Skip to content

Top Navigation

Parents Parents
  • GETTING PREGNANT
  • PREGNANCY
  • BABY NAMES
  • BABY
  • TODDLER
  • BIG KID
  • FUN
  • HEALTH
  • PARENTING
  • FOOD
  • HOLIDAY
  • News
  • Moms Run the World
  • THE STAY AT HOME GUIDE
  • SHOP
  • OUR MAGAZINES
  • MORE

Profile Menu

Join Now

Account

  • Join Now
  • My Profile
  • Email Preferences
  • Newsletters
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Give a Gift Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Cozi Family Organizer this link opens in a new tab
  • Help
  • Logout
My Account

Account

  • Join Now
  • My Profile
  • Email Preferences
  • Newsletters
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Give a Gift Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Cozi Family Organizer this link opens in a new tab
  • Help
  • Logout
Login
Subscribe
Pin FB

Explore Parents

Parents Parents
  • Explore

    Explore

    • 22 Chore Ideas for Every Type of Kid

      22 Chore Ideas for Every Type of Kid

      Find a chore your kid loves to do, and start a habit of wanting to help out that'll last a lifetime. Read More Next
    • Top 5 Mom Friend Problems—And How to Fix Them

      Top 5 Mom Friend Problems—And How to Fix Them

      Parenting is so much easier with good pals. Learn to overcome friendship hurdles and bond with women who get you. Read More Next
    • How to Sleep Train Toddlers and Big Kids

      How to Sleep Train Toddlers and Big Kids

      I’m a pediatric sleep specialist who has seen it all, and I’m here to tell you that it’s not too late to get your child to (happily) stay in his own bed all night long. Read More Next
  • GETTING PREGNANT

    GETTING PREGNANT

    See All GETTING PREGNANT
    Your Chances of Getting Pregnant Every Day of the Month

    Your Chances of Getting Pregnant Every Day of the Month

    When sex coincides with your most fertile ovulation days, you'll increase your chances of getting pregnant. Get to know each phase of your cycle to make conception faster and easier.
    • Ovulation
    • Reproductive Age
    • Maximizing Your Fertility
    • Pre-Pregnancy Health
    • Trying to Conceive
    • Dealing With Infertility
    • Genetics
  • PREGNANCY

    PREGNANCY

    See All PREGNANCY
    Signs of Approaching Labor: How to Tell Your Baby is Coming Soon

    Signs of Approaching Labor: How to Tell Your Baby is Coming Soon

    Anxiously awaiting your baby’s arrival? Learn to recognize the first signs of labor approaching, which signal that your little one might make an appearance soon.
    • Signs of Pregnancy
    • Pregnancy Week-by-Week
    • Giving Birth
    • Labor & Delivery
    • Pregnancy Symptoms
    • Due Date Calculator
    • Pregnancy Complications
    • Fetal Development
    • Gender Prediction
    • Baby Showers
  • BABY NAMES

    BABY NAMES

    See All BABY NAMES
    These Are the Most Popular Baby Names of 2020

    These Are the Most Popular Baby Names of 2020

    Curious which baby names stole the show this year? From new classics like Noah to tried-and-true faves like Ava, here are the top boy and girl names of the year so far, plus more naming trends to consider.
    • Baby Girl Names
    • Most Popular Names
    • Names by Origin
    • Twin Names
    • Baby Boy Names
    • Names by Religion
    • Celebrity Baby Names
    • Baby Name Quizzes
  • BABY

    BABY

    See All BABY
    How to Decode Your Baby's Cough

    How to Decode Your Baby's Cough

    Caring for a baby with a wet or dry cough? Listen for wheezing, hacking, or barking first, then read on to find out what's normal and when it's time to worry.
    • Newborn Care
    • Crying Baby
    • Health
    • Baby Development
    • Safety
    • Gear
    • Breastfeeding
    • Diapers
    • Sleep Issues
    • Feeding
    • Nursery
  • TODDLER

    TODDLER

    See All TODDLER
    • Preschool Activities
    • Behavior & Discipline
    • Toddler Development
    • Milestones
    • Potty Training
    • Starting School
    • Health
    • Safety
    • Childcare
  • BIG KID

    BIG KID

    See All BIG KID
    How to Deal With Bullies: A Guide for Parents

    How to Deal With Bullies: A Guide for Parents

    Mean kids aren't just a middle-school problem. The trouble has trickled to the youngest grades. Learn how to spot it—and how to protect children of all ages from bullies at school.
    • Education
    • Health
    • Food & Nutrition
    • Bullying & School Problems
    • Child Development
    • Safety
    • Manners & Responsibility
  • FUN

