What’s in your bag?!

Do you feel like you have been pregnant since the beginning of time? Well not to worry the end is near, and most importantly have you got everything organised.

A tiny baby despite their size and space occupied requires a lot of stuff! From the clothes they wear to all the gadgets and paraphernalia that is needed to make your life as well as your baby’s life easy and smooth. Believe me if baby’s not happy you’ll hear about it for sure. Usually if you know you are going in for a scheduled cesarean some hospitals give you a list of essentials for mother and baby in first few days. But if baby decides when he or she wants to be born then take a look at what you will need, pack and be prepared. You’ll thank me later for sure! 1. About two body full body suits for the newborn. Despite the tropics, as soon as babies are born they still like to feel warm so these are convenient in the first few days to keep baby comfortable. Do not over wrap your baby and always ask for guidance from the maternity staff.

2. Plenty of hats and socks. Keeping those heads and feet warm in the first few days is essential. 3. Depending how long you will stay at the hospital, for a normal delivery you are generally discharged in two days while for a caesarean section you are kept in for three days, pack baby shirts. You can have some nice decorative ones for the day when the visitors arrive and some plain simple ones for the nighttime. Avoid the fuzzy, scratchy bow type ones which will leave your baby in discomfort. Stick to comfy airy cottons as the weather permits. 4. Have plenty of muslin cloths which are needed for wiping spills or burping baby etc. Bibs are not really essential at this point since baby is not yet dribbling and tying strings around little necks will be messy.

5. If going for cloth diapers have plenty of those in hand. But if using pampers then stock up on some newborn sized ones. 6. If using diapers you will also need a water proof mat to place in your baby’s cot to prevent unexpected leaks 7. About two bath towels, with plenty of face cloths for a quick wash after a feed or a change. 8. A small basin to give baby a quick wash.

9. Plenty of blankets and baby quilts will always be handy. 10. A few fancy outfits to greet baby’s new visitors, but be careful in what you select, do not go for synthetic or polyester type clothing which might make baby too hot and uncomfortable, since they are newborns be careful about what type of material will touch a baby’s skin to avoid rashes. In this case comfort should always be your first priority.

In terms of baby essentials, the age old adage of less is more does not work. More is needed and much is necessary. Good luck and Happy Birthing!