Diaper Bag Checklist

1. The bag and a changing pad... 
• Large side pockets are a must.  They come in handy when you are trying to handle 5 things at once and you need to quickly put something away but don't have time to unzip the bag.
• Look for a bag that is lined with plastic. So when spills occur (and they will) the bag isn't ruined.
• I like to stuff in a few disposable pads when we go out for the day or when we travel. I set it down between the public changing table and my own cushioned changing pad, so that I don't have to clean the nice pad later.  
2. Diapers, wipes, and diaper disposal bags...
• Pack at least 4 diapers - you never know if your plans will change or a diaper accident may occur. 
• Pack the disposable bags for when there isn't a trashcan near by or you are visiting someone who doesn't want a poop diaper in their house... because they obviously do not have kids yet.  I have a dog, so honestly I just throw a few of the dog-designated poop bags in instead.
3. Bottles with extra lids & nipples.
• If you formula feed, bring bottles with measured out water and a ziplock bag with formula and the correct measuring cup.
4. Nail clippers, nose aspirator, and hair comb.
• The nail clippers come in handy for when I need to quickly cut something too, such as the darn plastic piece on her toy that I clearly missed cutting after the purchase which now my daughter is aggressively trying to chew off. Choking Hazard: 1, Mom: 0. 
5. Don't forget your own wallet, keys, and cellphone!
• Leave your regular purse at home and instead slip these crucials into one of the diaper bag pockets. If you are anything like me then your regular purse weighs about 10 lbs and contains nothing you need anyhow. 
6. Muslin blanket. 
• Not only does it serve the purpose of keeping your baby warm, it can... easily drape over the car seat or stroller to protect baby's skin from the wind or sun; be placed on the grocery basket seat if you forgot your cart cover; be placed on the grass for your impromptu playtime in the park. 
• To my little girl, her blankie is her security object, so we never leave home without one.
7. Change of cloths, such as a sleeper, and a sun hat for shelter from sun rays or rain.
8. Toys to keep your child entertained.
• Sophie the Giraffe and a Carter's development texture book are featured here. My daughter always chooses these as her go-to for fun.
9. Pacifiers, if your baby uses them.
• Mine uses her thumb for soothing, but enjoys a pacifier to chew during teething. 
10. Hand Sanitizer from Bath & Body Works.  They come in travel size and so many delicious scents. 

Is TV Harmful to my Baby?

Am I a bad parent for letting my child watch TV?

I often ask myself this question, and I know other parents do too.

I will admit it. I sometimes let my baby watch tv for about 20 minutes a day (not every day).  I know it isn't supposed to be formative for her and have read that children under 2 years old should never watch television. Ever.  And yet still, I will let her watch. Not because I want a break. Not because I can't wait until she is asleep before watching my shows. It's because she seems to enjoy it! My daughter smiles and sways her arms about whenever a song comes on. She cuddles her blankie, sticks her thumb in her mouth, and leans back to watch one of her morning cartoons (Sophia the First, Jake and the Neverland Pirates, and Mickey Mouse Clubhouse).  So the question I ask myself is: am I a bad parent for endulging her, when studies say I should not? There are days when I say yes (no tv today, babygirl) and days when I say no (you can watch the hot dog song one more time). 

What about you? 
I think all of us parents would like to know what other parents are doing - either to make us feel better or to help us change our ways.

• Do you let your babies, toddlers, and/or children watch TV? 
• How much TV are they allowed to watch in a day? 
• What are their favorite television shows?

Or, take the survey on this topic, which you can access on the homepage.

There are a lot of studies out there that state the negatives of allowing children to watch television.  We've all read them... and yet many of us still allow our children some TV.

Comment here what your TV rules are and let us know what your stance is on the topic. 

Pregnancy Hospital Bag

It's finally here.  Your first contraction. Time to drive to the hospital and have this baby!  Just don't forget to grab your hospital bag.

To make this time easy and enjoyable for you, don't wait until the last minute to pack your bags.  Instead, a month before your due date set aside 10 minutes each day for one week to prepare what you will take with you when labor hits. 

What to pack for daddy...

• A towel for the car - if your water breaks before or during the car ride, you will want to protect the seats by sitting on a towel. I suggest you keep one in the vehicle instead of in your bags, so that no matter when labor strikes, you are A-OK. 

• The Birth Plan - document on paper what your birth plan is and remind your husband to hand it to the nurses after you are admitted to the hospital

• Snacks for dad -  my husband likes salty and I like sweet. I made sure to buy snacks that I know he enjoys and can pack in some energy. He will be focusing so much energy on helping you that he will forget to eat. Having something easily accessible will be nice for when he wants it.

• His pillow - if your partner is anything like mine, he is fond of his own pillow and travels with it for overnights. Grab his pillow before you leave for the hospital. After your beautiful child has arrived and you two finally go down for rest, your partner find comfort in the familliarity of his pillow. Plus, it's not like the bed that the hospital provides is 5-star hotel quality. 

• Change of clothes - something comfortable 

• Cell phone charger

• Dollar bills and change - for the vending machines!

What to pack for mommy...

• Nursing nightgown and robe.

• Nursing bra  (two).

• I was so out of it after giving birth that when it came time for me to take my first shower, I didn't remember to take my bra off before I got into the running shower. I was happy I brought a 2nd one along. 

• Flip-flop sandals -  If your feet are anything like mine, they look like sausages and sandals were the only shoes that would fit around those suckers.  I wore them in the shower too. 

• Toiletries – you will shower at some point, so bring soap and shampoo.

• Bath Towel – the hospital ones are rough, you will find comfort in your own towel.

• Hair brush, ponytail holders.

• Eye glasses (if you wear them).

• Going-home outfit - something lose and comfortable.  I wore a nursing nightgown and robe home.

      What to pack for baby...

• A going-home outfit 

• A hat - your baby cannot control its body temperature yet, so keep a hat on him/her for the first 48 hours. 

• The car seat - practice installing it in the car and learn how to correctly buckle the baby in BEFORE you go into labor.  Make sure Dad knows how too. 

• Two blankets -  one to put on the baby and one to roll up and put into the car seat to act as a  prop for your baby's head, who cannot hold her head up on her own yet. 

What to get for your recovery at home...
There are some things that will happen “down there” that are going to require time to heal. 

• Dermoplast Spray

• Witch Hazel pads

• Disposable underpads

• Heavy, long maxipads

• Regular maxipads

• NO TAMPONS

This list of items will be your saving grace during the process. The nurses at the hospital will
provide these during your stay and show you how to use. You'll need to purchase the items your
own though if you want them at home too.