    FUN

    See All FUN
    17 Budget-Friendly Kids’ Birthday Party Ideas

    17 Budget-Friendly Kids’ Birthday Party Ideas

    A fun celebration doesn’t need to cost a pretty penny. Throw a memorable bash with these clever cost-cutting kids’ birthday party ideas.
    • Birthdays
    • Indoor Activities
    • Outdoor Activities
    • Arts & Crafts
    • Printable Coloring Pages
    • Kids' Entertainment
    • Best Toys
    • Holidays
    • Family Vacation Ideas
  • HEALTH

    HEALTH

    See All HEALTH
    All About Coronavirus COVID-19: A Concerned Parent's Guide

    All About Coronavirus COVID-19: A Concerned Parent's Guide

    Here’s everything you need to know about the disease that originated in Wuhan, China.
    • ADD & ADHD
    • Allergies
    • Autism
    • Cold & Flu
    • Coronavirus and COVID-19
    • Cough
    • Down Syndrome
    • Emergency Aid
    • Fever
    • Medication & Vitamins
    • Obesity
    • Rashes
    • Stomach Aches
    • Vaccines
  • PARENTING

    PARENTING

    See All PARENTING
    The Stay at Home Guide for Parents

    The Stay at Home Guide for Parents

    Everything you need to thrive at home as a family.
    • Positive Parenting
    • Parenting Style
    • Celebrity Parents
    • Family Dynamics
    • Divorce
    • Home
    • Adoption
    • Just for Mom
    • Money
    • Toy Recalls
    • Stroller Recalls
  • FOOD

    FOOD

    See All FOOD
    • Family Recipes
    • Baby Food
    • Toddler Finger Food Recipes
    • Hints & Tips
    • Healthy Eating
    • Birthdays
    • Holiday Recipes
    • Quick & Easy Meals
    • Food For Pregnant Women
  • HOLIDAY

    HOLIDAY

    See All HOLIDAY
    19 Mother's Day Gifts Kids Can Make

    19 Mother's Day Gifts Kids Can Make

    Moms love nothing more than a handmade present on Mother's Day. Help the kids make mom feel special with a creative gift from the heart!
    • Christmas
    • New Year's
    • Valentine's Day
    • Easter
    • Mother's Day
    • Memorial Day
    • Father's Day
    • 4th of July
    • Halloween
    • Thanksgiving
    • Hanukkah
  • News
  • Moms Run the World
  • THE STAY AT HOME GUIDE
  • SHOP
  • OUR MAGAZINES

    OUR MAGAZINES

    See All OUR MAGAZINES
    • Parents
    • Parents Latina
    • Ser Padres
  • MORE

    MORE

    • Newsletters
    • Contests
    • #ParentsIRL
    • Adulting
    • First Year Playbook
    • Celebrate Your Way

Profile Menu

Subscribe this link opens in a new tab
Join Now

Account

  • Join Now
  • My Profile
  • Email Preferences
  • Newsletters
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Give a Gift Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Cozi Family Organizer this link opens in a new tab
  • Help
  • Logout
My Account

Account

  • Join Now
  • My Profile
  • Email Preferences
  • Newsletters
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Give a Gift Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Cozi Family Organizer this link opens in a new tab
  • Help
  • Logout
Login
Sweepstakes

Follow Us

LIVE
  1. Home
  2. Pregnancy & Birth
  3. My Pregnant Life
  4. Bed Rest
  5. Bed Rest: 19 Survival Supplies

Bed Rest: 19 Survival Supplies

October 14, 2009
Skip gallery slides
Save Pin
Credit: Marty Baldwin
More and more women find themselves bound to bed rest during pregnancy. Stock up on these supplies if you find yourself among the nearly one million moms-to-be told to put your feet up. Some easy planning can help you feel more comfortable and keep you busy, too!
Start Slideshow

1 of 20

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Your shopping list

pregnant woman relaxing on bed with family
Credit: Image Source/ Veer

Doctors prescribe bed rest to moms-to-be to help both you and your baby, if there are risks of pregnancy complications (such as fibroids, placenta previa, preeclampsia, and intrauterine growth retardation. If you find yourself being told to put your feet up for the next few months, stock up on these supplies to help you keep busy and feel comfy. This simple shopping list can definitely help you fight hunger, loneliness and make your rest time more convenient and enjoyable.

