2013
.
THE BEST EVER
HOSPITAL
BAG
™
The Only Checklist
You’ll Ever Need
HOSPITAL + AT HOME + BIRTH CENTER
Includes top tips
from the best experts
+ our favorite products on
PAPERWORK
MOM
BY
KIM WALLS
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Best Ever Hospital Bag™ Guide
FEATURING NATURAL CARE
TIPS FOR YOU AND BABY
Bring your own products and
parenting philosophy to the hospital!
The Best Ever Hospital Bag™ Guide features
expert advice and product options for labor
and birth to support your comfort and the
health of your baby.
This no-nonsense hospital bag guide is
loaded with savvy tips and contributions
from leading pregnancy professionals and
respected experts. We’ve also highlighted our
top Babytime! by Episencial products as well
as featured products available on Vine.com,
our retail partner for this guide. We designed
the Best Ever Hospital Bag™ Guide to be relevant to whatever type of birthing experience
you want to achieve, in whatever setting you
choose: hospital, birthing center or home.
We guide you through what you’ll need to
support your birth experience: your bag for
labor as well as what you may want on hand
post labor, for your baby, your partner and
siblings too. Plus, we’ve included some spe-
ABOUT KIM
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cial recommendations to address the needs of
preemie and NICU babies.
Packing for your trip to the hospital is important! Your comfort is a top priority, as is the
health of your newborn.
Lotions, creams, fabrics, diapers, hand-sanitizers and other products should be carefully
chosen to reduce your baby’s exposures and
irritations during those first precious days.
While we don’t advocate that you go crazy
shopping — you may already have many of
the items in our guide — we did select Vine.
com as the retail partner for this guide to conveniently share some of our favorite natural
and organic products.
Keep reading for tips on creating a happy,
healthy, comfortable and safe stay at the hospital, birth center or home for you and your
growing family.
Keep reading »
Certain terms (e.g., natural, organic, made from sustainable
materials) used to describe featured products from Vine.com
are defined in Vine's glossary.
Copyright ©2013 Kim Walls. All rights reserved.
Photograpy ©2013 Shoots & Giggles.
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THE BEST EVER HOSPITAL BAG, BY KIM WALLS
CONTRIBUTING
EXPERTS
About Kim
Kim Walls, M.S., is the founder of Episencial® and chief
formulator of the company’s organic skincare products and
philosophy. A second-generation skin care expert, she now
combines her activism for health and environmentalism with
expertise in clinical skin care and nutritional science to
develop effective, natural skin care products for pregnant
women and children.
KIM WALLS, MS
Founder and CEO,
Episencial
A clinician with more than two decades of experience, Kim
focuses on skin care as health care to support beauty and
optimize skin immunity for women and children. She shares her
experience internationally with dermatologists and estheticians,
as well as childbirth and postpartum professionals and parents;
underscoring the relationship between optimum health and
skin care.
Leading child health advocacy groups and national media rely on Kim’s clinical expertise to help
parents navigate the often confusing world of
natural skincare. Now, as CEO of Babytime! by
Episencial, Kim is dedicated to sharing her expertise with new and growing families to support the
enhanced health and immunity that effective,
natural and organic products can provide.
ALAN
GREENE
MD
pediatrician
DR. ELLIOT
BERLIN
pregnancy
chiropractor
JAIME
GRAYSON
gear guru
Elizabeth
Bachner
midwife
KIMBERLY
CLAYTON
BLAINE
family
therapist
VAL
PETERSON
doula
TRACY
WILSON
PETERS
CEO
CAPPA
KATHI SALLY
RANDALL
NICU nurse
ALISA
DONNER
advocate
AMY TARA
KOCH
author
ANNA
GETTY
advocate
Keep reading »
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Paperwork + Essentials
Documents: Bring a photocopy of both your insurance
card and ID. Complete hospital forms ahead of time.
Cord Blood: Bring your kit if you plan on banking.
Glasses or Contacts: No matter how many forms
you’ve gone through, there will probably be more, and
tearing. Make sure your baby’s first bath is safe.
Bring Babytime! Playful Wash, by Episencial.
