The hospital bag gradually fills up during the last weeks of pregnancy. Between the mother's clothes, the baby's clothes, various care products and leisure items, parents often fear forgetting something. Unlike suitcases that go in the hold of airplanes, hospital bags have no weight limit, and expectant parents tend to take advantage of this to pack far too many things. However, only a few items and clothes are essential , among them: the cocoon !
Stéphanie, a pediatric nurse and creator of Ouatine & Cumulus, explains why the cocoon is a necessity in your suitcase.
The complete checklist for your hospital bag
The maternity bag accompanies parents when the big day arrives. Ideally prepared between 4 and 6 weeks before the baby's arrival , it can be divided into three parts: a bag to take during labor, another for the hospital stay, and finally a last one with a few things for the return home.
Between the mother's belongings, those of the co-parent, siblings, and of course, the newborn, it's best to make sure you don't forget anything. The most important thing is to pack items that will allow mom and baby to feel comfortable during the first few hours after delivery . The rest can be picked up by dad or family later.
At Ouatine & Cumulus, we want to help you experience the birth of your child in the best possible way. That's why we help you prepare your maternity bag with a complete checklist.
>> Discover our ultimate checklist for the perfect maternity bag
The cocoon: an essential addition to your maternity bag.
During its first few hours, the baby will have to adjust to many changes, the most important being undoubtedly the difference between life in the mother's womb and life outside of it, as it will have to adapt to its new world, very different from its mother's womb. To remind it of this period and allow a gentle transition , nothing is better than offering it a peaceful and sleep-inducing environment inside a cocoon, right from its first moments.
The cocoon is a padded, enclosed, and secure space for your newborn, reminiscent of the inside of their mother's womb, supporting them in a flexed position . With their legs tucked up and their hands close to their face, they regain the position they had in utero, which provides them with security. They then feel protected and enveloped for optimal rest. Do not confuse the cocoon with a sleeping bag, which does not define the space around the baby and is used later, when the baby begins to develop their muscles.
The cocoon is therefore an essential addition to your maternity bag. More than just a blanket and a warm garment, the cocoon is a benchmark in terms of bedding .
>> Discover our Ouatine swaddles size 1 (up to 6 months)
>> Discover our Ouatine cocoons size 2 (6 to 18 months)
The best solution for baby's sleep
The cocoon offers a safe and cozy space that helps the baby adapt to its new environment, providing a sense of security . Its soft, padded material is ideal for helping them fall asleep anywhere, a boon for parents who can simply take the cocoon with them everywhere. Whether moving from room to room at home or traveling outside, the cocoon easily fits in with diaper bags, comfort items, and bottles.
Lightweight and easy to transport, it can be used for daytime naps and nighttime sleep , as well as for everyday travel. Furthermore, in the maternity ward, the baby can wear only a bodysuit and a hat inside its cocoon, which will facilitate skin-to-skin contact, avoiding multiple manipulations when undressing your newborn, which could tire or upset them. Therefore, consider the cocoon a versatile, practical, and comfortable sleeping solution .
From birth, accustom your newborn to its cocoon, enveloping it in the comforting smells of its parents and the home... By choosing a cocoon sized appropriately for your little one, you ensure the security it needs to facilitate its development and thus help it grow up in a serene and pleasant environment.
A cocoon for top-notch growth!
Cocoon sleeping bags are an essential item for your hospital bag , both for your child and for you as parents. Comfortably nestled inside its little cocoon, your newborn will spend its first few weeks as if in a little cloud, calm and well-surrounded by sleepwear designed for them. The first cocoon is generally used for the first few weeks; after that, you can switch to a size 2 cocoon, then replace it with a sleeping bag when your child starts to move around on their own, allowing your little one more freedom of movement.
It is advisable to monitor the baby's development in order to facilitate smooth transitions between the baby's developmental stages. This will allow the baby to have peaceful sleep and continue its growth optimally. In other words, "sleep well to grow well."
>> Discover our Ouatine & Cumulus sleeping bags (from 6 months)