1 of 20

Advertisement
Advertisement

2 of 20

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Side table or lap desk

bedside table
Credit: James Carriere

A bedside table or lap desk for reading, writing, eating, crafts, puzzles, and games is paramount on your bed rest supply list.

2 of 20

3 of 20

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Radio or baby monitor

2 way radio

If you're on strict bed rest -- no getting up at all (unless you're using the restroom, and even that only under accompaniment) -- a two-way radio or baby monitor can be essential. Both will help you communicate easily with people in other rooms.

3 of 20

Advertisement

4 of 20

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Telephone

pregnant woman talking on phone
Credit: StockByte/ Veer

Be sure to keep your cell phone or cordless phone with you at all times. Aside from a great emergency tool, your phone can be an indispensable pick-me-up when you feel lonely or anxious.

4 of 20

5 of 20

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Phone or address book

pregnant woman relaxing
Credit: Juice Images/Veer

Splurge on a nice address book and spend some time logging in all your favorite numbers. Then, reach out and pick up the phone! Plan visits, order things for you and Baby, and enjoy camaraderie with far-flung friends and family.

5 of 20

6 of 20

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Organizing unit

remote caddy
Credit: Jay Wilde

Keep your corner tidy with good organizer. A simple box or a special tray will help you keep your TV and DVD remotes, phone, and other important accessories in an easy-to-access spot.

6 of 20

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

7 of 20

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Laptop computer

pregnant woman touching belly
Credit: iStock/Jupiter

One of the most essential tools in your bed rest survival guide is a notebook computer with Internet connection. Research pregnancy, stay on top of current events, social network with other bed rest moms, plan for baby, and enjoy some online shopping and more.

7 of 20

8 of 20

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Stationary

woman writing
Credit: iStock

Get out the envelopes, your favorite pen, and some special stationary paper and practice the dying art of snail mail correspondence! Everyone loves getting a hand-written letter ... and you might gain a few pen pals, too.

8 of 20

9 of 20

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Art supplies

pregnant woman knitting in bed
Credit: Image Source/ Veer

Always wondered if you might have an inner Van Gogh? Explore your own creativity and spend some time with a sketch pad, paints, clay, or your knitting needles. Art projects you make now will have extra-special significance to you and Baby later on.

9 of 20

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

10 of 20

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Games and cards

deck of cards
Credit: Marty Baldwin

Keep a few small board games and a deck of cards near your bedside and ring friends to come over for game night (or for a long lunch).

10 of 20

11 of 20

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Puzzles

game
Credit: Bill Hopkins

A few jigsaw puzzles, 3-D puzzles, and crossword puzzles. Although your physical activities are currently being limited -- that doesn't mean you can't work out your brain! Give your noggin something to do with fun puzzles and word and number games.

11 of 20

12 of 20

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Reading materials

pregnant woman reading
Credit: iStock/Jupiter Images

Plenty of books, newspapers, and magazines. Now is a great time to catch up on your reading list!

12 of 20

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

13 of 20

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Healthy snacks

eating healthy
Credit: Image Source/ Veer

A variety of healthy snacks such as fresh chopped vegetables, crackers, and fruit are all good munchies to keep at hands reach. Avoid salty and sugary treats. You and Baby will have to be especially careful with your diet since your activity levels are limited.

13 of 20

14 of 20

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Gum and mints

tic-tac
Credit: Bryan McCay

A stock of gum and breath mints can help you feel fresh and add a spark of energy when you're heading into an afternoon slump.

14 of 20

15 of 20

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Blankets and pillows

pregnant couple
Credit: Image Source/ Veer

Keep a supply of extra blankets and pillows nearby. Sitting still for long periods can create sore legs, stiff back, and a kinked neck. Ask for help and rearrange or add pillows when you begin to feel an ache setting in.

15 of 20

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

16 of 20

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Bathrobe and slippers

pregnant woman
Credit: Image Source/ Veer

Keep these handy, for quick trips out of bed. Slipping into a pretty bathrobe and slippers and lounging on a couch or on top of your bed can be a refreshing change of pace as well!

16 of 20

17 of 20

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Wipes and tissues

box of tissues
Credit: Bryan McCay

A box of tissues and cleansing wipes. What is it about some commercials that make us cry during pregnancy? Keep tissues handy for tears and snuffly pregnancy noses, as well as quick clean ups.

17 of 20

18 of 20

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Body lotion

pregnant woman getting foot massage
Credit: Image Source/ Veer

Your favorite hand and body lotion is a great way to treat yourself to an in-bed spa! Enlist your spouse to rub some on your back and feet and enjoy some quality time together.