Birth Plan Tips:
• Include skin to skin contact for at least an hour after
delivery, even in a C-Section.
• Don’t snip your baby’s umbilical cord until it stops
they'll be harder to complete if you can’t see!
Medications + Vitamins: Yeast-based probiotics can
help offset discomfort from antibiotics. Prenatal vitamins continue to support your body while nursing.
Natural Products: Request that your team use non
petroleum stretching oil during birth to help avoid
pulsing to help prevent iron deficiency.
• Emphasize to the team that there will be no formula feeding if you plan to breast feed.
• Keep an advocate by your baby’s side to make
sure your wishes are known (and followed) by all.
Read more about Mom's comfort »
OUR FAVORITE PRODUCTS
ON
Playful Wash
Babytime!
Natural Stretch Oil
Earth Mama Angel Baby
The #1 organic brand
in hospitals, Babytime!
is the unrivaled best
for baby's first bath.
Created by a doula,
proper use of Stretch Oil
can help reduce pain and
ease discomfort.
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Prenatal DHA
500 mg Softgels
Nordic Naturals
Maximum Strength
Probiotic 250 mg Caps
Florastor
Nursing moms benefit from
extra omega oils. Nordic
Naturals is committed to
delivering the safest.
Natural, vegetarian and
gluten-free — Florastor's
yeast-based is not compromised by antibiotic use.
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Just for Mom
MOM’S PERSONAL CARE + COMFORT
Facial Wash, Moisturizer, Body Care + Cosmetics: For a
hospital birth, keep in mind that the environment tends to
be dry because of heavy air-conditioning, so bring products that ward off dryness to help you feel more comfortable. Check out Babytime! by Episencial, Weleda and Dr.
Hauschka products for facial and body care.
Toothbrush, Toothpaste + Lip Balm: Dry air is tough on
lips, so lip balm is an absolute must have. Episencial loves
Babytime! Cheeky™ Salve for dry cheeks and lips.
Itchy Belly Product: There are few things itchier than a
growing belly! Babytime! by Episencial Soothing Cream
could reduce or eliminate the itch right up to your final
moment. The formula is natural and organic, non-greasy,
cooling and brings great comfort to dry, irritated or itchy
skin. Plus, its gentle, natural formula is safe for baby!
Pillows: If you love your sleep, bring your own pillow.
Make sure the pillow case is brightly colored so you and
everyone else can identify it.
Read expert advice on getting ready »
OUR FAVORITE PRODUCTS
ON
SOOTHING
CREAM
Babytime!
HYDRATING
Lip Balm
Weleda
Organic
Cleanser
Desert Essence
Fabulous
Eye Cream
MyChelle
Moisturizing
Day Cream
Dr. Hauschka
Best-ever
"miracle cream"
for bothered
skin.
Lasting
protection for
cracked, dry lips.
Extra-gentle
facial care
when you need
it most.
Skin-loving
care for tired
eyes.
The perfect
solution for parched
facial skin.
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EXPERT ADVICE
OF OUR
FAVORITE PRODUCTS
Getting Ready
ON
Breath Blast
Mouth Rinse
Kiss My Face
Moisturizing
Shave Cream
Avalon Organics
Soothing
Eye Mist
Nature’s Tears
Be ready for
kisses and
hugs from
many visitors.
For the
softest,
smoothest
shave ever.
The hospital
air can
be dry —
really dry!
Triple Razor
System
Preserve
Mail-back
Toothbrush
Preserve
Crystal Confidence
Tom’s of Maine
A clear and simple birthing plan is the most effective
way to be sure the desires of both you and your partner are understood. Discuss ahead of time with your
medical provider so everyone on your team understands your guidelines.
— Alisa Donner, MSW, LCSW,
Mother, and Co-Founder of
Pregnancy Awareness Month®
Wash all baby clothing and bedding with an unscented, plant-based, non-toxic detergent. Store plantbased products in a dry, cool area to maintain shelf life.
Any product that changes texture or has an off smell
should be discarded immediately.
— Healthy Child Healthy Wolrd
Reliable, natural
protection that's free of
artificial fragrance and
preservatives.
