down time to write. HOLD ON, while I go lock myself in my bathroom and laugh. Speaking of locking one’s self in a bathroom, I have tried this method to escape the parenting madness and newsflash… they will find you!

I have had a bunch of thoughts spinning around this ole’ brain of mine these days, I mean what’s left of the noggin’. But really, I have thought so often, “Ooh, I should share this,” or “I got to create a list to help others,” or “Now, that would be something worthy to share,” but the reality is the time I have left for writing and blogging is usually after 9 pm and most days I crash with the kids during their bedtime.

But last night was different. Yep, this Momma somehow summoned some weird “I am so tired I actually have crazy energy” momentum and Idecided to just sill all my guts to you all.

A few weeks ago I shared my Hospital Bag Must Haves, and I swore I included what to pack for baby within the post. It wasn’t until I shared the link with someone twice, yes TWICE, referencing my baby picks, and after they messaged me and said, “There is nothing,” that I went back to the post and realized, “Nope, there was nothing in there for the baby.”

So here we meet.

Car Seat
You want to bring your baby home, right? 🙂 Then be sure to install your car seat early. Both of my children were born at 37 weeks. I was lucky with my first that we installed our car seat in time. I think it may have been first child excitement. Baby number two, we were prepared for what may happen, so we installed the car seat around week 35. I would HIGHLY recommend this for all pregnant moms-to-be. You never know when the baby is going to appear, and you cannot leave the hospital without a car seat. Our hospital required us to bring the car seat in, strap the baby in, have the car seat inspected with the baby strapped in, and then the same nurse accompanied us to the car for an installation check. Just be prepared, and install the car seat BEFORE baby arrives.

Scratch Mittens
Baby can pack some mean nails early on. I recommend packing a pair or two of scratch mittens to protect your newborns face from unintentional scratches. The mittens also are great to protect your baby’s little hands from family and friends that visit and cannot help themselves but to touch the baby’s hands.

Burp Cloth
This is not a MUST have item because the hospital does have plenty of swaddle blankets that you can use, but I have always packed burp cloths to assist with feedings. A baby is going to spit up on just about anything. They do not discriminate. So in order to save your top, just pack two or three. I find these are also great to have for family and friends that may visit and hold your baby after a feeding. They are lightweight and take up little to no room. I am a simple girl and my all-time favorite burp cloths are just cloth diapers. Shh!

Short Sleeve Onesies
Short sleeve onesies are a staple for newborns. A truly must-have baby item in my book. They are the first layer necessary under PJs and sleep sacks, so I always pack two or three for the hospital to accompany outfits.

Baby Blanket
I packed a blanket for the baby for the sole purpose of having a soft blanket to accompany cuddle sessions as well as for our car ride home. I chose a heavier blanket since the hospital provides swaddle blankets along with a tight and perfect swaddle. If you want to practice and are super particular about the fabric your baby is wrapped in, then I would recommend packing your own swaddle and I cannot recommend these enough.

Pacifier
Both of my babies took a pacifier, both started when they were in the hospital, and both breastfed. Mind blown? I know! A lot of things you read will say if you are choosing to breastfeed then you need to avoid a binkie because it may cause nipple confusion. I am 2 for 2 in that theory not working. The binkie is a great soother and during those early, exhausting days of breastfeeding, was a great way to see if baby needed food or soothed. My hospital had pacifiers but not this specific brand and I am pretty particular on the brand of pacifier.

Coming Home Outfit
Bringing your baby home is indeed a special occasion. You will gleefully stare at your sweet bundle and take dozens of pictures before the anxiety sets in that you are going home… with no nurses. 🙂 The coming home outfit becomes a heavily discussed item, but the reality is only you, your spouse, and the nurses really see this, so do not stress too much. Just be sure the outfit has footies, and if not, then you need to pack baby socks. I also recommend packing two additional lightweight outfits for the baby for the stay. Your baby will be dressed in hospital onesies and wrapped in their swaddle blankets. After the first day, I changed my baby. My nurses actually shared that they enjoy when moms dress their baby, but just make sure the outfits are super accesible. Your baby will undergo necessary bloodwork and wellness checks, so don;t pick outfits that make your nurse’s job harder.

Enjoyed this post? Here are some other Blog posts that may interest you.
Hospital Bag Must Haves
Best Maternity Fashion Basics
The Ultimate Baby Registry