You want to have all your maternity notes and medical records handy for your doctors
Make sure you pack your birth plan if you have one. You might have already discussed your birth plan with your medical team, but consider printing a few copies of it in case last-minute questions are raised.
This will be convenient to have especially if you end up pacing around during labor, or afterward in the postnatal wards. Many hospitals are warm, so a lightweight gown may be better. A dark color will help to conceal any stains.
You’ll want slippers that are easy to slip on and off. Pack some flip-flops as well to use in the shower.
Your feet can get cold during labor, so pack some socks just in case.
If you would like to get massaged to soothe you during labor, pop some lotion or massage oil in your hospital bag.
Pack some things that will help distract you during early labor, such as magazines, books, a Bluetooth speaker, or a tablet where you can watch your favorite shows and movies.
The hospital might not provide enough pillows to make you comfortable. A C-shaped pillow can be useful in providing the extra support you need during breastfeeding.
Your lips can dry out quickly during labor. Bringing along some lip balm will help rehydrate them.
A birth ball can help you find different labor positions, plus it may also help you manage the pain that comes with contractions. Check with your doctors to see if the hospital can provide one that suits your needs, and if not, take your own.
Don’t forget your phone and charger!
In addition to your nightdress, you might also want to take some comfortable clothes that you will wear during your time in hospital. Pack an extra going-home outfit. Choose loose-fitting, comfortable clothes that won’t be a hassle to wear.
Even if you don’t plan to breastfeed, you will need breast pads as your breasts will still produce milk after you have your baby.
Bring two or three nursing bras with you if you plan to breastfeed.
Front-opening shirts are great for those early days of breastfeeding.
Although the hospital may provide you with some, pack a couple of heavy-duty maternity pads, just in case.
Don't forget your body wash, shampoo, conditioner, toothbrush, toothpaste, moisturizer, face wash, hairbrush, and deodorant. Your hospital or birth center will probably provide you with towels but pack your own just in case.
You will want to have several pairs of comfortable underwear that are large enough for those bulky maternity pads.
These will help you get some sleep if you’re spending time in a brightly lit, noisy ward.
Sometimes labor can be very long, so you might want to pack some snacks and drinks. Make sure you speak to your doctors to determine whether or not you can eat/drink anything during labor. You also want to have some of your favorite snacks handy for after labor.
These will help to cool you down while you’re in the throes of labor.
If your partner brings snacks and food in their bag, they won't have to leave the hospital room in search of them.
These are great in case your partner spends a long time on their feet.
This is in case they don’t get the chance to go home and change.
Make sure to pack a phone for some entertainment, as well as to stay in contact with loved ones. The camera and/or video will be useful for documenting the birth and early moments with your little one.
Pack 20-30 diapers made especially for newborn babies. You will find that your newborn can get through 10-12 diapers each day.
Newborns are more susceptible to cold, and you may want to add to what the hospital provides. A pair of socks or soft booties will keep your newborn’s feet warm.
Your baby may need a soft blanket to stay warm if it’s cold outside when you leave the hospital.
In addition to what the hospital provides, you might also need layers such as vests, onesies, and sleepsuits.
These can be used to prevent milk from getting on your clothes.
Using cotton wool and water for nappy changes during those first few days is highly recommended.
A hat, bodysuit, and booties should be fine during the warmer months. However, if your baby is expected to be born in winter, you will need mittens and a snowsuit or jackets as well.
A car seat isn't meant to go in the hospital bag, but you'll want to have one installed in your around the same time you prepare your baby bag.
It’s never too early to start gathering the essentials that you’ll need during labor and birth, and for after your little one arrives. Even if you don’t plan on having your baby in a hospital or birth center, you may need to go in case of an emergency, so try to prepare a bag by the time you hit the 36-week mark.
]]>However, not everything is safe for reuse, so you’ll have to part with a bit more money to buy them first-hand. Here is what you can buy used and what you should consider buying new.
1. Toys
There are all sorts of appealing toys on the market, and if you’re not careful, you may end up spending your hard-earned cash on items that may end up unused. It’s also hard to tell what toys your baby will find appealing, so you may buy expensive toy cars only for your little one to play with the box it came in.