With ergonomic design, recyclable plastic
construction and reusable packaging, these
essentials are truly effective.
Massage therapy combined with gentle chiropractic
adjustments during the final weeks of pregnancy can
improve pelvic function and decrease your body’s resistance to the baby’s natural downward motion during
labor. Bring your partner to your visit to learn helpful
labor massage patterns — Elliot Berlin, DC
To be completely prepared for D-Day, have your hospital bag packed and ready by week 32. It will give you
a semblance of order and control. Make your quarters
and yourself, comfortable with little touches from home.
A cozy shawl or blanket is soothing for the hours of
labor you may endure.
— Amy Tara Koch, Author of Bump It Up
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Just for Mom, cont.
Bathrobe + Socks: You’ll definitely walk around, which
means you’ll be happy to have socks (a few pairs) and
slippers to keep feet warm and dry. Go for lightweight,
organic, washable materials. Hospital gowns are thin and
have an opening in the back, so a soft bathrobe can make
you more comfortable and keep your backside covered
as you mosey down the hall or wander around your room.
Hair Ties: Ponytail holders and soft headbands keep hair
fuss-free. Avoid clips, bobby pins and hard headbands
which can poke you.
Comfy Clothes: You might prefer your own pajamas to
a hospital gown. If you bring a 2-piece set, remember to
make sure both the top and bottom are loose.
Your Grand Exit: Bring loose, comfortable, stretchy
clothes to wear home. Your body will probably be similar
in size to when you were 6 months pregnant.
Cosmetics: Many moms like to take a photo before they
leave the hospital, so keep that in mind when thinking
about what to pack. Even if you don’t bring your entire
makeup bag, a hairbrush, some mascara and blush can
make all the difference in feeling, and looking, a bit more
like yourself.
Read expert advice on breastfeeding »
OUR FAVORITE PRODUCTS
ON
Mascara
Mineral Fusion
A sweep for
your lashes.
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Bronzer
& Blush
Physicians
Formula
A double swish
of color for
cheeks .
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Lipstick
Nvey Eco
Bamboo
Paddle Brush
Olivia Garden
Cosmetic
Purse
Engage Green
And a dash
of glamour
for lips.
Fabulous
without fuss.
And you're
ready to go.
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EXPERT ADVICE
OF OUR
FAVORITE PRODUCTS
Lightweight
Robe
Yala
Breastfeeding
ON
To successfully breastfeed, all a mother really needs is
support, the ability to rest, and to be close to her baby.
There are some products that can make life easier in
certain situations. Get a suggestion from your local CLE
or IBCLC so you don’t buy unnecessary items. Take a
class on breastfeeding to learn all you can about this
special relationship between mother and baby.
—Tracy Wilson Peters, CEO CAPPA
Crew Socks
PACT Apparel
Organic cotton
and a splash
of color.
Soft knit cotton
feels heavenly
next to your
skin.
Organic clothing is especially important as preemies
are even more susceptible to permeable toxins which
may be in non-organic cotton and cleaning supplies.
— Kathi Salley Randall, RNC, MSN, CNS, NNP-BC
Softest
Yoga Pant
Majamas
Cheeky
Salve
Babytime!
Super soft and
cozy — pair with
Easy Bra for
nursing comfort..
A quick fix for
dry lips, cuticles
and skin.
The latest information on breastfeeding is that using a
firm large pillow to keep your body upright and your
baby’s body horizontal does not allow for deep latch
and often leads to shallow latch and reflux. Even if your
body is fully upright, it is better for your baby not to be
nursing from a horizontal position.
— Tracy Wilson Peters, CEO CAPPA
Even breastfed babies can have diarrhea, which often
leads to diaper rash - especially if you or your baby are
on antibiotics. Protect your baby's skin before this happens by using zinc-based diaper cream.
— Kathi Salley Randall, RNC, MSN, CNS, NNP-BC
Did you know that your baby imprints strongly on flavors from first milk? Your early food choices are among
the most important determining factors of your baby’s
favorite foods as she grows. What do you want him to
love? Now, eat that.
—Alan Greene, MD
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Just for Mom, cont.
