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You’re counting down the days, the nursery is ready, the shelves are stocked with adorable clothes, but there’s one last must-do before you can really put your feet up before baby arrives: pack your hospital bag.
You don’t want to be in a last minute rush and forget essentials, nor do you want to go completely overboard and end up packing way more than you need. That’s where having a checklist can come in handy.If you’ve read about my experience with the unexpected early arrival of my second baby, then you’ll know that I suggest having your bags packed around 34 weeks gestation! It may feel early, but it doesn’t hurt to be prepared for the unexpected. I wasn’t expecting to go into hospital so early, and was completely unprepared for a long stay in hospital when I did go in. At a time like this, having those small items that make you feel more like ‘you’ can be so significant.
That tiny new human needs a bit of stuff too. It’s time to pull out those tiny adorable onesies, beanies, socks and blankies! Outfits with easy diaper access are key, but include a ‘going home’ outfit to mark the occasion. Be sure to take a few size options for your wee babe - my first weighing in at 10pd 6oz by-passed the newborn outfits I packed and went straight into the 0-3mths, and his head was too big for a couple of beanies and I couldn't get him into a swaddle I packed!
Chuck in some burp cloths, wraps and a sleep swaddle. Have your capsule ready to go, with a cover or muslin, as well as a stretchy carrier for dad if you have one. Bottom balm, waterwipes and an oil for dry skin or massage will all help keep baby happy in the hospital, too.
See the full packing checklist here.
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As you move into the third trimester of your pregnancy, you are probably more ready than ever to meet your baby – things can start to get quite uncomfortable at this point!
Your due date is getting closer by the day and you might be starting to get things prepared at home for when you finally bring your little guy or girl home.
The third trimester is both exciting and exhausting! Here are our tips for making the most of the final weeks of pregnancy.
After generally feeling rubbish in the first trimester, the second trimester should – hopefully – bring some relief from any nausea and vomiting you may have experienced. You may also start to “pop” now (if you haven’t already) and you might finally announce your pregnancy to friends and family, which can be a huge relief, as it’s hard to keep such exciting news under wraps!
Here are some hacks to make the most of your second trimester …
Jackie Dee
September 29, 2021
Perfect! This checklist is just what I needed! Thanks!