Diary of a NICU Mom - NICU Survival Kit

I am finding that there is a list of essential things I think necessary to bring with you to survive the NICU. And I thought I’d share it for other families with new little ones in the NICU.

Must Have’s:

1. Unscented lotion - You will wash your hands a million times with a NICU baby,so dry hands come with the territory.
2. Hand sanitizer - To sanitize after touching items such as cellphones, books, or other items that carry germs.
3. Drinking Water - NICU’s are often warm, dry places, staying hydrated, especially for new moms is important.
4. Notepad/Pen - You will be inundated with terms, acronyms and numbers that mean things for your baby’s well being. (Click here for my NICU Dictionary)  Having something to write down all these things as well as the multitude of questions that arise is really helpful.
5. Distraction material - At times, you might not be able to hold your baby. Sometimes, not being able to hold your child is really stressful. Having a book, craft project or something to keep you occupied can provide a respite from the beeping monitors until you can put your little one in your arms again. 

 My NICU bag, with bottles, milk storage, pump parts, water, hand lotion,
pen and paper for questions and sketchbook. 

Nice to Have's:

1. Layers - Did I mention NICU’s are warm? Also, if you want to kangaroo hold, having layers of clothes you can remove or add helps.
2. Pillows - While our little ones are not very heavy, when they have tubes and sensors going every which way, you find yourself sitting still a lot and a pillow can help prevent achy arms/backs.
3. Receiving blankets - having something from home (If your NICU allows it) like receiving blankets gives the familya great sense of normalcy. Even if you can’t have toys or gifts in the isolette, the receiving blankets can be used as preemie sheets and really can personalize your baby’s first room. Later, you will be able to swaddle your baby in them!
4. Cameras - since your baby isn't at home it is nice to be able to capture moments to share with friends and family... or even just to memorialize the time for you. 
5. Preemie hats - the little one's heads get cold, many hospitals will provide cotton caps, especially if they are on CPAP (They pin the tubes to the cap). Give your little one a gift and make or buy teeny preemie hats!

Must Have’s for the nursing/pumping mom:

1. Your traveling pump part kit - flanges, tubing whatever you need to affix to the pump.
2. Storage Bottles/caps - Most NICU’s can provide these free of charge.
3. Nipple cream - lanolin creams or coconut oil are good for keeping skin soft and prevent skin from drying or cracking.
4. Paper/pen - Especially if you are exclusively pumping, keeping track of the time/quantity is helpful to keep track of your schedule and trends of production.

This is the most basic list I could come up with. If you have things you found helpful please let me know!

All our love!