MOM’S RECOVERY SUPPORT
Panties and Pads: The hospital provides disposable underwear and pads, but when you see them, you may find
yourself desperate for your own supply! You will wear pads
for several days after giving birth, and comfortable underwear is key.
Postpartum Spray: With the potential of having an episiotomy wound, tearing, or hemorrhoids from a vaginal
birth, it is a great idea to be prepared with a product you
actually want to use down under. Products provided by
the hospital may contain parabens, fragrances, petroleum-
based ingredients and other chemicals you wouldn’t
choose for yourself. Consider Arnica pellets for internal
and external wound healing. Remember, it's important to
get your medical professional’s approval on any products
you use.
Organic Massage Oil: Soothing touch combined with
moisturizing products will provide much-needed relief.
The helpful triglycerides and essential fatty acids in massage oils could transfer useable nutrients to the rest of
your body through the skin.
Read about milking and pumping gear »
OUR FAVORITE PRODUCTS
ON
New Mama
Bottom Spray
Earth Mama
Angel Baby
Spray on the
comfort.
ABOUT KIM
Nurturing
Balm
Babytime!
Overnight
Maxi Pads
Seventh Generation
Essential
Oils
Aura Cacia
Layer on
barrier
protection
to feel better
below.
Chlorine-free
freshness
everytime.
The smell of
fresh lavender
could calm
your nerves.
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Boy ShortS
PACT Apparel
Skip the
granny panties,
keep the
comfort.
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Milk: Nursing + Pumping Gear
Nursing Bra: If you choose to wear a bra, select one
Nursing Wrap: If you prefer to cover while you nurse
that is specifically designed for nursing. Remember, a
bra is not necessary to successfully breastfeed.
in public, you might enjoy the protection of a wrap.
Nipple Care: If you will be nursing, consider Babytime!
Nursing Pads: Pads provide leak protection. It is comforting to have extra protection as even someone else’s
hungry baby sounds can cause you to lactate, and you
never know where you might be when this happens.
Nursing Pillow: A great nursing pillow can make it easier to nurse your new baby, especially if you have twins.
The latest research supports the use of a pillow to help
comfortably orient your body into a slightly reclined
position. Your own body then supports baby instead of
using a pillow to support baby.
Cheeky Salve, the Episencial solution to help soothe
and protect sore nipples.
BPA Free Bottles: If you are pumping milk for your
baby, be sure the storage bottles are BPA free. Consider bringing a pump to the hospital or birthing center. Many facilities have lactation professionals to teach
you how to best use your equipment — both natural
and mechnical.
Read about snacks and hydration »
OUR FAVORITE PRODUCTS
ON
Cheeky
Salve
Babytime!
Glass Baby
Bottle
Lifefactory
Natural
Organic Carrier
Baby K’Tan
Organic
protection
and chafe
prevention.
BPA-free
convenience
with a bright,
non-slip
cover.
Keep baby
close for
better milk
production.
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Washable
Nursing Pads
Bamboobies
Reliable,
washable and
super-soft
protection.
MEDIA
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SIBLINGS
Organic
Easy Bra
Majamas
Soft stretch
fabric with
easy nursing
access.
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EAT
Eat++DRINK
Drink
Snacks: Good food can be surprisingly hard to come
by in hospitals. Bring plenty of your favorite snacks and
consider a little cooler bag, too. Episencial loves fresh,
raw organic fruits and nuts, probiotic yogurts and Luna
Bars.
Hard Candies: All that breathing and panting can
make for a dry mouth. Add to your comfort during
labor with hard candy. Episencial loves candies made
with natural sweeteners such as honey and agave
nectar because sugar can make you more thirsty.
Read about ways to pass the time »
Drinks: For a refreshing drink, our favorites are water
and tea. Remember, water is what your body needs
most. Coconut water is naturally packed with a wide
array of electrolytes and nutrients to keep you hydrated and boost your energy during labor, delivery and
breastfeeding. To satisfy a sweet tooth, try Zevia.