18 of 20

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

19 of 20

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Lip balm

Burt's Bee's lip balm
Credit: King Au

Keep your favorite lip balm or lipstick handy. It helps keep your lips moist and does wonders when you need a quick pick-me-up (or if visitors are on their way).

19 of 20

20 of 20

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Hairbrush and comb

hair brush
Credit: Marty Baldwin

Splurge on an extra-nice hairbrush or comb and keep it at your bedside for keeping tendrils in control.

Excerpted from the AmericanBaby.com Ages & Stages weekly pregnancy newsletter, Week 36.

20 of 20

Replay gallery

Share the Gallery

Pinterest Facebook

Up Next

    Share the Gallery

    Pinterest Facebook
    Trending Videos
    Advertisement
    Skip slide summaries

    Everything in This Slideshow

    Advertisement

    View All

    1 of 20 Your shopping list
    2 of 20 Side table or lap desk
    3 of 20 Radio or baby monitor
    4 of 20 Telephone
    5 of 20 Phone or address book
    6 of 20 Organizing unit
    7 of 20 Laptop computer
    8 of 20 Stationary
    9 of 20 Art supplies
    10 of 20 Games and cards
    11 of 20 Puzzles
    12 of 20 Reading materials
    13 of 20 Healthy snacks
    14 of 20 Gum and mints
    15 of 20 Blankets and pillows
    16 of 20 Bathrobe and slippers
    17 of 20 Wipes and tissues
    18 of 20 Body lotion
    19 of 20 Lip balm
    20 of 20 Hairbrush and comb

    Share options

    Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

    Login

    Shop | Parents

    • Diaper Bags
    • Maternity Clothing
    • Prenatal Vitamins
    • Car Seats
    • Breast Pumps
    • Maternity Dresses
    • Baby Shower Gifts
    • Baby Gates
    • Pregnancy Pillows
    • Kids Backpacks
    • Shop More Next

    Parents may receive compensation when you click through and purchase from links contained on this website.

    Parents

    Magazines & More

    Learn More

    • About Us
    • Subscribe this link opens in a new tab
    • Customer Service this link opens in a new tab
    • Cozi Family Organizer this link opens in a new tab
    • Advertise this link opens in a new tab
    • Content Licensing this link opens in a new tab
    • From Our Sponsors this link opens in a new tab
    • Affiliate Program this link opens in a new tab
    • Sitemap

    Connect

    Follow Us
    Subscribe to Our Newsletter
    Other Meredith Sites

    Other Meredith Sites

    • 4 Your Health this link opens in a new tab
    • Allrecipes this link opens in a new tab
    • All People Quilt this link opens in a new tab
    • Better Homes & Gardens this link opens in a new tab
    • Bizrate Insights this link opens in a new tab
    • Bizrate Surveys this link opens in a new tab
    • Cooking Light this link opens in a new tab
    • Daily Paws this link opens in a new tab
    • EatingWell this link opens in a new tab
    • Eat This, Not That this link opens in a new tab
    • Entertainment Weekly this link opens in a new tab
    • Food & Wine this link opens in a new tab
    • Health this link opens in a new tab
    • Hello Giggles this link opens in a new tab
    • Instyle this link opens in a new tab
    • Martha Stewart this link opens in a new tab
    • Midwest Living this link opens in a new tab
    • More this link opens in a new tab
    • MyRecipes this link opens in a new tab
    • MyWedding this link opens in a new tab
    • My Food and Family this link opens in a new tab
    • MyLife this link opens in a new tab
    • Parenting this link opens in a new tab
    • People this link opens in a new tab
    • People en Español this link opens in a new tab
    • Rachael Ray Magazine this link opens in a new tab
    • Real Simple this link opens in a new tab
    • Ser Padres this link opens in a new tab
    • Shape this link opens in a new tab
    • Siempre Mujer this link opens in a new tab
    • Southern Living this link opens in a new tab
    • SwearBy this link opens in a new tab
    • Travel & Leisure this link opens in a new tab
    MeredithParents.com is part of the Parents Network. © Copyright 2021 Meredith Corporation. All Rights Reserved. Privacy Policythis link opens in a new tab Terms of Servicethis link opens in a new tab Ad Choicesthis link opens in a new tab California Do Not Sellthis link opens a modal window Web Accessibilitythis link opens in a new tab
    © Copyright . All rights reserved. Printed from https://www.parents.com

    View image

    Bed Rest: 19 Survival Supplies
    this link is to an external site that may or may not meet accessibility guidelines.