NICU Hospital Bag Essentials
It’s almost time to meet baby! All of the appointments and ultrasounds have led you to welcoming your baby and most likely, you are wondering what essential items you should pack for your O baby. Babies with Omphaloceles have unique needs, which means some “must have items” you have seen on those Pinterest posts or heard about from your best friend might not be the same for you and your baby. The list of items below was developed from recommendations by O mommas who have been in your shoes.
For Baby
Baby Clothes with Snaps: Skip the zipper sleepers! Most parents will tell you to get baby sleepers that have zippers, not snaps because who wants to snap those together in the middle of the night. However, when in the NICU, the snaps are perfect for going around wires, tubes, cords, and most importantly, the Omphalocele, when your baby is ready to wear clothes. Some O babies won’t be ready for your cute outfits right away, but it’s so great when the time comes!
Hats/ Headbands: As quoted by a sweet custodian at a NICU, “when the babies look good, they feel good!” While not essential, putting hats or headbands on your baby can be fun, especially if he/she is not quite ready for clothes.
Books: There is so much research about the importance of reading to your baby. Reading children’s books to your baby in the NICU is a great way to pass the time and bond with your baby. Child Life will often provide books and other small baby toys if you ask, as well.
Boppy Pillow: A pillow like a Boppy is a nice item to have to help prop your baby when you are holding him/her.
Muslin Blankets/ Swaddles: Your baby will be swaddled a lot and it’s nice to use something other than the hospital blankets. Some NICUs will not permit “fuzzy” items due to germs, but some units allow soft blankets and stuffed animals if you want those items for comfort.
Burp Cloths: For the spit up and other potential messes!
For Mom (in the NICU)
Comfy Clothes: After giving birth, make sure you are comfy to sit in the NICU. Bring slippers and a sweatshirt to be cozy while taking care of your little one.
Cell Phone Charger: Don’t forget this essential!
Headphones: Listening to music or an audiobook can be a nice way to relax while in the NICU.
Journal/Notebook: Some parents like to journal their experiences in the NICU or write down notes during rounds with the doctors each day. It can be helpful to keep track of everything going on with your baby.
Pumping Bra: If you choose to pump, a pumping bra is so helpful to have in the NICU for your pumping sessions.
Mini Cooler/Lunch bag: This is very helpful when carrying bottles of milk you may pump while you are not in the NICU each day. The hospital will store your pumped milk in their freezers, so you can hand your bottles to them when you arrive each day.
Water Bottle
But wait, what about...?
Many items are provided by the hospital so you don’t have to worry about everything! Pacifiers, wipes, and diapers will all be provided by the NICU. It is helpful to have wipes and a few diapers in your diaper bag for when it’s time to go home- just in case! They will also provide towels and soap when your baby is ready for a little hospital bath. As mentioned, ask for a Child Life Specialist if you would like some items for your baby like mobiles and little toys. You can bring your own though if you want to, as well.
The hospital is also great about providing various items for pumping moms. They will provide you with bottles to store your milk, hospital-grade pumps, and possibly even additional pumping parts, which you can keep in your NICU bag for each day.
The question of what car seat you should get is a tough one and definitely case-by-case. Some babies will need a specialized car seat due to the size of your baby’s O, but some are able to use a typical car seat. Either way, don’t forget your car seat if you are relocating to a different area. One (super special) day, your baby will be discharged and you will need that to go home!