NICU Must-Haves for Moms: 20 Items To Bring
You are about to leave the house, and you head to the hospital where your precious preemie is. Make sure you have your packed bag with all the must-haves for NICU moms.
Spending most of your hours inside the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit aside from being worried, you can also feel different, maybe aching, and sometimes lonely.
Your preemie baby may be your primary focus during visits; you might forget to bring the essentials for you to survive those NICU hours.
I’ve been where you are right now. We may not have the same journey, but I was also the mom who sat on that recliner chair and spent as much time as I possibly could with my preemie daughter (12 weeks early).
Sometimes, it was only me visiting. My husband works full-time, and my son goes to school. So it became my routine to go to the NICU right after dropping off my son in school. There are times we all visited at night or when my husband was also off.
But during my NICU time, I am thankful I have these things in my NICU mom bag that I consider my NICU mini lifelines. So through listing them here, I’m hoping it helps someone be as comfortable as you go through NICU life.
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20 NICU Must-Haves for Moms
1. Lip balm
You may experience dry, cracked lips because of the hospital air. Carry a lip balm
in your bag, and remember to use it every couple of hours or after drinking/eating.
2. Notebook/Journal
I carried my little blue notebook in my NICU bag, along with a pen. It helped me write down all my daughter’s health updates and medicines. It also became a pumped milk ounces tracker and breastfeeding session time tracker. Your preemie’s weights, vital signs, and any progress you want to document – you can write them down.
You may also use your notebook to journal your feelings or thoughts at that time of the visit. Writing may help you lessen the stress and worry you are experiencing as a NICU mom.
3. Pumping bra
There are plenty of pumping bras out there. Pick quality and practical design over any other specifications. I got some strapless bras, and here they are from the brand Kindred Bravely. You can check out these pumping bras if you’re looking for one yourself.
4. Breastfeeding top or pumping accessible top
I couldn’t help but be thankful for tops designed for moms who pump or breastfeed their babies. Aside from the modesty of the top so you won’t get exposed, it gets highly rated for the practicality that makes pumping and breastfeeding much easier for any mom.
5. Insulated Tote
Since pumping for preemies can come before you can directly breastfeed your baby, it’s great to invest in an insulated tote to carry around freshly pumped breast milk or frozen ones. Make sure it lasts longer to keep your breastmilk safe and not get wasted.
6. Water Bottle
Let’s get real: a pumping or breastfeeding mom will need more fluids than ever before. To replenish your body’s water needs, you don’t want to get dehydrated and feel dizzy when you don’t drink fluids enough to keep up. So have your water bottle close by.
7. Hand Cream
You will be washing your hands a lot when you stay in the NICU. So it’s helpful to have a hand cream handy to prevent cracked hands.
8. Hair Ties / Headbands
When you’re holding your baby skin-to-skin, you want your hair out of the way and not touching your baby. Bring a pack of hair ties to keep your hair in place. Headbands are also helpful to get the hair out of your face.
9. Sterilizing bags
You can use these sterilizing bags to keep your pumps clean and sanitize while you pump in the NICU. However, you want to make sure that these bags are microwave safe; it’s dangerous when it gets melted in the microwave along with your pump parts.
If you don’t have any of these bags, it’s okay – NICU staff will provide you with approved cleaning liquid to wash your pump parts and bottles.
Of course, bring your needed pumping parts and extra bottles for NICU use. You may be renting or using the hospital-grade pump at this time.
10. Robe
If you can bring a comfy robe to your NICU visits, that would be perfect for when you need to pump, and you get cold. Drape one over you, and the problem is solved.
You may also use it when it’s skin-to-skin time with your preemie baby. Easy access, and it covers you during the session.
11. Nursing pillow
The pillow is to help you reposition when breastfeeding your preemie. They’re tiny, and you may need extra support to get them to latch and stay comfortable throughout the feeding session. It was helpful for me during our nursing sessions in the NICU and at home.
Do not leave or prop your baby on the pillow unattended if you continue to use the pillow at home.
12. Something to read or to do
It could be a book, kindle, or a tablet for easy reading. There are times when your baby will stay in the isolette more than being held. You want to have something for you to do while spending time with her.
You can read to your baby or enjoy reading for yourself. There’s plenty to choose from which book collections or genre you can start with. Plus, if you just want to hang out and listen to music with your earbuds on, then do so.
13. Snacks
Quick and grab snacks you can munch in between NICU breaks. After you go to the bathroom, get lunch or get fresh air. Make sure you carry your mini snacks to help you keep going in between main meals. Choose something that helps with energy.
14. Coins and dollar bills
Get a small purse to carry your coins and small bills. You may need those changes when you pass by a vending machine or need something to drink besides water.
15. Extra swaddle blankets or scent loveys
You know, when you go home, the nurse may offer to give you something that your baby has used and has their scent on. For example, smelling your baby’s scent on the blanket can help you connect with your baby when you’re pumping at home.
16. Your phone and charger (long cord)
You won’t be using your phone during kangaroo or breastfeeding. However, during the in-betweens, you may need to look up something on the internet or call your spouse or someone if you need anything. So, while we are in this number, why not throw in a pair of earbuds for you to use.
17. Mini postpartum supplies
You are still healing from giving birth. So, in a small pouch, carry some nipple pads, cream, sanitary pads, etc. Also, wear abdomen support (for CS mama). Have these items to help you while visiting your baby in the NICU.
18. Masks and sanitizers
The hospital will have these items on hand. However, it’s still great to make sure you have your own, which you can use anytime and don’t have to ask the staff. Sanitizers are everywhere in the NICU. Every corner, every isolette, will have one. So, small pocket sanitizers aren’t a hassle to have for your personal use.
With COVID-19 still pretty much around, there may be changes to the NICU visitation policy. Ensure to check with the hospital on limitations and what’s allowed. Follow protocols for preventing the spread of Covid-19.
19. Camera
We snap pictures with our phones most of the time. Yet, having a small, reliable digital camera you can carry is a good bonus when you need more photos and videos to remember your NICU journey.
It’s easy to transfer those precious captures, create collages in your NICU scrapbook, or compile videos for your NICU journey.
20. Mama Bag
Your bag to carry it all. Hahaha. Make sure you choose the ones that fit your needs. If you’re looking for spacious and sturdy bags for all your NICU must-haves for moms, I can recommend a mom bag/diaper bag.
NICU Resources for Parents:
Getting it all packed
These were the must-have items I had during our NICU journey; it gets replenished, washed, stocked, and cleaned every day. These items might not be what you’ll bring every visit. But, having them on hand as to when you need them and anticipating that need will make it easier for you and your NICU stay.
Your baby may stay for a short while or may remain in the NICU for a few months; know that you’re doing your best.
Let this list guide you in preparing to visit the NICU and for the long days to come. Each NICU mama story is different, so change or add to the list what you think you’ll need.
Tell me what else you would add to the NICU moms’ must-haves.
Share something that helped during your NICU stay with your baby. What would you bring to the NICU that’ll keep you comfortable while visiting?
