Preparing for the Big Day

As an intended parent, you may have to travel to your surrogate for the birth of your bundle(s) of joy. Everything gets so exciting and nerve wracking as you get closer to this much anticipated moment that it may be helpful to have a packing list prepared well in advance. It should help with the “did we forget something important?!” worries.

 

Important

These are the most important items to bring with you:

Car Seat – The hospital will want to inspect the infant carrier and base before letting baby go home

PBO – It never hurts to have a couple extra copies of this important document on hand

Identification

Insurance information

 

Something to think about

Have you thought about hiring a Birth Photographer? Precious moments come in a hurry, so what better way to be fully present than to leave photography to a professional? Another thing to keep in mind is, in the event you aren’t able to make it in time, you will still have that moment captured forever. Many birth photographers offer bundled packages which include newborn photos about a week later too. If you would like to use a birth photographer but aren’t sure where to start, reach out to your coordinator for some referrals.

 

Diaper Bag

Start loading up your diaper bag with the essentials:

• Coming home outfit
• Extra onesies – at least 3
• Hat
• Blankets / Swaddlers
• Burp Cloths
• Baby mittens or socks – so they don’t scratch their face
• Diapers
• Baby wipes for sensitive skin
• Aquaphor
• Plastic bags for dirty diapers
• Changing Pad – most bags come with a small one
• Hand sanitizer for you
• Bottles and formula
• Bottled water if you will be mixing formula
• Pacifier – if you plan on using one (the hospital typically provides “soothie” by Avent)

Depending on the amount of time you plan to stay in town after the baby(ies) are born, you may also need a few bath items, such as:

• Towel
• Wash cloth
• Baby soap
• Baby shampoo
• Baby lotion

A couple of additional notes: The hospital will most likely provide you with some diapers and a bulb syringe (nasal aspirator) to take with you. Whenever you can, opt for packing travel sizes.  Also, if you are having a boy and plan to circumcise in the hospital, you will need to add Vaseline and gauze to your diaper bag list.

 

Overnight bag for you

That’s right, don’t forget a hospital overnight bag for yourselves!

Wear comfortable clothes to the hospital and pack at least one change of clothes along with toiletries and an outer layer (jacket or sweater). If you plan on skin to skin time, it may be helpful to wear a loose top or one with a front entry.