OUR FAVORITE PRODUCTS
ON
Granola
bars
Nature’s Path
much-adoabout-Mango
Peeled Snacks
Coconut
Water
Zico
Nursing
Support TEA
Yogi Tea
Oats & Honey
Clusters
KIND
Dark
chocolate
can lift spirits
naturally.
The only
thing sweeter
will be your
new baby.
Ample
electrolytes
for extra
stamina.
A warm,
soothing way
to promote milk
production.
Crunchy
treats with
natural sugars.
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Media
Music: You may want to have a special, sentimental and
soothing mix of music prepared on your iPod or other
device to play during labor.
B aby Book + Memorabilia: Capture your baby’s footprints while you are still at the hospital.
Sanitizer: Media equipment can bring in unwanted
Phone/Smartphone/Chargers: Be sure to bring chargers and/or batteries for your smartphone, tablet devices, camera and camcorder.
germs. Don’t forget your alcohol-and-triclosan-free
cleaning spray.
Read about caring for your new baby »
Reading Materials/Tablet: Magazines, books, tablets,
music, mobile devices and cameras can turn hours into
minutes. Light reading is best.
OUR FAVORITE PRODUCTS
ON
Baby Book
ecojot
Record special
moments on
the spot.
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Hand
Spray
Clean Well
Hand
Wipes
Clean Well
Alcohol-free
and smells
good too.
Effective on
surfaces and
safe for skin.
MOM
MILK
EAT + DRINK
iPad Case
United By Blue
Protect your
gear from
spills and
splashes.
MEDIA
BABY
SIBLINGS
WOODEN
EAR BUDS
Thinksound
Noise
isolating for
extra peace.
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Just for Baby
For newborns, adjusting to life outside the womb begins
at the first breath and shortly after when the first bath is
drawn.
Many popular baby care products provided by hospital
maternity and neonatal wards may contain chemicals that
you might normally avoid. Given that babies' skin is as much
as five times thinner than adult skin, there is risk of those
chemicals finding their way into the body where they may
have unintended health consequences.
More and more, parents and healthcare practitioners are seeing skin care products in a new light, choosing natural and
organic products to care for newborn skin. Beyond skincare,
we prefer clothing, bedding and blankets made of natural
and organic fibers.
Babytime! Playful Wash, by Episencial: Give baby
her first bath in this ultra-pure, pH-balanced, safe and
gentle foaming wash. Babytime! natural, organic wash
is already used by many hospitals, but if you aren’t sure
what your hospital uses, bring your own!
Babytime! Massage Serum, by Episencial: Massage
and skin to skin contact are especially important from
day one. Avoid fragrances, mineral oil and other petroleum byproducts.
Read more about caring for your new baby »
OUR FAVORITE PRODUCTS
ON
Playful Wash
Babytime!
Soothing Cream
Babytime!
Cheeky Salve
Babytime!
Sunny Sunscreen
Babytime!
#1 organic wash in
hospitals — an
absolute must.
The best ever
"miracle cream" for
bothered skin.
Fix anything fast —
from your nursing nipples
to sweet baby cheeks.
AAP recommends the use
of sunscreen on babies
under six months when
they will be in the sun.
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Just for Baby, cont.
Babytime! Soothing Cream, by Episencial: This superhydrating, natural, scent-free cream is enriched with probiotics and perfect for developing skin. Jojoba oil, neem
oil, calendula and aloe vera work to moisturize, protect
and help optimize skin immunity. Like all
Babytime! by Episencial products, this doctor-approved
cream is loaded with Actively Healthy™ ingredients.
Babytime! Nurturing Balm, by Episencial: A great
Natural hand + surface sanitizing supplies.
Organic, unbleached diapers + wipes in preemie/
newborn size.
B aby Wipes: Use warm water and organic cotton pads
for cleaning the diaper area whenever you can instead
of diaper wipes, which can contain drying ingredients
like alcohol.
Read more about caring for your new baby »
diaper cream is a must. Prevent discomfort and help
soothe extra-chapped, cracked or irritated skin with this
high-level barrier of organic coconut and calendula to
seal out wetness.
OUR FAVORITE PRODUCTS
ON
Nurturing
Balm
Babytime!
