11 Must-Have Items for Your NICU Stay: Tips from a NICU Mom

Whew. 32 days spent in the NICU. It feels like a lifetime, and yet it flew by. It’s weird how a single moment can feel drastically different at the same time. Perhaps it’s because we were on overdrive and in such a routine that it already feels like a mere glimpse in time. So to all the sweet mamas or papas out there reading this, if your NICU journey hasn’t begun, or if you’re currently in the trenches of it, don’t worry because this too shall pass. *cue instant tears*

While we were in the NICU, I discovered a few things that were incredibly helpful. I’d like to share them with you in the hope that they might be useful to you as well!

Journal/Notebook

While I was in the hospital, my mom went to Target to grab a few essential items that I needed. Thanks, Mom! Among the things she brought back was a notebook and some fine-tipped markers. Even though I already owned more notebooks than I could count, I ended up finding it incredibly useful! I used it to journal every day, from my hospital stay to the very last day that Harper came home.

I wrote down the date, how many times I pumped, what I ate while in the hospital and a few days into the NICU stay to ensure that I was eating properly, any major announcements from the NICU, and the girls’ weights. Initially, I used it to keep track of everything and stay on top of things. But soon, it became something that helped me remain calm, distracted, and connected to the girls when I wasn’t at the hospital. It was a tool that helped me stick to a routine. Looking back, it’s amazing to see how far the girls have come!

Blanket

The NICU days can feel incredibly long, and having something comforting from home can make a huge difference. Also, while the chairs in the NICU are decent, they’re not exactly the most comfortable. They’re made of a weird material that made me sweat – yuck, right? I only realized it when I stood up! So, I brought one of my favorite leopard print blankets and draped it over the chair. It made everything so much better! Although, now that we’re back home, I should probably wash that blanket

Fancy Water Bottle

Maybe a fancy water bottle isn’t necessary, but it’s important to bring one that makes sense. Look for a bottle that’s easy to drink from and doesn’t spill. I brought a Yeti with a metal straw (to save the turtles), but I quickly learned that it wasn’t a wise choice. It always ended up spilling! Make sure the bottle has a lid and is easy to open and drink from. While you’re not allowed to bring much food or drink into the NICU, take advantage of being able to bring a water bottle. Occasionally, I would drink a Naked smoothie to keep my stomach from growling.

Robe

This was an absolute lifesaver for more than one reason. When I was in the hospital, it was wonderful because I didn’t really have to worry about clothes, which were uncomfortable and difficult to put on. I would just throw on my robe and Stephen would wheel me down to the NICU. Don’t worry, we had private rooms in the NICU, and I wore my fancy mesh undies underneath. It was so easy to open up for skin-to-skin (kangaroo care) with the babies. Even when I was checked out of the hospital, the robe was still great for skin-to-skin and pumping. I would just wear my nursing bra and the robe, and Stephen even got his own robe to do skin-to-skin with the girls! If you’re looking for the perfect robe, check out my Amazon storefront. I searched high and low for this gem – it’s not too hot, not too cold, not too short or too long, and not too light or too heavy. It fit perfectly before, during, and after the babies arrived.

This one is my favorite from Amazon.

Nursing Pillow

If you’re pregnant, I am sure you have received a few of those sheets filled with coupons, making the product almost free? Baby leggings. Baby shoes. Carseat Covers. You know what I am talking about, right? Well, I took the bait and bought ‘The Nursing Pillow.’ It said it was comparable to the boppy and at the “free” price (just pay shipping, second one is $10, etc), I couldn’t pass it up. When I received the package, I was slightly disappointed. They were MUCH smaller than the typical boppy and not has sturdy/firm. With no returns allowed, I decided that I might as well use them.

They ended up being PERFECT!!! Since the babes were so tiny, using a boppy to help hold/feed would have been quite uncomfortable as it is more firm/bigger. The Nursing Pillow was soft, fit around my waist and was the perfect size for our little premies. They came in handy each day!

If you don’t get one of those coupon sheets, don’t fret. Follow them on IG and you’ll see a new coupon everyday for a “free” pillow. Check out their website and you’ll get a code for a “free” pillow. I think it is usually a $50 off code and they cost $49.95? Shipping for two was around $15. Very much worth it!