To save yourself from unnecessary spending, consider buying secondhand playthings, or take hand-me-downs from family and friends. Just make sure to thoroughly inspect for loose parts, chipping paints, or sharp edges, and leave behind any toys with small parts that could be choking hazards.
2. Clothes
As an expectant parent, it can be almost impossible to escape the lure of cute new baby clothes. But if you’re on a tight budget, or you just want to be financially responsible, it may be worth considering buying used baby clothes.
Babies grow at a rapid rate, and you will often find that your little one outgrows an outfit before even getting to wear it. So it may be worth re-using a sibling’s or a friend’s hand-me-downs, or shopping thrift or resale. Just make sure to keep an eye out for drawstrings and loose ties or buttons, which could be choking or entanglement hazards.
3. High chair
According to voluntary safety standards, a high chair has to have a 3-point harness and a crotch restraint to keep a child in place and prevent them from climbing out or sliding out. If these two features are still in good working condition, a hand-me-down high chair should be fine. That said, you want to steer clear of high chairs which have arms that lift the tray over the baby's head.
4. Baby bathtub
Baby bathtubs should be okay to buy used as long as you check to ensure that there’s no mildew or mold. Babies grow out of bathtubs quite fast, so you should be able to save a couple of bucks on one that was barely used. Just be sure to steer clear of bath rings, bath seats, or inflatable tubs.
5. Changing table
Changing tables can be pricey- why not save money by buying a gently used one. Just be sure to check the one you get to confirm that it has side railings on all four sides and features a safety strap, and keep an eye out for missing parts and chipping paint.
6. Swings or rockers
Baby swings and rockers are great lifesavers for when you need to put your little one down and get some things done around the house. However, they can be very expensive. To save yourself from the hassle of purchasing one new, consider joining a local Facebook swap group, where you'll likely find gently used swings and baby bouncer chairs still in good condition.
7. Baby monitor
If you live in a small space, a baby monitor might not be an item that you need to buy. But if you live in a home with multiple levels, a baby monitor is useful to have. Because they’re quite pricey, try to see if you can find baby monitors at a consignment – you could save up to 50% off of retail!
1. Crib
When you become expectant, you will likely get crib offers from friends and family. You may have to turn them down – federal regulations changed in 2011, prohibiting manufactures from producing all kinds of drop-side cribs, which can be incredibly dangerous for babies. If you can't afford a new crib, consider going for a new portable crib – which is less expensive but just safe as a standard one – is a great alternative.
2. Mattress
A crib mattress is best bought new for sanitary reasons. Infants are very messy, and a used mattress most likely contains bacteria from pee, poop, spit-up, or even mold which could make your little one very sick. Older mattresses could also contain chemicals such as phthalates and BPA, which you want to keep away from your baby.
Additionally, crib mattresses can get soft and lose firmness over time, which makes them a suffocation risk. A new firm mattress is ideal as it can help prevent SIDS.
3. Pacifiers
The rubber in pacifiers gradually its integrity due to wear and tear as well as exposure over time. Second-hand pacifiers can come apart in your baby's mouth, making them a choking hazard. Therefore, choose to buy new pacifiers, not only for this reason but also because used pacifiers may carry lingering bacteria.
4. Stroller
If you plan on getting out and about after having your baby, a high-quality stroller is paramount. While they will set you back a couple of dollars, you must buy strollers new rather than new. This is because these big-ticket items are subject to a lot of recalls – in 2015, new federal guidelines went into effect, requiring manufacturers to minimize risks of stroller-related injuries. Additionally, stroller technology keeps evolving, with new models incorporating more safety features.
5. Car seats
While a car seat is expensive, they’re worth every penny. Just like with strollers, safety standards for car seats change frequently, so a car seat that may have been considered to be safe a couple of years ago may not meet current safety guidelines. Additionally, parts of a car seat wear and tear over time, and may not provide full protection in case of an accident when re-used.
