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Bringing Baby Home: Must-Haves for Baby’s Arrival

May 17, 2019

For first-time moms (and those who have given birth before) preparing for the birth and delivery of your baby is an exciting but nerve-wracking experience.

This post will overview essentials to pack for a short hospital stay during labor and delivery, plus those must-have items new parents will need to have ready at home.

Preparing for Your Hospital Stay

Being prepared can help alleviate the stress and anxiety many expecting mothers feel when they check into the hospital. A solid game plan will help make mom more comfortable during her stay and also help mom’s support person be prepared to partner to help with the newborn baby and/or the siblings.

Here are a few items to consider bringing with you during your time in the hospital:

  • Your birth plan, which is a written plan that specifies your preference for labor. It may include information about birth setting and methods of pain relief. If you don’t already have one, consider making this a priority.
  • Toiletries such as toothbrush, toothpaste, mouthwash, floss, deodorant, cosmetics hair care items, etc.
  • Glasses, glasses case, contact lenses/case, contact lens solution
  • Cell phone charger
  • A front-opening nightgown or robe (if you’re planning to breastfeed)
  • Comfortable clothes to wear home (sweatpants/yoga pants are a great choice)
  • Supportive bras/nursing bras
  • Reading material, deck of cards, crossword puzzles, etc.
  • An overnight bag for your birthing partner
  • Going home outfit for your baby
  • Receiving blanket (bring an extra just in case one gets dirty)
  • Car seat (required by law)

Diaper Essentials

Here are a few must-haves when it comes to diaper duty:

  • Diapers (cloth or disposable, depending on your preference, newborn size)
  • Diaper cream
  • Baby wipes
  • Extra change of clothing, including hat
  • Changing pad or paper liners
  • Bag for a dirty diaper

Bathing Essentials

Everything you need to make sure baby’s first baths are successful!

  • Bathinette or plastic tub
  • Washcloths
  • Hooded towel
  • Baby shampoo
  • Mild baby soap
  • Cup for rinsing

Medicine Essentials

Hopefully you won’t need too many of these items right away, but better to be safe than sorry.

  • Digital thermometer (rectal or under the arm)
  • Cool mist humidifier
  • Nasal saline drops
  • Nasal bulb
  • Antibacterial cream
  • Small bandages
  • Safety nail scissors
  • Infant acetaminophen (Tylenol). Note that babies under six months should not take most over-the-counter medicine, including ibuprofen and cold/cough medicines. If your newborn is sick and/or running a fever, call their doctor.

Miscellaneous

The list of things you need for a baby may seem endless, but here are just a few extra items to check off before you bring baby home:

  • Glass or BPA-free bottles with tight-fitting lids
  • Bottle sterilizer
  • Nipples
  • Bottle/nipple brush
  • Burp cloths
  • Nursing pillow
  • Breast pump (if breastfeeding)
  • Milk storage containers (if breastfeeding)
  • Formula (talk to your doctor about recommended brands)
  • Crib (with fixed side rails and slats no more than 2 3/8 inches apart)
  • Firm mattress
  • Snug-fitting crib sheets
  • Baby carrier, sling or wrap
  • Baby swing
  • Stroller
  • Pacifiers
  • Six to eight onesies, long and short-sleeved
  • Six sleepers
  • Three or four swaddling blankets
  • One or two lightweight blankets

Prenate® for Mom

The Prenate® Vitamin Family line of vitamins includes supplements designed specifically with the new mother in mind. Prenate® Restore is the only prescription postpartum vitamin with probiotics, making it truly a unique product offering both folic acid and DHA benefits.

After pregnancy, many women’s bodies become depleted of essential nutrients. This is due to nutrients going to the baby via the umbilical cord and later through breast milk. If your baby isn’t receiving an appropriate level of nutrition through your diet, your baby will need to rely on your body stores, which could potentially lead to nutrient deficiencies for you. Prenate® Restore may help new mothers restore their body’s nutrients while also providing probiotics to the newborn’s GI system through breastmilk. Learn more about the benefits of Prenate® Restore as well as our full line of products in the Prenate® Vitamin Family.

THESE STATEMENTS HAVE NOT BEEN EVALUATED BY THE FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION. THIS PRODUCT IS NOT INTENDED TO DIAGNOSE, TREAT, CURE OR PREVENT ANY DISEASE.

REFERENCES: 1. What You Should Bring. Mayoclinichealthsystem.org https://mayoclinichealthsystem.org/locations/la-crosse/services-and-treatments/birthing-centers/what-to-bring Accessed June 13,2019. 2. Newborn Basics: What You Need to Care for Your New Baby. Webmd.com. https://www.webmd.com/parenting/baby/baby-prep-17/baby-products. Accessed June 13, 2019.

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WARNING: Accidental overdose of iron-containing products is a leading cause of fatal poisoning in children under 6. Keep this product out of reach of children. In case of accidental overdose, call a doctor or poison control center immediately.

WARNING: Ingestion of more than 3 grams of omega-3 fatty acids (such as DHA) per day has been shown to have potential antithrombotic effects, including an increased bleeding time and International Normalized Ratio (INR). Administration of omega-3 fatty acids should be avoided in patients taking anticoagulants and in those known to have an inherited or acquired predisposition to bleeding.

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IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

More Less

WARNING: Accidental overdose of iron-containing products is a leading cause of fatal poisoning in children under 6. Keep this product out of reach of children. In case of accidental overdose, call a doctor or poison control center immediately.

WARNING: Ingestion of more than 3 grams of omega-3 fatty acids (such as DHA) per day has been shown to have potential antithrombotic effects, including an increased bleeding time and International Normalized Ratio (INR). Administration of omega-3 fatty acids should be avoided in patients taking anticoagulants and in those known to have an inherited or acquired predisposition to bleeding.

This site and its contents are an information resource only, and are neither intended to nor should be used in replacement of your doctor or other prescribing professional’s medical guidance, recommendations or advice. Neither this site nor its information should be used or relied upon for any diagnostic, medical, treatment, nutritional or other purpose. All aspects of pregnancy, including whether pregnancy is right for you, and the nourishment and care of your child, should be made with your doctor and other appropriate medical professional, and in consideration of your and your child’s particular medical history. Avion Pharmaceuticals, LLC (“Avion”) makes no representation, warranty or other undertaking that this site or its information are appropriate for you or your child’s specific needs or issues, and further expressly disclaims all damages, losses, injuries or liability whatsoever incurred or alleged to have been incurred in consequence of your reliance on the information on this site. Avion does not endorse any test, procedure, treatment, remedy, therapy, cure, nutritional regimen, method or other activity or undertaking that you and/or your doctor or other medical professional may elect or recommend. By visiting this site you agree to these terms and conditions and acknowledge that you have read and understand the same. These terms and conditions, together with any information on this site, may be amended, restated or otherwise changed from time to time and at any time by Avion within the sole, absolute and uncontrolled exercise of its discretion. You acknowledge and agree that Avion has no duty or obligation to keep you informed of any amendments to, restatements of or other changes to these terms and conditions or this site, and that you are solely and exclusively responsible for apprising yourself of the same.

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