Hospital Bag Checklist – what to bring!

Baby on the way? We thought we would put together a list of items that we know moms need to have packed for their trip to the hospital when baby says”it’s time”! No you CAN’T pack everything! It is recommended you pack your bag by the end of your 2nd trimester. Although this seems early, its better safe than sorry and you never know if you’ll go early. So stick to the most important stuff. Here is a list of “must-haves” from the moms of Le Top:

PRE-LABOR

For Labor & Mama:

• Picture ID or driver’s license, insurance card and hospital paper you need (pre-registration forms) 
• Your birth plan (if you have one) 
• Eyeglasses (if you need them) and saline solution 
• Toothbrush/toothpaste 
• Chapstick (man those lips get chapped!) 
• Deodorant 
• Brush 
• Makeup (not a must, but nice to have) 
• Bathrobe/nightgown/slippers or socks – Although hospitals provide gowns and socks for you to use during labor, sometimes your own clothes are nice to have. 
• “grandma” underwear/a.k.a. “not so pretty” undies (comfier post labor)
• Body lotion
• Sanitary pads
• Non-slip socks (good for pacing the hallways)
• Spray bottle (awesome for cooling you down during labor)
• ** something to make you relax 
  

  Le Top " Petite Duckling" Footed Coverall with Mitten Cuffs AKA "Take-Me-Home outfit"

  • your fav pillow 
  • music 
  • reading material 
  • picture of the one your love 
  • your favorite ponytail holder

For the proud Papa to Be:

• Toiletries 
• Comfy shoes and clothes 
• Fresh clothes 
• Snacks 
• Reading materials 
• Money for parking or the vending machines 
• Fav pillow

POST-LABOR

For Ma and Pa:

• Gifts for other siblings (some parents bring gifts for the “big” siblings to give to their new brother or sister) 
• Book on newborn care 
• Camera (with a charged battery) to capture your “first moments” or video camera 
• Snacks!! You are likely to be hungry after labor. 
• Fresh nightgown (for mom) 
• A list of people to call with their phone numbers or email addresses & cell phone charger 
• Nursing tank tops which snap down or lift up for easy breast feeding 
• Nursing bras or breast pads

Don't forget the car seat for the drive home.

For Baby:

• Installed infant car seat (you can’t drive your baby home without one!)
• “Take-me-home” outfit from Le Top Baby (get something with feet to keep him/her warm)
• A receiving blanket for swaddling your baby
• Breastfeeding pillow
• An empty bag (you always come out with more than you came in with! It is good for diapers, ointments, gauze and pads!)

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Actress Gretchen Mol Welcomes Daughter!

Photo by: Amanda Schwab/Startraks

A baby girl was welcomed by Boardwalk Empire actress Gretchen Mol, 38-years-old, on Thursday, February 17th in New York. She delivered her 2nd child, Winter Morgan Williams who is now little sister to their son, Ptolemy John, 3 1/2-years-old. Father and Paranormal Activity 2 director Tod ‘Kip’ Williams and his family are overjoyed! Our Le Top Baby “Pretty Rosebuds” Collection plush kimono jacket to keep her warm this chilly spring month. 

Le Top Baby "Pretty Rosebuds" Collection plush kimono jacket

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Pull-ups to the Rescue

My 4-year-old and I recently went to our local retailer to purchase some nighttime diapers. Yes, she still uses them at night. We’ve tried to reduce fluid intake and have her get up at night to use the potty, but it hasn’t worked out yet. Anyway, our retailer was out of her size, so I ran the idea of pull-ups by her. We tried these before and she couldn’t stand them (didn’t like the feel, the girly prints, or the fact they were like underwear), but that was before she knew they had pull-ups with Diego ‘the animal rescuer’ on them.

Though I was happy about her interest in the pull-ups, I was concerned that they would be padded for boys, not girls. Since I couldn’t find anything on the box stating that they were specific to gender (except for the boys on the box wearing them) and the store representative told me they were all padded the same, I went for it. I have to say, it is making my life easier. Now Lilah is happy to put on her pull-ups when she puts on her jammies (since they are like underpants, not diapers). This means we haven’t had any night time accidents from me forgetting to put her diapers on before bed. I used to forget sometimes if she was already under the covers when I went in to read her a book. She has also been more receptive to using the “potty” just before bed for some reason which means we are one step closer to using nothing at all. The lesson I learned is just because it didn’t work in the past, doesn’t mean it won’t work now OR if at first you don’t succeed, wait, and then try another way. Go Diego Go 🙂

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