Emergency Bag when Expecting a Baby
Don’t be alarmed with the term “emergency”. It doesn’t refer to something bad, as it ordinarily connotes. It simply means a bag that contains all the necessary things in case your wife or significant other gives birth. The moment the water bag breaks or you’re your wife wails in pain or something that tells you to scramble to the hospital, there’s no more time to run around and prepare the needed materials. That being said, when you’re wife is on the way, even months before the expected date of delivery, prepare a small bag, preferably a backpack that you could easily carry and throw anywhere. In my case, I included the following contents:
1. Feeding bottles (2 ounces). This is obviously for the baby when he/she comes out and the mother has no milk (yes, it may happen that the mother’s milk doesn’t come out until a few days after giving birth).
2. A few diapers for the newborn. I guess hospitals have diapers for infants, but it’s always better to be safe just in case the diaper is needed.
3. Mittens. Needs no explanation.
4. Receiving blankets. It could be used to swaddle the baby. You don’t know what “swaddle” means? Don’t worry, I had no clue what it is until my wife gave birth. It’s easier to see it than explaining it here, so, to pass the time while waiting outside the delivery room, ask the nurse what “swaddle” means.
5. Maternity pads. Again, maybe you could buy maternity pads from the hospital, but, in our case, we used what we brought in. Don’t tell me you don’t know what a maternity pad is.
6. Clothes for the dad. A set of clothes good for 1 day, in case the reinforcement, I mean the close friends and relatives, are delayed. If you have no close friends and no relatives, then bring more clothes.7. Clothes for the mother. One set, just like for the dad, to be used going home. This way, your wife can choose what to wear upon going out of the hospital.
8. Toiletries. Buy the little containers or packs, pretty much like those find in hotels.
9. A bit of cash. Maybe you have cash in the ATM or the bank. Maybe you have a credit card with a huge credit limit. But, again, when you’re in a rush to the hospital and you need cash, it’s always good to know that there’s some cash in the bag.
On the other hand, don’t bring too much provisions. If a large traveling bag is needed for all the things you’d need to bring, think again. This defeats the purpose of a pregnancy “emergency” bag. Use a knapsack or backpack, something that you can pick up with ease and conveniently swing at your back while assisting your wife to the car or any vehicle.
Topics: Baby on Board | By Fred | June 26, 2008