Buying used baby items and taking hand-me-downs is a great way to save some money. However, because of the ever-evolving recalling list as well as stricter safety standards, not all hand-me-downs/used baby products are safe for a new baby.
]]>How do baby registries work?
A baby registry can be defined as a list of baby products that you would like to receive from family and friends in preparation for your little one’s arrival. Baby registries are usually organized by stored and can either be an online baby registry or a physical one. Some registries are set up to allow combining lists from a variety of retailers.
Many well-established baby registries also come with perks such as price matching, free returns, discounts on select items, and a welcome box of free items. You may also come across helpful online features such as an app that allows you to monitor your baby registry on the go or a handy gift tracker for thank-you notes.
Where should you register?
If you are at a loss when it comes to where you should register, look at it this way – the baby registry that is best suited for you will depend on your unique needs, such as the product brands you prefer, your budget, or whether you want to register in-store or online. Here are some of the most popular places to register in anticipation of your new arrival:
1. Amazon
Amazon’s appeal is the fact that it’s universal, which means that you can pick and choose baby items from almost any retailer, which gives you a wide variety of options. Plus, if you have Amazon Prime, you can have all the items shipped to you in two days, in addition to envy-inducing discounts.
2. Target
Target offers a wide selection of baby essentials, especially when it comes to clothes and nursery accents. You also have the option to add items from other retailers using the universal feature.
3. Pottery Barn Kids
Pottery Barn Kids can be your go-to if you want to create a stylish nursery décor with sophisticated touches, like organic collections, gilded mobiles, and boho-inspired quilts.
4. Walmart
If you are looking for great discounts, Walmart is the best place to put together your baby registry. When you sign up, you will get a pre-populated registry that you can edit if you don’t like what you see.
5. Buy Buy Baby
Buy Buy Baby features a wide selection of baby essentials, from car seats to baby clothes and cleaning materials. When you register, you will receive a goody bag filled with coupons and samples.
6. Crate & Kids
Crate & Kids is a great place to register if you’re looking for trendy specialty items. They also offer free nursery design services, as well as several discounts.
When is the right time to make a baby registry?
While it is entirely up to you to decide when to create a baby registry, most expectant parents start to go through their baby registry when they’re approaching the 12-week mark.
If you intend to find out the baby’s sex, you might want to wait until you get the confirmation (typically at around 20 weeks) before you create your registry. This is because the baby’s gender could influence the color choices and designs you go with. However, you don’t want too long as you want to give yourself ample time to research what you need, plus your friends and family will also need some time to go through your registry.
What items should you put on a baby registry?
When it comes to compiling a list of items to put on your baby registry, there are no wrong or right answers – what you put on your checklist is entirely up to you. However, there are some must-have essentials that you will need, especially in those first few weeks. Here is a baby registry checklist that you can use as a guide:
Baby clothes
Bathing
Bedding
Diapering
Feeding essentials
Baby gear
Nursery items
Medical must-haves
What items don’t belong on a baby registry?
Some items that you can safely pass on when creating your baby registry include:
Unless this is something you want, you don't need to add wipe warmers to your registry. Many parents reporting never having to use one despite including it in their registries, which means it's not a necessity.
All your baby’s bassinet or crib needs is a fitted sheet. You won’t need crib bumpers, blankets, pillows, or stuffed animals, as they pose a risk of suffocation, entrapment, or strangulation.
Although you will need some playtime items, don’t go overboard on the toys.
Final thoughts
Consider putting together a baby registry to avoid getting stuck with a bunch of baby items that you’ll never take out of their packages. Setting up a baby registry doesn’t have to be stressful – it can also be fun, and it will ultimately make your life as a parent easier in the long run.
]]>Read on to find out how to buy toys that your kids will actually play with.
A good toy should adequately challenge a child – if it is too simple, your little one will quickly become bored with it, and if it is too sophisticated, he/she will become frustrated. So one of the first things you want to do before purchasing a toy is to check the age ranges.
Infants: newborns to 1 year
Mobiles are great for babies at this stage as they help to develop their abilities to focus their attention on objects. Keep in mind that mobiles are only meant to be looked at, so once your little one is old enough to reach up and grab theirs, it is time to get rid of it.
