A NOTE ABOUT THIS GUIDE
I'm so excited that you're here! With more than a decade of experience photographing expecting and new moms and having two children of my own, I've had the honor of seeing and hearing about many different journeys into motherhood along with a wide variety of personal experiences. Along the way, I've picked up countless tips and tricks that I would love to share with you as you prepare to welcome your own little one into the world. Enjoy reading through this free guide at your leisure, and I hope that you find something helpful here!
- Erin
Thank you for stopping by, and please don't hesitate to let me know if I can offer any additional guidance as you begin your motherhood journey!
A list of our Favorites
Over the years, I've encountered so many mom and baby related businesses who are amazing to work with. These companies thrive on serving mothers and children and truly care about their customers!
Cle Baby
Mama Bird Hendry
Finn & Flora
Baby Beginnings
Nurtured Foundation
Primrose Newborn Care
Snooze Clues Sleep Consulting
Support & Education
Baby Boutiques
Community
Mother's Den Cleveland
Fit 4 Moms
Brechbill Chiropractic
Fitness and Chiropractic
Baby-Friendly Gathering
Childcare
I remember how overwhelming this process was to try and think of everything I might need while at the same time trying to pack lightly. I actually suggest packing two bags; one smaller labor bag and a second larger recovery bag that you can leave in the car until after you’ve had your baby and been moved to your recovery room. While everyone will have their own different preferences and favorite items, I hope that sharing mine will help alleviate some of the stress that comes with packing your bag! Just a heads up, there are a few affiliate links.
Chapstick
Birth ball
Comfy robe
Comfy socks
A tennis ball (for counter pressure on your back)
A photo of something special (to use as a focus point)
Beverages to sip on (Gatorade or Powerade)
Light snacks (protein bar, muffin, etc)
Snacks for your partner
Headphones
Phone charger with extra long cord
Labor Bag Checklist
1-2 pairs maternity leggings (3-4 for a c-section stay)
2-3 comfy button front tops
2-3 sleep nursing bras or nursing tanks (no wires or cups!)
2-3 comfy socks
3-4 of granny panties
Slippers
1-2 rolls of toilet paper from home
Depends Silhouette adult diapers
Your favorite snacks
Your own pillow
Camera and extra battery & memory card
A pack of your favorite nighttime pads with wings
Toothbrush & toothpaste for you and your partner
Basic travel size toiletries
Dry shampoo
Abdominal binder for c-section
Lansinoh lanolin
Disposable breast pads
Newborn SwaddleMe
Baby's going home outfit
Car seat
Cardstock or baby book page for footprints
The hospital will provide you with all of the diapers and wipes, pacifiers, and feeding supplies that you'll need for your baby!
Recovery Bag Checklist
For Baby
Choosing one store or website to register at can greatly limit your ability to add items in certain colors or patterns that may be exclusive to one store and not carried at another. I'm going to share a few amazing options that allow you the flexibility to add the items you truly want, and ease for your family and friends to order!
My first recommendation is Amazon! While you can find almost anything you'd want on Amazon, you can also add items from other stores or boutiques by installing the Amazon Assistant plug-in on Google Chrome. Then simply visit the website of the item you want to add, select the Amazon Assistant, and click "add to list"
Another similar option is MyRegistry.com which allows you to add items from a large list of popular retailers. Guests can shop on one registry, and will be redirected to the store website to purchase your gift.
Another creative and meaningful registry option is to register with Erin Davison Photography! With our complimentary baby registry, you'll receive cards to send out with your baby shower invitations letting guests know that you are registered with us. You'll have a custom registry page, where friends can easily purchase a gift certificate or one of your most desired artwork options.
Crib
Crib bedding (sheets, skirt)
Infant car seat
Extra car seat base
Convertible car seat
Stroller
Swing or bouncer
Activity mat
Baby bath tub
Baby wash cloths
Baby bath towels
Registry Checklist
Cool mist humidifier
White noise machine
Swaddles
Flannel receiving blankets (doubles as burp cloths)
Clothing in sizes 3-12 month
Moby or soft carrier wrap
Ergo or similar structured carrier
Rocking chair
My Brest Friend nursing pillow
Diapers in sizes 2-6
Wipes
Nursing cover
Pack and play
Pack and play sheets
High chair
Booster seat
Toddler dishes (bowls, cups, cutlery)
Bibs
Baby bottles
Drying mat
Changing pad and covers
Crib mattress
Crib mattress waterproof protector
Diaper bag
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A list of our Favorites
What you wear for your maternity and newborn portraits can make all the difference in the look of your final images. We want to share a few of our favorites, many of which are included in our Studio Wardrobe. Simply click to purchase your favorites!
Interested in maternity and newborn photography? We'd love to chat!
I hope this guide helps make the process of planning for your new little one much easier and less stressful. Thank you so much for taking the time to read through our guide!
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