I’m a prepper.  Maybe it’s leftover from my girl scout years.  Since I found out I was pregnant I’ve been making lists of things to do and what to pack.  My lists had lists.  I did a lot of research and reading about what to pack for the hospital.  I’m a chronic over-packer and have been working hard a fixing this area in my life.  With the abundance of baby stuff one needs, how in the world am I going to pack for the hospital?

Here is what I have decided to pack.  Now, mind you, this is my first baby so I have no idea if I have under-packed or over-packed.  Also, I’m a big fan of only having to do things once, so while I was packing the diaper bag for the hospital, it was also getting packed for everyday use.

 Yes, I know that I won’t need diapers as hospitals have them like they are going out of style.  But I’m trying not to have to pack the diaper back twice.   So, at the bottom of the bag and tucked away I have the following

• Diapers-right now I have Newborn and Size 1 in the diaper bag
• Desitin-I have about 5 tubes of this so one will stay in the diaper bag permanently
• Disposable Pads-these double as burp clothes and changing pads
• Wipes-I have a travel container that I will keep in the diaper bag and replenish as needed

• Hat-I know what they have these at the hospital too but mine is definitely cuter than the hospital issued hats
• Mittens-I packed three simply because I am capable of losing things like you wouldn’t believe.  I really just need a white pair so they match everything but oh well
• Socks-Depending on what he comes home in he will need socks.  Again I lose things like crazy
• Burp cloths I just tossed in a couple to get us through the ride home if needed for any spit ups that occur or while getting to know him in the hospital room
• Pacifiers (not pictured)- I have three different types tucked in to a pocket.  I’m not against soothers at all.  Or as I call them, plugs.
• Emery Boards/nail clippers (not pictured)-I also have these tucked away to trim down those nails

In regards to clothing, I packed two different sizes.  This little Rhino has been measuring ahead each time so if I go full term there is the possibility that he will not fit in to any NB size clothing.  So I included both NB and 3 month sized clothing.  The only thing I may add is an additional plain onesie just in case he pukes as soon as I put on his outfit to go home.

• Receiving Blankets-I tossed in 2 standard blankets.  The hospital has plenty of these to keep the baby swaddled but I wanted to have some colorful ones to take pictures with.  We also need to have one with the baby’s scent on it to bring home for the dogs to inspect
• Special Blanket-This baby Afghan was made by my grandmother.  She makes them for all of the grandchildren and I am so glad she is still able to make such beautiful blankets.  This will be tucked around the little Rhino for his ride home.
• Boppy (not pictured)-This is sitting on top of the diaper bad ready to go to the hospital with us
• Baby Book (not pictured)-I packed this in my bag as it is a bit big for the diaper bag

And finally a proper car seat.  I had the base installed by a Fire Department tech.  One of the benefits of working for the fire department and being on bed rest was getting a house call to get it installed.  The car seat I’m using is the Graco SnugRide Click Connect 40 which will grow with him and stay rear facing up to 2 years of age.

So this is what is packed for the baby.  Feel free to leave a comment with any other suggestions that you might include.  Remember, I’ve never done this before so I appreciate the constructive and helpful hints.  Stay tuned for another post where I lay out what I will be packing in my hospital bag.