Rattles and teething rings are great for when your little one starts teething. For your child’s safety, teething rings have to be washable and unbreakable, with no loose parts.
Stuffed toys are a hit with kids at this age. Go for stuffed toys that are washable, non-flammable, and non-toxic. Small, lightweight toys are ideal as they are easy for infants to cuddle and hold. If the stuffed toys feature limbs, they should be securely attached. The toy should not have any pieces or embellishments that your little one can pull off and swallow.
Consider investing in special ball toys that emit noises and feature internal moving pieces, as these toys provide visual and motor stimulation, as well as help develop motor skills, eye movement, and crawling abilities.
Older babies: 12-18 months
Babies within this age range can sit and stand on their own, but may still not be able to walk without assistance. They are completely enthralled by toys that open and close, push-pull toys that emit sounds, peek-a-boo games, and toys that feature turning knobs and dials.
Blocks also capture the attention of babies at this age. A few large blocks should suffice. For safety purposes, you want to go for light, foam-filled vinyl blocks, or blocks covered with soft fabric.
Sorting toys will not only encourage manual dexterity but will also teach your little ones how to tell apart different colors and sizes. Make sure to go for sorting toys that are too large to become a potential choking hazard.
Push-pull toys are great for children who are just starting to walk. This is because using these toys consistently will help build their confidence and encourage them to continue learning to walk. Look for a push-pull toy that comes with unbreakable parts as well as braking features.
Toddlers: 18 to 24 months
Kids at this age are fascinated by large blocks in a variety of shapes. You want to begin by introducing a small set so that you don’t overwhelm them, and once they get used to them, move on to a larger set. Go for blocks that come in a canister so that your little one has an easy time putting them away once playtime is over.
Action toys such as push-pull train sets with removable accessories and push-pull buses that come with removable people are especially popular with kids at this age. Activity toys that encourage climbing or crawling are also quite a hit – just make sure that they have the appropriate safety features.
Telephone toys allow kids at this age to engage in role-play fun. They are integral in stimulating your little one’s learning, plus they help develop their motor skills. To further enhance your child’s gross and fine motor skills, consider pounding toys such as soft hammers. These are also great for teaching hand-eye coordination.
Toddlers: 2-3 years
If you have a child at this stage, you might have picked on how creative they are becoming with their play. Most of them enjoy engaging in make-up and fantasy, and you will find them trying to imitate adult-like activities. As a result, they thoroughly enjoy playing with realistic toys. Talking dolls and toys in general fascinate them. Just make sure that the dolls you get them speak in simple, clear phrases that they can easily pick up on.
Children in this age group also find knobs and decals very appealing, so toy dashboards are unsurprisingly popular. A dashboard with several different features will capture their attention for extended periods, as long as it is easy to use.
Consider buying your little one occupational toys, such as a miniature building set or doctor’s kit, to inspire creative play. These types are especially great if your child is familiar with the occupation that they represent.
If your child has shown an appreciation for cars, why not get him/her a couple of trucks. These toys can be played with both indoors and outdoors, plus they encourage kids to get creative. Look for trucks that have moving parts, but be wary of sharp edges. You also want to go for trucks that have securely attached wheels so that you don’t have to worry about your little one somehow pulling them off.
Look for puzzles for a child in this age group to hone hand-eye coordination skills, shape recognition, matching skills, and concentration. Before buying a puzzle, check the box to see the age bracket that it is best suited for. You also want to make sure that the pieces aren’t too small that they could become a choking hazard.
You might also want to buy wind-up trains for your toddler at this age. Keep in mind that you will need to assemble the tracks, but most kids can place the train on the tracks on their own.
Final thoughts
A popular toy isn’t necessarily suitable for every child, so when shopping for toys, you want to consider your child’s personality, as well as their likes and dislikes. Another crucial consideration to keep in mind is toy safety. Make sure that any toy you buy for your little one won't cause him/her harm in any way. Lastly, the toys you select must help your kids grow and develop.
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