The arrival of a newborn baby is a time full of excitement and preparation. One of the essential items not to forget when packing for the maternity ward is, of course, the newborn bottle...
In this article, we'll guide you through the process of packing your suitcase and answer essential questions (such as when is the best time to pack). We'll also give you our top tips for choosing the ideal feeding bottle before your baby arrives!
Enjoy your reading.
CONTENTS :
- When should you pack your suitcase for the maternity ward?
- What should you pack in addition to clothes and a bottle for your newborn baby?
- Do you need one or more bottles for your newborn baby?
- How to choose the right bottle for your newborn baby?
- To sum up
When should you pack your suitcase for the maternity ward?
We recommend that you pack your suitcase for the maternity ward a few weeks before the delivery date. This gives you enough time to buy any missing items or make adjustments if necessary. It's important to prepare well in advance to avoid any last-minute stress!
Some private clinics provide a list a few months before the big day.
Don't hesitate to put your trust in them and use this support to prepare your suitcase.
What should you pack in addition to clothes and a bottle for your newborn baby?
In addition to clothes for you and your baby, there are several important items to include in your maternity suitcase.
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Diapers and liniment
Diapers in size 0 (less than 2 kilos) and size 1 (between 2 and 5 kilos) are obviously essential. Disposable diapers are less environmentally friendly, but much more practical for the first few days. As for liniment, it's ideal for cleaning your child's bottom.
At the maternity hospital, you'll receive help in cleaning up what's known as meconium. Meconium can be quite difficult to clean up, as it sticks so tightly to the skin of a baby's bottom. It is the first fecal matter produced by a newborn baby.
Did you know?
Meconium is formed from the dead cells of the amniotic fluid ingested by the fetus and glandular secretions in the intestine. It is therefore completely different from the normal stool formed after the introduction of food to the infant.
Viscous and greenish, sometimes blackish, it is present in the fetal intestine during gestation. It is generally expelled by the baby shortly after birth, within the first 24 to 48 hours.
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Two special baby blankets
It's a good idea to pack one or two blankets, especially if the weather is cool. This will allow you to cover baby and and wrap him up in the cosy before returning to your car and home.
Avoid large-mesh blankets, in which a newborn can easily trap a hand or foot. Maternity hospitals sometimes provide fleece blankets for the stay. Note that it is possible tolearn to swaddle before giving birth, so that you'll be comfortable with the technique when the time comes.
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Little hats and socks
The kind of clothing that's easy to get emotional over! Birth bonnets are certainly very cute. Above all, they're indispensable for protect your baby's your baby's head. Logically, babies with hair will be less sensitive to the ambient coolness. But it's impossible to know in advance whether your child will be born with or without hair... This detail is not visible on ultrasound. 😉
Socks are also very important; they prevent hypothermia from setting in on the infant's feet and improves blood circulation by keeping them warm.
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Saline solution
It's a good idea to pack some saline solution in your suitcase to cleanse your baby's face and remove impurities after birth. Saline is also very useful for cleaning the eyes and eliminate eye secretions.
Newborn babies have narrow nasal passages. This can prevent them from breathing properly if they are blocked. This magic serum will help you moisten baby's nostrils and eliminate mucus.
Finally, after birth, the umbilical cord is cut and needs to be cared for. Gently clean the area area around the cord for 15 days to prevent infection and promote rapid healing.
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Bodies and pyjamas in sizes 0 and 1 month
Bodysuits and pyjamas are essential garments for newborns, who are sensitive to temperature changes. They allow you to cover your baby's body without exposing his tummy.
Some parents prefer bodies that slip on like a cardiganBabies tend to be less receptive to these second systems, which, according to one theory, could remind them of the trauma of their birth (in the case of vaginal delivery).
Think big!
Babies tend to have episodes of regurgitation or small diaper leaks, so it's best to bring at leastbring at least 7 spare bodysuits and pyjamas.
By including sizes 0 and 1 in your suitcase your suitcase, you'll be sure to have the right clothes for your baby's size. Some children are born heavier and taller than medical estimates suggest.
Clothing in soft, breathable cotton are generally preferable for the delicate skin of newborns. Crotch snaps make diaper changes easier.
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Diapers
Diapers are squares of soft, absorbent fabric used for a variety of baby care purposes. They are an example of versatility and practicality! You can use them as cloth diapers by placing them between your baby's skin and the disposable diaper to absorb moisture and protect his or her skin.
Or use it to wipe baby's mouth and absorb any spit-up. Finally, you can transform them into a light blanket to protect :
- your baby cold and drafts,
- surfaces when changing layers.
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Your personal belongings
Finally, don't forget to bring :
- your health booklet,
- your identity card,
- your credit card,
- your Vitale card and mutuelle,
- your phone and your charger,
- your homeopathic tubes if prescribed during pregnancy,
- your toiletries,
- underwear you don't really care for anymore,
- from comfortable, loose-fitting clothes to give birth and start your postpartum in optimal conditions!
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Your birth project
Don't forget to your birth plan and give it to the nursing team. This letter lists your wishes and preferences. It improves communication between you and the midwives, and ensures that you don't forget any important details about your baby's arrival.
In concrete terms, the birth plan can include wishes such as :
- give your partner the chance to cut the cord,
- enjoy a warm bath before work,
- receive help and advice on how tosettling your baby to the breast,
- etc.
The birth plan can be prepared with the help of a liberal midwife during your pregnancy.
Do you need one or more bottles for your newborn baby?
It's easy enough to know how many pyjamas to bring, or whether your favourite book is required. On the other hand, the number of feeding bottles sometimes raises questions...
Of course, we recommend that youbring at least one bottle for your newborn at the maternity hospital. This will enable you to feed him if you have difficulties with breastfeeding, or if you choose to give powdered milk from birth.
However, you may find it useful tobring along a few extra bottles in case your stay is extended and you plan to pump your milk on site.
How to choose the right bottle for your newborn baby?
When choosing a feeding bottle for newborns, it's important to take certain criteria into account. Choose a bottle with a nipple adapted to your baby's delicate mouth. At this age, a slow-flow slow flow is recommended.
- The silicone teats are also recommended, as they are soft and resistant.
- The anti-colic bottles can also be beneficial in reducing gas and digestive discomfort in infants.
Preferably choose a bottle that is easy to handle and evolutionary. A bottle that can accommodate nipples with a faster flow rate, or even a non-leak spout that transforms it into a learning cup is the ideal solution for getting the most out of your purchase, and avoiding upsetting your baby with too many changes.
To sum up
- When packing your suitcase for the maternity ward, don't forget to include a suitable feeding bottle. A slow-flow, anti-colic bottle is recommended. It's advisable to bring at least one bottle, but several may be useful for longer stays.
- Pack essentials like baby clothes, diapers, wipes and hygiene products. Don't forget your own stuff!
Tip : Bookmark this article to find your packing list more easily. Please note that this list is not exhaustive! You could, for example, add a pacifier for a newborn or your camera. On the other hand, avoid soft toys until your baby is six months old.
