In the whirlwind of labour, delivery, and the first hours with your newborn, keepsakes are the last thing on your mind. But certain items from the hospital become incredibly precious. Save them before they get thrown away.
What to Save
- Hospital wristbands: Baby’s and yours. These tiny plastic bands are surprisingly emotional to find years later.
- First nappy: Just kidding. Don’t save that.
- Umbilical cord clip: Many parents save this. It’s small and meaningful.
- First hat: The little hat they put on baby straight after birth.
- Pregnancy notes: Your maternity folder tells the whole pregnancy story.
- Newspapers from the day: Buy a newspaper on the birth date. Years later, the headlines and advertisements are a fascinating time capsule.
How to Store Them
Ask your birth partner to collect these items into a ziplock bag. At home, transfer to a keepsake box with acid-free tissue paper. Add a note with the birth story while the details are fresh.