So you just moved to Guelph with a baby...

Hello!  Welcome to Guelph!

So you just got to Guelph.  You want to go out with your baby, but where do you go?

Let's start with the Early Years Centre.

You can easily fill in lots of time just by attending free programs offered by the Early Years Centre.  Here is a link to their program page: http://www.guelphchc.ca/developmental-health/program-guide

There are registered programs and drop in programs.

• Infant Afternoons - drop-in program.  
• If your baby is less than 8 months old, try Infant Afternoons.  At the time of writing, Infant afternoons is offered at the Stone Road Mall location on Tuesdays at 2 - 4pm
• Get there early as the program does fill up.  Once it fills up, moms get turned away despite the fact that some moms might leave part way through the program
• What to expect - there are a few mats laid out with baby toys on them.  The moms and babies gather around these mats and let their babies play while having some friendly conversation and adult interaction

And how about the Guelph Public Library

The Guelph Public Library offers programs designed for children ages 0-2, as well as other age groups.  One particular program that is popular for young babies is Bouncing Babies

• Bouncing Babies - drop-in program
• Complete with bubbles, stories, songs, and a parachute, your baby is sure to love all that is going around him
• in the events calendar section, select the filters for your child's age to see what programs are offered.  Make sure to change the dates so that you can see more than what is offered for the one day https://www.guelphpl.ca/foundation/pages/calendar/

Breastfeeding Cafe
Have some tea or coffee, and meet other moms who are breastfeeding.  Even if you are an expecting first time mom, feel free to drop in.  They don't discriminate - as stated in their "Who We Serve" statement:

WHO WE SERVE

WE Breastfeed is a free program open to all new and expecting parents in Guelph, and anyone interested in breastfeeding, regardless of gender identity, age, race, national origin, religion, marital status, sexual orientation, disability or socioeconomic situation.

You can also connect with them on Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/WEBreastfeed/

Guelph General Hospital's packing list!

And low and behold...after compiling my list, I have stumbled upon Guelph General Hospital's list of what to pack for labour and deliver.  The quantity of some items seems excessive (8-10 blankets? 4 hats?) ...but perhaps it's if you lose some or get them dirty?

http://www.gghorg.ca/images/GGH_PDFs/What%20to%20bring%20to%20the%20hospital%202012.pdf

What to bring when having your baby at Guelph General Hospital

For mom:
• Ontario Health Card and other insurance information
• Medications you take regularly in labeled pharmacy containers
• Large sanitary pads; enough for three days and nights
• Clothing for self (i.e. slippers, socks, nightgowns, pyjamas, underwear and bra)
• Nursing pads for breastfeeding mom (optional)
• Personal care items (i.e. toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, soap, shampoo, conditioner, lip balm etc.)
• Pens to fill out forms
• If you bring food to place in the pantry located across the nursing station, please label with your name
• Anyone who has already delivered at the Guelph General Hospital will tell you about the wonderful pair of underwear we give to you after you have your baby; unfortunately we are able to only give you one pair

For baby:
• Newborn size diapers (approx. 25)
• Wipes
• Vaseline
• 8-12 receiving blankets
• Several pairs of sleepers
• 2-4 hats
• Safety approved infant car seat (please familiarize yourself with the car seat prior to discharge; your nurse is unable to help because every car seat is so different)

Other:
• Extra pillows (there is never enough!)
• Pyjamas, extra blanket and/or sleeping bag for partner
• Breastfeeding pillow (optional)
• Pen for keeping track of when baby feeds
• Kleenex
• Camera, personal mp3/iPod
• Snacks for partner
• Please DO NOT bring perfumes, latex and lilies as some people have severe sensitivities or allergies

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!