Everyday g’s
6-pack
gDiapers
Cloth
Wipes
GroVia
Healing
diaper rash
protection and
prevention too.
Awesome
combo —
cloth meets
disposable.
You'll go through
wipes like crazy,
consider reusable cloth.
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Diapers
Nature Babycare
Stink Away
Spray
hellomellow
Chlorine-free
diapers are kind
to sensitive skin.
MEDIA
BABY
SIBLINGS
From spit up
to diapers —
eliminate odors
naturally.
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Just for Baby, cont.
Clothing: Dress baby in an organic onesie, gown or
Linens: A soft blanket made from organic material is
buttonfront top along with socks and a hat (babies lose
a lot of heat from their heads). 100% organic cotton is
produced without the use of pesticides.
Your newborn baby’s skin is very sensitive and, unlike
adult skin, it is thin and not fully developed. With this in
mind, Episencial recommends using a Babytime! 3-Step
Skincare Routine along with organic clothing to protect
baby’s delicate skin.
our go-to choice. Bring organic blankets for swaddling
and for your baby's bed or incubator. Organic cotton’s stretchy feel makes it easy to swaddle your little
bundle, and it’s safe for sensitive skin.
Allergens: Nearly 100% of babies will have dermatitis
which includes skin conditions like eczema, diaper rash,
cradle cap and baby acne. Help reduce your baby's risk
by avoiding known skin irritants like "fragrance" in skin
products and the nickle snaps commonly found on
onesies.
Read about entertaining siblings »
OUR FAVORITE PRODUCTS
ON
Janey
Baby Hat
Baby Soy
Keep heat
where it
belongs,
organically.
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Bodysuit
Nohi Kids
Natural
material that
is super
cute too.
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Organic
Cotton 2 Pk
Jefferies
Receiving
Blanket
Swaddle Designs
Baby Laundry
Detergent
Dapple
Tiny socks
stick in washing
machine pumps
— use a lingere bag.
Soft, cozy
and comfy
in just the
right size.
Opt for
fragrance-free
everything.
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Just for Siblings
Bringing a new baby into the family is a wonderful, yet
emotional transition. Help your new baby’s sibling(s) feel like
an important part of the process by including them in the
welcoming of baby! Since there is always a bit of downtime
at the hospital, bring some entertainment.
Creative Supplies: Episencial loves classics like pens and
paper. These supplies may come in handy for you too.
choose the same sounds. Headphones help keep a
peaceful environment in the hospital.
C amera: Their own camera provides an opportunity for
them to participate. Later, you’ll have special insight into
how they experienced the big day.
Kid-Friendly Snacks: Episencial loves Plum Organics,
Happy Baby and Peeled Snacks. Well, okay, we love
food, especially when it's organic.
Travel Toys: Episencial loves Tegu and Green Toys. An
older sibling can pack his or her own bag with you (while
you pack your own) to feel like a big part of the experience.
Mobile Games + Extra Headphones: As much as we
Include siblings in the excitement by offering a gift from
baby and parents to big brother or sister. Ask parents and
close friends to do the same!
love happily entertained children, we may not always
Read expert advice about your emotional journey »
OUR FAVORITE PRODUCTS
ON
happy
munchies
Happy Baby
Second
Blends
Plum Organics
Organic
Fruit Snacks
Annie’s
Cherry Apricot
Granola Bars
18 Rabbits Jr.
Travel
Wipes
Dapple
Constant
munching
can help keep
them busy.
Get extra
hydration
from snacks
in a pouch.
Classic
crackers are
comforting
favorites.
Tasty treats
with wholefood health.
Keep surfaces
clean, without
bleach.
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FAVORITE PRODUCTS
Pocket Pouch
Magnetic
Blocks
Tegu
Race Car
Green Toys
Mamas and
Babies
Innovative
Kids
BPA-free and
made from 100%
recycled milk
containers.
Let their
imaginations loose
anywhere.
Your Emotional Journey
ON
An adorable
board book &
memory game,
sustainably
made.
Assorted Fruits &
Vegetables
Plan Toys
Wildlife
Travel Puzzle
Wentworth
Wooden Puzzles
Teach them
healthy eating
habits through
pretend play.
