xx, Kim
5 Things That Helped Me Deal with My Post Partum Anxiety
xx, Kim
Giving Birth To My First Child During COVID-19
Having a Baby During COVID 19
xx, Kim
My Hospital Bag Checklist
Its a strange time to have a baby with the Corona Virus being all anyone can talk about and hospitals changing all of their policies on visitors etc. for women who just gave birth. Regardless of the circumstances, I am working hard mentally to stay positive, look at the silver lining all around, and focus on the good that can come out of these changes and slower times.
One thing that has been helping me during this time is getting as organized and taking care of the few things that are in my power to control. Getting my hospital bag together has been one of those things (I packed at 38 weeks, kinda late for a first timer but with sisters who have kids, I knew the chances were that I would be overdue for my first.)
I think it’s really important to ask for suggestions on what to pack only from someone that you relate to and knows you well, because a lot of people will tell you what you need or don’t need, My sister in law helped me as well as my friend who recently had a baby. The lists were very similar so it felt good to be on the same page and have a clear idea of what I needed.
My one piece of advice in this process would be to not overthink this. Essentially you’re packing for a 48-72 hour period where you’ll want to be cozy and have what makes you feel confident, beautiful, and comfortable.
See below for my hospital bag checklist!
-Roller suitcase to neatly pack items in one common place vs. multiple totes overflowing with stuff.
For Mom:
-Robe
-Zip Up hoodie
-Button Down boyfriend shirt or pajama set with loose pants (in dark colors in case you bleed through the pad/diapers the hospital provides)
-Comfy sweatsuit or tracksuit / shoes to wear home
-Nursing Bra
-Dark, comfy, and loose boy short undies (hospital provides disposable undies/pads)
-Nursing Pillow
-Nipple Cream
-Nursing Pads
-Socks
-Slippers or comfy slides
-Chapstick (apparently lips get chapped during labor from all the heavy breathing!)
-Travel size toiletries, Skin care products, hair brush, blow dryer and the like if you plan on getting dolled up after things have settled down
-Tooth Brush, tooth paste
-Minimal makeup if you want to wear any at all
-Aromatherapy
-Playlists downloaded
-Movies downloaded
-Birthing Ball if you want to use one
-Disposable undies, pads, witch hazel pads, peri bottle (our hospital provides so not necessary for us but just in case your hospital doesn’t provide)
For Baby:
-Swaddles (don’t need but if you wanted your own)
-Baby blanket
-Mitts so baby doesn’t scratch themselves
-Socks/fleece booties (baby is mostly swaddled in diaper and kimono provided by hospital but in case you wanted to have baby out at all with feet covered)
-1-2 baby outfits (including one to go home in)
-Car seat
-Baby wash/shampoo if you want the hospital to use your preferred brand when they bathe baby
For Dad:
-Toiletries
-2 changes of comfy clothes (I packed Chay’s Adidas tracksuit, two soft tees, undies, one pair of comfy pants, 3 pairs of socks, and a hoodie)
Mom and Dad Misc. Items:
-Easily packable blanket (s)
-Pillow
-Computer and charger
-Headphones
-Books
-Snacks, bars, etc
-Camera
Personal Documentation:
-Insurance Cards
-Medical Records (provided by Dr. to bring with you)
-License/ID
-Birth Plan
I found it so useful when my sister in law and friend sent their list to me to edit down and customize it more to my own needs. I hope you guys find this helpful and I hope that it takes some of the potential stress that can come with the unknown. Please feel free to add anything you might recommend as well in the comments section below.
xo, Kim
Baby Registry Must Haves-
As a first timer in this pregnancy journey, there have been so many new things that have overwhelmed me. From the physical changes to mental and hormonal changes, it can be a lot! There are also a ton of opinions from well meaning people that can be overwhelming and confusing.
Creating a baby registry is no exception. There are so many products out there and it’s hard to know what’s a necessity or something that would truly make my life easier in regards to the baby. I really don’t want any unnecessary items, especially ones that make my house look like baby land!
I really strive to keep my home looking as clean, organized, and as clutter free as possible but of course want to make sure that we invest in some items that are helpful and important for us to have for our little one. So, I reached out to my followers on Instagram via stories to see what the current must-have items are for first time moms and MAN! I got sooo any messages with lists of peoples favorite items that they felt “saved their life” when they had their babies.
I cross checked all these messages to to be able to bring you guys a list of favorites as well as avoiding any items that seemed like pure clutter (which were seldom recommended anyways). These items are all on my registry. I put any items that were recommended to me multiple times on the list. I will do a separate post for favorite baby clothes brands as well as what’s in my hospital bag and postpartum must haves to keep it clear and organized. Take a look at the list below and please leave a comment if you have any must have recommendations that are not included. I would love to know!
Baby Registry Must Haves:
(I am not including clothes, swaddles, or blankets on here as design and colors are a personal preference.)
Transportation:
Artipoppe baby carrier - pricey but such a fun and stylish baby carrier. For a more economical option, the Ergo Baby Carrier was also highly recommended
or
Uppa Baby Mesa Car Seat - Compatible with stroller
Solly Wrap- Super Soft wrap to strap baby to you. same idea as the carriers but you have to wrap yourself. Many moms love this brand
Sleeping:
Snuggle me Organic - Similar to but cheaper than a Dock a Tot.
Levo Baby Bouncer- Chic and design conscious baby bouncer from Charlie Crane
Baby Shusher- For on the go naps or sleeping at home to block out noise
Sleep Bag- For when baby is a little older
Pacifiers- BPA free and super cute neutral colors
Pacifier clip set- To keep Paci from getting lost and attached to baby
Hatch Baby Rest Sound, Night Light and Time to Rise
Crib Sheet - I LOVE this company
Humidifier - another type. similar to HATCH
Feeding:
Como Tomo Bottles- Different sizes available
Hand Pump- If you decide to pump, I hear this affordable option is great for on the go
Burp Cloths - some say you need them, some say swaddles can wipe up spit up just as good but I included them here in case you prefer to have the two separate.
Hygiene:
Nose Frieda- Seems gross but people swear by it to clear their babies noses out
Diapering:
Diaper Pale- for dirty diapers
Bathing:
Misc.
I would love to know if you guys have any other recommendations! If so, drop them in the comments below!
xo, Kim