Logistics for Intended Parents: Part Two Preparing what to Pack to for the Journey to/from your Baby's Surrogacy Birth, and Bringing them Home

In Part One of this two-part series, we discussed the logistics of travel--when and how to travel to meet your newborn and to take them home with you. But now, let's consider the essential items you need to purchase and pack when heading to the birth of your baby, ensuring you are well-equipped for the hospital and the journey home, aside from the travel aspects....

Must-Have Items for the Hospital:

When you receive the call that delivery is imminent--whether it's an "on time arrival" or a bit earlier than expected--you need to be ready. Packing in advance and thoughtfully for your time spent both travelling and at the hospital can ease the transition and reduce stress. Here are key items to include for the adventure:

Baby Essentials - The Usual Suspects

While the hospital typically provides many of the common baby supplies, consider bringing your own items to feel more at ease. Essential baby items include:

• A soft blanket or swaddle for comfort. You will do the burrito-style swaddle in the hospital and feel defeated every time. When you get home, chuck those and start using the velcro ones. You'll thank me!

• A newborn outfit for the trip home. You might want to bring an array of sizes. I was caught off guard when my daughter turned out to be too tiny for newborn-sized clothes and we needed an emergency supply of preemie-sized clothes for the first few days!

• Baby hat and mittens if the weather is chilly. This ensures your baby is cozy and comfortable from the very beginning.

• A pacifier or two--controversial, I know! If you notice from pics in utero that your baby is a thumb/hand sucker, you may decide you'd like to bring a paci to the hospital to get them to take it from the start. Dentists everywhere are shrieking in horror, but IMHO, it's easier to break them later of a paci habit than a thumb-sucking habit!

Items for you

With the focus understandably on baby, it's easy to forget that you'll be away from home too for at least a night or so. Be sure to bring what you need so you have one aspect that at least you can relax about! Self-care is crucial, especially during stressful events. Pack comfortable clothing and bring layers for those chilly hospital rooms! Remember your own essentials like toiletries, toothpaste, hairbrush, deodorant, medicines, contact lens cases, glasses, and phone chargers.

Baby swaddle prepared for the hospital stay.

Travel Essentials for the Journey Itself

After your time at the hospital, it will soon be time to head home. Depending on your location and chosen mode of transport, consider these travel essentials:

Car Seat

A car seat is a must-have for any trip home. Make sure you choose one that is for newborns with any needed inserts based on the baby's size:

• Safe and meets current safety guidelines, used forward facing. You may not realize it, but these actually expire so be aware of the expiration date when you use hand-me-downs.

• Easy to install, especially if you are doing it without professional assistance. I personally liked the Doona for my suburbs baby since we were in and out of the car so much. But for my urban first-born, that would have been a terrible choice. The wheels were too small to make it a reliable stroller when it came to roughly the elements and uneven surfaces on city streets and side walks as we were walkers not frequent drivers. So an actual separate newborn car seat and strong large stroller were the better choice for us at that time.

  
  

Tip: Familiarize yourself with how to secure it in your vehicle (or rental car or cab) prior to heading to the hospital.

Diaper Bag

Your diaper bag is your best friend during travel. Consider packing the following:

• Diapers and wipes. Consider getting a few very small sizes as you may not know exactly how big your baby will be until they are born. And know where the closest Costco-type store is relative to the delivery location in case you end up sticking around for a few more days than needed and need to stock up.

• Changing pad for convenient diaper changes.

• Bottles with nipples and formula if your surrogate is not planning to or is unable to pump. (Again know where Costco is or how quickly you can get an Amazon delivery where you will be, if needed!) I found that .

  
  

Tip: Select a diaper bag that is spacious yet compact enough for easy handling during your travel. I am not a backpack person, but many people love them. This will be your packed on-plane or in-car bag with essentials for your newborn.

Travel Documents

Keeping your important documents organized is vital during this time. Ensure you have the following handy:

• Hospital discharge papers.

• Pre-Birth Parentage Orders, if applicable.

• Identification and insurance cards.

• Contact info for your family formation attorney, just in case!

Tip: Having these documents accessible will make the trip home smoother, especially if you need to stop along the way.

Preparing Your Home (or temporary home) for the Baby's Arrival

Your home and also the place you will be staying for those first few days if not at home should each be a welcoming environment with items needed for your newborn.

Create a Safe Sleeping Space

Make sure you have a safe sleeping area ready for your baby. This includes:

• A crib or bassinet that meets safety standards. (You can get a travel bassinet from Amazon or the like--we used one by Graco and it was easy to travel with and use when we were in our Airbnb near the delivery hospital, and was so sturdy we continued to use it for two months when we got home!) 

• Fitted bassinet and fitted crib sheets - multiple sets!

  
  

Tip: Always place your baby on their back to sleep to minimize risks.

Stock Up on Necessities

Before your baby arrives, ensure you've stocked up on necessities. Consider purchasing:

• Diapers and wipes (consider newborn and preemie sizes)

• Breastfeeding supplies for your gestational surrogate if she will be pumping--these should be in her possession before birth.

• Formula if you are formula-feeding or supplementing. We liked the Similac Advance with Iron.  We used the pre-mixed ready-to-use ones (buy the nipples separately from amazon and attach to the formula bottles) when we travelled because they were very easy and and we had no issues getting through security at the airports--just tell them it's in there and they usually go through the machine separate from your luggage.  Then we switched to the powder when we were settled at home (much cheaper). 

  
  

Health and Safety Items for New Parents

The health and safety of your newborn is top of mind for most new parents--but I think especially so with parents via surrogacy who waited so long for thier baby to be with them. Below are some essential health items intended parents should consider having ready:

Baby First Aid Kit

Gather a small first aid kit specifically for your baby that includes:

• Infant acetaminophen or ibuprofen (consult your pediatrician).

• Thermometer suitable for infants.

• Medical supplies like gauze and adhesive bandages.

Tip: A well-prepared first aid kit can provide peace of mind during your baby's first few weeks at home.

Infant Monitor

An infant monitor helps you keep an eye (and ear) on your baby while they sleep in another room--though that may not be until they are a few months old. Look for monitors with features such as:

• Video capabilities for a visual check.

• Temperature monitoring to ensure comfort.

• Ability to use your phone as the monitor

  
  

Tip: These devices can be invaluable for peace of mind while you manage the early days of parenthood.

Finally!!!

As you prepare for this monumental shift in your life, remember that while the preparations may seem overwhelming, you are not alone. Many intended parents navigate this journey, and resources are available to help you along the way.

Take a moment to cherish the excitement—this is the beginning of a beautiful chapter in your life. Plan thoughtfully, pack efficiently, be ready to pivot, and enjoy every moment of meeting your little one!