Easy Access Clothes

Speaking of easy access (not that kind of easy access, you gotta wait for that….), it was very helpful to have a few clothing items (when I couldn’t use the excuse of just having major surgery to not wear clothes) that allow you to access those tatas quickly! I am absolutely obsessed with this shirt by Jessica Simpson. It allows you to keep your shirt on (it can get cold when your have just the robe on and nothing underneath), but, gives you full access to your chest/stomach. It couldn’t be more perfect for skin-to-skin, nursing or pumping. I HIGHLY suggest getting it! I also found a few good finds on Amazon (and a few duds, which I returned). Check them out here.

Pumping Bra

Speaking of pumping, you’ll need a good bra! I prefer one that is EASY because that’s what you’ll need in the NICU. I love this one because it zips up the front and the holes where the flanges go are pretty sturdy.

I love that it is strapless, too. It is very easy to put on (and take off). It does have decent coverage, if you have any modesty left after giving birth to a child. I’ve linked one on my amazon store front that is similar, if not the same + comes in 2 day thanks to prime!

Slippers

In the first few days of being in the hospital, I didn’t bother wearing shoes and simply opted for non-slip socks since I spent most of my time in a wheelchair and acted like the hospital was my own home. It wasn’t until I came back to my senses that I realized I should probably start wearing shoes and clothes before leaving my room. However, regular shoes were too uncomfortable to wear after my c-section, so slippers with non-slip soles became a must-have. My mom ordered a pair from Amazon, but I’ve also found great options at Target and TJ Maxx.

After being discharged from the hospital, I made sure to keep a pair of non-slip slippers in my NICU bag. Initially, I would wear boots to the hospital, but they were too hot to keep on for long periods. So, I would slip on my trusty non-slip slippers upon arrival, which made me feel comfortable and safe while walking around the NICU.

Books for Babes

Reading to your baby is an excellent way to bond and introduce them to language, and it’s never too early to start! When we were in the hospital, one of the therapists stopped by with three books, and I proudly told her we couldn’t wait to get home and read all our books together. But I was quickly humbled when she said we could start reading to them at that very moment! After that conversation, we started bringing in a few books each day (check out my favorites here). It was also a great way for Dad to get involved and bond with the babies through reading.

Fire/Kindle

Listen, I’m a die-hard paper girl. I love reading books made of paper, using paper calendars, and tracking my babies’ diapers and bottles in a paper notebook. However, I quickly realized that it’s much easier to read books on a Kindle than a traditional book. Just imagine trying to snuggle a baby who’s hooked up to multiple machines while trying to flip pages without dropping the book on the ground. Plus, I was able to sign up for Kindle Unlimited for only $0.99 for three months, which gave me access to a wide variety of books, including children’s books. And if I ever got bored with reading, I could always watch Netflix or play Candy Crush (although it’s a bit tricky to play with only one hand).

Here is a link to a basic Kindle, perfect to bring along with you!

Car Snacks

This is such an important tip to keep in mind! When you’re rushing to get to the NICU to see your little ones, it’s easy to forget to grab a bite to eat. Unfortunately, you’re not allowed to have food while you’re visiting in the NICU, and it can be tough to find time to eat once you’re there. But it’s crucial to make sure you’re eating regularly, especially if you’re breastfeeding or pumping. One solution is to keep a bag of snacks in your car, so you can munch on the way to and from the hospital. While it might not be a full meal, it’ll help keep hunger at bay. In my snack bag, I had fruit snacks, KIND bars, granola bars, Milano cookies, and a few treats I swiped from my hospital stay. Costco is a great place to stock up on snacks. Sometimes, I would also pack some grapes or strawberries to munch on.

I hope this list has been helpful to you, even if it’s just for one item you hadn’t considered bringing. And always remember, “this too shall pass.” Soon enough, you’ll be leaving the NICU with your precious little one(s)!

I created an Amazon Storefront to organize all of my favorite must-have items, that way you won’t have to go searching!