Packing for Baby

One of my tasks this week was packing the baby bag for the hospital. Want to take a peek at what's inside Baby K's STOKKE changing bag?

1. STOKKE Changing Bag in Navy – Anyone who knows me knows that I'm a huge STOKKE fan (much more on this later!). My lovely sister-in-law gifted me this practical and stylish changing bag for my baby shower, and I just adore it! It's the perfect size, there's a generous number of pockets and a handy changing pad with wet bag, and the color/shape makes it a bag that my husband can totally carry around without feeling self-conscious.

2. Aden & Anais Swaddling Blankets – I may have an Aden & Anais obsession. There's a countless number of their products in my apartment, but two of these beautiful, soft swaddlers are washed & packed away in the baby bag. I can't wait to wrap up my little one snug as a bug in a rug.

3. Happiest Baby on the Block – This book came to me on recommendation from several friends and family members, and I was blown away when I read it. I'm intrigued by the baby soothing strategies as described by Dr. Karp, and I'll certainly be trying them out when the time comes.

4. Dwell Studio Cap – We don't know the gender of our child. When purchasing items for the baby, we've both been naturally drawn to blue, grey, yellow, and ivory – colors perhaps more traditionally masculine, but more our style. This Dwell Studio baby cap in their classic cars print just melted my heart, and it'll keep our newborn's head nice and toasty.

5. Cuddle Me Infant Bodysuit – As I'm due next month when the weather could be chilly and snowy, this super-soft and lined teddy bear bodysuit is the perfect bringing-home-the-baby outfit.

6. Dwell Studio Organic Footsie Playsuit – This will be the cozy little onesie that our baby will wear beneath the teddy bear bodysuit. I just love the Dwell Studio dots print, and I can imagine our little boy or girl looking adorable and feeling comfortable in this infant wardrobe staple.

7. Angel Baby Bottom Balm – Earth Mama makes a wide variety of excellent organic and natural products, but this particular item was recommended by a good friend who just had her first baby. This vegan balm is said to soothe diaper rash and protect the skin from bug bites, scrapes, minor rashes and much more. I bought one for the baby bag, and one for the first aid kit!

8. Maileg Elephant Rattle – I love elephants (can you tell?) and my sweet friend Lesley gifted Baby K this adorable elephant rattle (it's available for purchase from Seed Factory.) This Danish-designed rattle is soft to the skin and sweet on the ears.

9. Seventh Generation Free & Clear Newborn Diapers – Because of our apartment living situation (and an unreliable community laundry room) we cannot use reusable diapers. But we are really trying to use green, organic, and chemical-free products, and these hypoallergenic newborn diapers received some excellent customer reviews. They're free of chlorine processing, fragrances, latex & petroleum-based lotions. And regarding the absorbency? I guess I'll soon find out!

10. Tiny Fete Handmade Quilt – Again, my talented and dear friend Lesley showered Baby K with love by making him/her this cuddly blanket in a precious neutral polka-dot print. I love handmade items, and our little one will certainly be using this blanket/quilt for lots of cuddling and tummy time. Want one of your own? Lesley makes lots of customized baby products in a variety of fabric choices, so shop here.

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This feature above just highlights the Top Ten items in the baby bag, but there's a lot more inside (hey, it's roomy! and I like to overpack.) Organizing your own baby bag for the hospital? I found this check-list from The Bump to be extremely helpful.

And, in case you're curious, we'll be bringing home baby in a Peg Perego Primo Viaggio Infant Car Seat (a detailed review is forthcoming in a few months.) Thank you to my generous mother-in-law for gifting this seat to Baby K! Although many NYC parents live within walking distance of their hospitals, it's the law for a newborn to leave the hospital in a car seat. We'll be either renting a Zip Car or borrowing my sister's to transport us the one mile(ish) from the hospital to home.

 

Check out my post on Packing for Mama and, coming up down the pipeline (i.e., once I actually have the baby), I'll be doing a ton of baby product reviews & posting them directly on this site. If you want to check back directly on this baby-related content, click on "blog" on the above tab and then "baby" to access the family-only category of blog posts. But all my general posts will be featured, as usual, on this main blog page. Feel free to email a link out to other parents (and prospective parents), and let me know if there's a product you'd really like to learn more about.  xo

Are you a parent? What were your baby hospital bag must-haves?

I'd love to hear...

{read: packing for mama}

Comments

[piia]

Need to bookmark the STOKKE changing bag,looks great!

[Molly]

Love everything, Jodi! I'm so happy for you and your family.

[Ghenet Myrthil]

I'm so excited for you!! I'm a few years away from starting a family but being the Type A planner that I am, I'll still be interested in reading your reviews. I also love elephants! My husband and I met at our alma mater, Tufts University and our mascot is Jumbo the elephant. I can totally see us getting elephant themed baby stuff when the time comes.

[jodi]

@Ghenet – I'll have elephant suggestions galore for you!! :)

[Gina]

i'm pretty much squealing right now. what cute baby items!!! looking forward to your reviews and adventures in babyland :)