Kids & Company Blog

Bringing Baby Home from the Hospital: Checklist!

It seems appropriate that it is the fall and I am writing about bringing your baby home from the hospital! I have a number of fall babies, and most importantly my first! He was born September 20th and will be 28 this year. The crazy thing is that it truly seems both like yesterday and a lifetime ago!

The lists of what to bring to the hospital and have ready for this big day haven't changed much, and can be found everywhere, but I have a few personal thoughts.

Firstly, if you can, have your house really tidy and clean with everything well organized. It will rarely happen stay that way after you have the baby. I can still recall how long it would take me to feel like the house was well in hand. Secondly, be sure that your helpful spouse (in my case it was my best friend), brings you healthy but filling food the entire time you are in the hospital. I always felt terrible if I was starting to breast feed and hungry. Lastly, don't forget the "special baby doll” if you have a new brother or sister. I always gave them "their own baby".

Here are a few things you may want to have ready on the big day! They are compiled both from my list and my daughter-in-law Kristie’s:

For the Baby:

  • Bottles
  • Diapers: One pack of newborn at the hospital and a pack of size one at home.
  • Diaper bag
  • Baby wash and lotion/oil
  • Wipes
  • Blanket
  • At least 3-5 newborn sized sleepers and onesies and about five 0-3 months of each as well.
  • Hats (helps to keep the baby’s temperature regulated when they are first born)
  • Vitamin D, every breast fed baby should have it daily
  • Stroller
  • Car Seat
  • Crib & Linens
  • A can of ready to serve or formula concentrate. Even if you plan to breast feed, there are so many reasons a baby may need a supplementation of formula (such as jaundice and weight loss)

For Mom:

  • Receiving blankets (lots as they're great for spit up messes)
  • Ice Packs
  • Nursing Pads
  • Face cloths
  • Towels
  • Comfy loose clothes
  • Pillows for the hospital. They have some there but it is great to have your own for extra comfort.

Things You May forget:

  • Pacifier
  • Mittens
  • Nightlight
  • Bibs

Remember, these are only a few of the basics and I find it helpful to look up different checklists online, this way I know I am not forgetting anything, hopefully! And if you still feel like you are forgetting something just ask your friends and family for further advice!

Posted on: Friday September 6th, 2013

Posted by: Victoria Sopik

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