Whimsical,
sustainably-made
and perfect for fun
on the go.
A challenging 3-D building
set with a natural finish.
PAPERWORK
MOM
Great music can relax our moods, provide needed energy, and strengthen our mental focus to support the
mind and body during labor. I love Prem Joshua: “Sky
Kisses the Earth” and anything by Snatam Kaur.
— Anna Getty, Mother of two, Author,
Founder Pregnancy Awareness Month
Most ancient cultures practiced an under belly treatment, surrounding the abdomen and pelvis in warm
materials such as heated sand to restore heat lost during the birth. Bring a warm pack or warm water bottle
to restore balance and comfort..
— Elliot Berlin, DC
A mother's scent is soothing for babies in the NICU
and for any baby while they're away from Mom. Hold or
sleep with baby’s pajamas. Your scent will help comfort
your baby when you aren’t there.
— Kathi Salley Randall, RNC, MSN, CNS, NNP-BC
The sibling of a new child will be delighted to know that you
depend on them to be your little helper. Ask them how they
think the new baby will act once baby comes into the world.
Confirm that this new beginning will be both rough and fun.
Ask them if they're willing to help you teach the new baby
about all the wonderful things they know. Empowering kids
empowers the world.
— Kimberley Clayton Blaine, MA, MFT
Licensed Child and Family Therapist
Geomix
Haba
ABOUT KIM
Some moms love to have a special aromatherapy spray
prepared for linens and washcloths and the room in
general. My favorite is lavender and lemongrass mixed
with distilled water.
— Val Peterson, San Diego, CA Doula
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Just for Your Partner
Other than taking care of you and your needs during the
birth, your partner can play a big role in preparing for baby
by engaging in some thorough research and even a little
gear shopping before the big day.
Ambassador: Ask your partner to communicate your
wishes to friends and family. It is a-okay to ask visitors not to
wear perfume when they come visit you. Synthetic fragrances can interfere with hormonal communication between
baby and mom as well as potentially interfere with the development of baby’s new sensory and nervous system.
Stroller: When it comes to walking with baby, we always
advocate wearing baby as the first choice. There is nothing better than skin to skin touch. When wearing baby
isn’t possible, then we vote for strollers that keep baby
facing you instead of away from you. When your baby
faces you they are very likely to be less stressed, have
a lower heart rate, fall asleep more easily and smile or
laugh more often. According to the latest research, when
you keep baby facing you in the stroller, you are helping
to support their development and improving her longterm mental and physical health.
Infant Car Seat: Make sure your car seat is installed
correctly. Local police stations often offer a service to
ensure that your car seat is correctly installed and they
do it for free! There are also specialists who can come to
your home for the installation. Whatever you do, don’t
forget the instruction booklet if this is your first child.
Read about life beyond the birth »
OUR FAVORITE PRODUCTS
ON
baby
Carrier
Ergobaby
Peanut Butter
Energy Bars
Clif Bar
Soothing
Cream
Babytime!
Sport Zen
Hoodie
alo
Organic
Argan Oil
acure
Start practicing
when baby is
seven pounds.
Well-fed partners
are more helpful
partners.
Also works as
the best ever
after shave.
Cozy comfort
that is soft
and snuggly.
There's no
such thing
as too many
backrubs.
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Life Beyond
Our top 5 most important tips for keeping your baby
healthy once you get home:
1. Use an organic crib mattress.
TAKE ACTION
Find natural and organic goods for your whole life at
Vine.com.
2. Use natural cleaning and personal care products.
3. Get a HEPA air filter for the nursery or room where your
Learn more about your birth options at PregnancyAwareness.com and InformedPregnancy.com.
baby sleeps.
Read a personal note from us to you »
4. Keep breastfeeding for as long as you can.
5. Try to eat organic fruits and vegetables and avoid
processed foods.
OUR FAVORITE PRODUCTS
ON
2-in-1
Mattress
L.A. Baby
Babies sleep
more than they
are awake —
go organic.
ABOUT KIM
Ultrasonic
Cool Mist
Humidifier
Crane
Keep air moist
for easier
breathing.
