[grniys]

First, it's not an optional sleepover so much. My dh is deployed and I'm having a baby, so of course someone will be watching ds for 2 or 3 nights while I give birth and am in the hospital. The person watching him is a good friend with an almost 3 year old. I trust her a lot (obviously, I'm trusting my baby with her!). She has already said she would never let any child CIO, and I'm not really worried about anything else. Like I said, I trust her. I wouldn't leave my baby with her if I had any doubts about how she will treat him.

So... what to pack for him?

So far, this is the list:

5 changes of cloths (San Diego weather is unpredictable in winter. One day you'll need jeans and a hoodie, the next shorts and a t-shirt. If I'm away for 2-3 days, I figure variety will be needed.)
Shampoo, toothbrush, toothpaste
3 pairs pj's
Diapers, wipes, diaper cream
Shoes
Snacks (things he enjoys, and bringing plenty of extra's to share with his friend)
3 sippys
Mr. Bear & a rubber duck
Cash in an envelope, in case he needs anything... I wouldn't want my friend having out-of-pocket expenses because she helps me, ya know?

Am I forgetting anything? My friend has a second carseat (we've used it when riding together and I know she'll keep him rear facing) and a pack & play, though most likely he'll end up sleeping with her because he won't want to be alone in a strange place.

Let me know if anything obvious that I've forgotten jumps out at you.

Thanks!

 

[crunchymamatobe]

That looks OK to me! If her son is not too much bigger/older, you might not need to worry too much about changes of clothes or snacks... If your son needs extra clothes, they can probably find some in their drawers, you know?

 

[Tilia]

Sounds about right to me. Don't worry, he will probably have a blast!

 

[reezley]

How about photos of you and dh?

 

[soccermama]

Quote:

Originally Posted by reezley How about photos of you and dh?

That's a great idea! I 2nd that. Especially since a lot is going on at the moment, he may start missing you and DH and just wonder how you're doing with the new baby.

 

[sarahr]

A favorite book? I'm sure your friend has lots of cars, but I know my DD gets in moods where she only wants to read the same book over and over.

 

[lolar2]

If he ever had a pacifier or bottle and has given them up, he might decide he wants one again since his routine will be off. So you could dig those up and pack them if that's a possibility.

ETA: especially if his friend still gets one or the other, he might see it and want one.

 

[grniys]

His friend is almost 3, so she no longer needs bottles or paci's, and I doubt he would want either.

The pictures idea is great! Thanks for that.

I guess I should have specified that his friend is a girl... so sharing clothes wouldn't exactly work, lol.

 

[lolar2]

I've known 3-year-olds who needed/ wanted bottles and paci's, so I thought it would be best to make sure. Of course you're sending money, so if he reaaaaaally wants one your friend can buy it.

 

[Boot]

Do you have something that he could sleep with that would smell of you and remind him of home - pillow case, t-shirt, etc? Any music or story tapes or dvds he likes? How about a special new toy that he and his friend can share - like playdough or those craft stickers?I'm sure he will have fun. Good luck with everything!

 

[LaughingHyena]

I would pack a couple of toys. Mine are much better at sharing when children come to our house if the other child brings a toy too.

Also when I went into the hospital to have DS I took a colouring book and some stickers for DD to use when she came to visit.

 

[AllisonR]

Definitely your DCs favorite 5-10 toys, as those things will comfort him to some degree. If your CD sleeps with an animal or blanket, most definitely that as well.

And it will probably be easier on him than you! My DS was just 2, and went with my girlfriend for supposedly 1 night during my home birth. An emergency cesarean and 4 days later he came back to the hospital after staying with BIL and family. He had a blast. Yes, he was happy to see mommy and daddy, and that strange curious blob mom was breast feeding. But when my SIL joked, "time to get on your shoes and go" he did! He wanted to go back and hang out with them and their dog! Wow, were my feelings hurt.

But my second thought was happiness that he had been so loved and well taken care of.

 

[Redheaded_Momma]

Not sure if it's been mentioned but I doubt you'd need the shampoo or toothpaste unless it's something they HAVE to use.

Good luck w/the birthing!!

 

[amnda527]

I would probably just give her a key to your house in case she needs to get something. As long as she doesn't live like, an hour away. This way if he is screaming that he needs his "whatever" toy, she can just get it. This way she can even get your mail, water your plants and whatever too!

 

[BeingMe]

Not sure if it's mentioned but the little things that he gets excited about. For mine it's bath fizz we use, our nite nite books, her special cup..those kinda things. Maybe you could get some kinda craft for him to do as a gift for the new baby or you. My 2.5 year old did a xmas gift with her speech teacher that we can't open till xmas and she is soo excited about it. So maybe you could spin the idea that he's staying there to create a wonderful gift for you and the baby.