Hospital bag for baby?

[DaleyBump]

Done to death, I know! I've packed my bag, now onto baby's bag but I've never done this before and I have no idea what I actually need in it. I'm due on the 30th of November so it'll probably be freezing but I can't think what clothes to bring for the wee one. Any tips would be massively appreciated :)

Pack some scratch mitts or those sleepsuits with fold over bits to cover the hands. Both of mine were born with long claws and DS managed to gouge a big scratch in his face before we were able to get mitts for him or cut his nails (scary!)

I always recommend peeling nails if you can (sounds gross but really isn't).

If you need something sharp, use proper sharp pointy adult nail scissors. I have always done this and have never nipped a baby or child's finger; whereas friends who use "baby nail scissors" (which are completely blunt for some reason) or clippers have all accidentally snipped a wee tiny bit of skin off the end of baby's finger.

Are you not supposed to bite babies nails off yourself? Or am I just making that up?

It's dangerously addictive.

I've bought scratch mittens, and special baby nail files from boots
I've no idea if they'll work or are a complete con for first time parents, but I thought I'd give them a try as they look lots less scary than baby scissors!

Ah Pistachio, nibble or peel. Once you've done one you'll be hooked :)

Although once harder I've used baby clippers, mine are good and sharp and a good size for a swift clip of a struggling, shouting, wrestling toddler.

You have all this to come

My midwife told me off for using scratch mitts when DS was a new baby - I can't quite remember why but there was some reason she said hands should be left uncovered .

I'd also recommend taking a flannel to use as a towel to dry baby's bum after changes - keeping DS dry was the one thing which staved off nappy rash much better than any of the creams.

Lots of cotton pads. I took a little bag of cotton wool balls and it lasted us one change. Take heaps and we also went through 3 vest suits in about 6 hours as DS peed everywhere, everytime he had a nappy change.

Ah yes.

If you have a boy, open the nappy for a second or two, then close it again. He will almost certainly wee again when he feels fresh air!