PAPERWORK
MOM
MILK
Oxygen Ultra
Air Purifier
Electrolux
Body Pillow
Holy Lamb
Organics
Taza Printed
Sheet Set
Yala
Dust and allergens
don't belong near
your baby.
Position yourself
for comfortable
nursing and
restful sleep.
Expect lots of new
reasons to change
your sheets.
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Life Beyond, cont.
a personal message from
the Babytime! moms
Above all else, we want you to remember that you are beautiful and strong and an inspiration to your family (and to us)!
We are here to help you this very day and to share in and
support your journey as a woman and parent. See the
Expert Advice section at Episencial.com — the #1 resource
online for reliable information about natural and organic
baby skin care.
Read expert advice on choosing the right products »
Please note Vine.com did not contribute to the editorial content or advice contained in the guide and does
not necessarily endorse the featured products or brands.
Similarly, we (Episencial and contributing experts) do not
endorse and have not necessarily tested or evaluated particular products or brands in this guide. Instead, the guide
is intended to highlight products that Episencial believes
would be good options to consider in light of the tips and
advice contained in this guide. Vine.com and Episencial are
not liable for the outcome of the use of these products or
any displeasure, discomfort, or anything else that may result
from using said products. Check with your medical professionals before using any products on your baby or while you
are pregnant, nursing, or in labor.
ABOUT BABYTIME! BY EPISENCIAL
Babytime! by Episencial is the #1 organic brand in hospitals. With
Episencial, skin care is health care. Nearly all babies will experience
dermatitis in their first year of life. Episencial combines advanced skin
care technology with Actively Healthy™ ingredients including probiotics, neem oil and botanically-sourced essential fatty acids and
antioxidants to help optimize skin immunity and defend against daily
environmental challenges from water, sun and air.
Shop Babytime! on Vine.com »
ABOUT KIM
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EPISENCIAL LOVES VINE BECAUSE THEY ARE PICKY.
because you can find natural and organic
Hospitals often use harsh detergents (and chlorine
bleach) to clean hospital clothing, bedding and baby
blankets, which can transfer into baby’s delicate, thin skin.
So keep them covered up with materials of your choice.
— Linda Storm, Director, Infant Massage Institute USA
goods for your whole life. Shop thousands of products from organic snacks
and paraben-free skin care to natural
cleaners, sustainably-made décor and
Parenting begins way before a baby is born. I encourage
moms to research their product, pregnancy and parenting options - looking far beyond marketing materials from
the very beginning. When we make informed choices,
then there is no such thing as a 'wrong choice'. I firmly
believe that what feels right to you as the mother of your
child is ultimately and always your best choice.
— Elizabeth Bachner, Midwife
more — each vendor's product information
is reviewed to ensure it meets one of the
eight criteria in the Vine Standard. Vine also makes it simple to shop according to your values and the causes you care about. Browse boutiques devoted
to Local, Organic, Gluten-Free, B Corporation
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Whether cradling your naked baby against bare skin,
massaging or simply caressing your baby's face, ample
skin to skin contact is critically important for both you
and baby. Choosing skin care products that support and
encourage skin to skin moments with Actively Healthy™
ingredients further enhances those benefits.
— Kim Walls, M.S., Skin to Skin Expert
are claimed, whichever is earlier. Offer valid once per household, cannot be applied to
previous orders or combined with other discounts or promotional offers. Offer subject to change or cancellation. Void where prohibited. Other restrictions may apply.
To redeem, add eligible products to cart and enter code LABORBAG20 at checkout.
MAXIM UM DISCO UNT: $50
ABOUT KIM
Your Choices Matter
Don’t fall into the “my friend has it” trap. Choose products based on YOUR lifestyle. Babies really don’t need
that much in the beginning. Allocate your money for
the important categories: car seat, baby carrier/stroller, a
safe place for baby to sleep, feeding support and supplies (be it breastfeeding or supplementation), swaddle
blankets, organic skincare and diapering supplies.
— Jamie Grayson, Baby Gear Guru,
BabyGuyGearGuide.com
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