What to pack in your hospital bag

So I had better start gathering stuff for my hospital bag.  Here are some things on my to pack list:

• chapstick
• nipple cream (like Lansinoh)
• pads / Depends or Always underwear
• Clothes for mom:
• socks
• underwear
• clothes to wear home
• birthing clothes
• toiletries (toothbrush, toothpaste, hand lotion, vaseline, shampoo, soap, etc)
• flip flops / crocs
• hair ties
• Clothes for newborn baby:
• sleeper / onesie
• socks
• hat
• mittens
• receiving blanket
• a few diapers and wipes
• snacks
• water bottle / liquids
• cell phone / cell phone charger
• camera
• light entertainment (e.g. book, magazines, iphone)

I have heard that Guelph General Hospital sometimes provides the following, but to be on the safe side I might bring a few of my own:

• diapers
• wash clothes instead of wipes
• receiving blanket
• pads / mesh underwear
• formula if you are not breastfeeding (I won't be bringing any formula with me, in case I don't need it)

Items I would strongly consider but might not pack if there is no room

• robe
• nursing pillow
• own pillow
• toilet paper (stuff that is softer than the kind at the hospital!)

One recommendation is to also pack it all in a rolling suitcase so that you can roll it out as opposed to having to carry the bag when you leave the hospital.

Also make sure to have that car seat installed!

Free Fun in Guelph - August 22, 2015

I think my little one is still a bit young to watch movies...but this is an awesome opportunity to do something fun and free with the family!  Someone please check it out and tell me how good (and hopefully not bad) it is.

It says you need to go to the box office for tickets, which I presume means you cannot order them online ahead of time.  If someone goes, please feel free to tell me how exactly it works!

The movie that has a free screening is "Maya the Bee Movie"
Details:

Galaxy Cinemas Guelph

485 Woodlawn Road West, Guelph, ON, N1K 1E9

Saturday August 22, 2015

11AM

(519) 763-3935

http://www.cineplex.com/Showtimes/any-movie/galaxy-cinemas-guelph?Date=8/22/2015
http://www.cineplex.com/Movie/maya-the-bee-movie-a-family-favourites-presentation

What are some stores I can purchase an infant car seat from in Canada?

If you buy a car seat to be used in Canada, it must be approved for Canadian Safety Standards.  The easiest way to achieve this is to buy from a vendor that sells car seats specifically for the Canadian market.  These include:

BRICKS AND MORTAR STORES - for those that like to go into a store and talk to someone and see a product

Ontario Wide (stores and online):
- Toys R Us
- Walmart (walmart.ca)
- Sears
- Canadian Tire

Guelph (physical store)
- Diaper Dayz

Toronto (physical stores and online)
- Dear Born Baby
- Canabee Baby

ONLINE:
Amazon.ca
Shop.ca
Costco.ca
Bestbuy.ca

Heeding the Lyme Disease Alerts

Is it me, or does it seem like Lyme disease has become quite the hot topic?

Here is Health Canada's public health reminder:

http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/phn-asp/2015/lyme-eng.php

I think the first time I paid attention to Lyme disease was when a story came out about Avril Lavigne.   She was diagnosed with Lyme disease, and she had said she was bedridden for 5 months.  Sadly, it took a celebrity story to highlight to me how serious this disease could be.  What is scary is the number of cases where the disease remained undiagnosed for months.  Doctors had told her she was dehydrated and exhausted.

Lately, I have seen posts in some local mom forums about some bite marks that their kids are getting.  Some of these moms believe the marks to be mosquito bites, but when pictures of the bites are posted other moms let them know that they look like tick bites!

What does a tick bite look like?

The classic tell tale sign is that of a "bulls eye" rash as shown in the picture above.

So now whenever we're out for walks I'll check my child to see if I notice any rashes or any bugs.  I try to keep her in long sleeves, and long pants.  Not all tick bites will result in Lyme disease, but it is good to get familiar with preventative measures as well as symptoms because you just never know!