What to Pack in Your Baby’s Hospital Bag

When your baby arrives at the hospital, you’ll want to be sure you’ve packed all the necessities so you can focus on bonding with your family’s new addition! We recommend using a diaper bag and packing it a few weeks before your due date, just to be safe. Here’s what to be sure to have in your baby’s hospital bag for when the big day comes:

• Pajamas: Bring two pairs of pajamas for your new baby. Button-up pajamas are the most convenient when it comes to changing diapers.

• Blanket: Hospitals obviously have these, but bring a blanket of your choice if you plan on taking newborn photos at the hospital!

• Diapers and Wipes: Most hospitals should offer these, but it’s best to be safe.

• Bibs and Burp Cloths: Your baby is bound to spit up, especially while nursing.

• Hats: Hospitals provide these, but you can always bring cuter ones!

• Lotion: Have a little bottle on hand for your baby just in case.

• Pacifiers: You may not want to give your baby a pacifier for a few weeks if you are nursing him/her. However, if you plan on giving them a bottle, be sure to bring a couple.

• Going-Home Outfit: This should consist of a hat, onesie, socks, and pants.

Of course, every mother’s needs will slightly vary. We also recommend calling the hospital to see what items will be offered to you.

Do you know someone who’s expecting a new addition to their family? Check out our newborn gift packages to provide them with some beautifully-packaged necessities! 

Why Babies Need Tummy Time

If you’re a parent (or soon to be one), you likely already know that ‘tummy time’ refers to placing a baby on his or her stomach (while supervised, of course). But why is time spent in this position so important?

It’s quite simple – babies need time on their tummies to develop strong neck and shoulder muscles, which will help your little one accomplish physical milestones like sitting, crawling and walking. Tummy time is also an important factor in the prevention of positional plagiocephaly (the back of your baby’s head becoming flat). This is because if a baby’s head is left in the same position for long periods of time, the developing skull plates may move in a way that creates a flat spot.

After placing your baby down for tummy time (which should start the first day home from the hospital), he will naturally start trying to lift his head to see what is going on around him. However, he won’t be able to hold his head up for long periods of time until 3-4 months.

Only play with your baby on her stomach when she is awake and alert. When you are playing, you’ll want to be on a hard surface, such as the floor. However, we recommend using one of our plush animal mats so your baby stays comfortable (and enjoys the company of their favorite animal friend!)