Hospital bag questions

fxz109

1.  When did you pack it?

2.  What did you put in it?

3.  What did you wish you had put in it and didn't?

4.  What did you put in it that you didn't need?

5.  Any other advice?

PAAZwife

1.  When did you pack it?  I was a huge slacker and didn't really pack until 37/38weeks. 

2.  What did you put in it?  socks, toiletries, chapstick, lollipops, nightgown with buttons down front, robe, slippers, underwear and nursing bras, clothes to wear home, brush and ponytail holders, camera, cell phone, charger, nipple cream, birth plan, bathing suit, snacks, coming home clothes for baby, blanket for baby

3.  What did you wish you had put in it and didn't?  nothing

4.  What did you put in it that you didn't need?  almost everything.  the only things that I used were the clothes i wore home, baby's clothes and blanket, and toiletries although I wouldn't have needed those. 

5.  Any other advice?  Everyone on the baby boards said that you wouldn't need most of that stuff, but I didn't believe them and packet it anyway.  The hospital will provide you with literally everything you need: pads, numbing sprays, chapstick and toiletries, diapers, clothes for baby, etc.  I wore the hospital gown and no bra the entire time.  I have a large chest and it didn't bother me to not have a bra on even though it usually does, but i can see that you might want nursing bras.  DON'T OVERPACK!  You'll only be there a few days, and you'll be exhausted.  Honestly it was a huge pain getting everything home on top of all the stuff people had brought to the hospital.

LClaire

1. I can't remember?? Probably about 36 or 37 weeks? I know it was on the early side, but not super early.

2. Snacks(didn't use), comfy socks and slippers in dark colors(didn't really use the slippers, did use the socks), chapstick. hair ties and a brush and a hair dryer, travel size shampoo/conditioner/razor/soap/toiletries(loved having those for a shower!), my own pj pants and t-shirts and nursing bras(I can't do the nursing tanks, but if you think you might breastfeed I know lots of people really love those tanks!), too many books and magazines, extras pens and a pad of paper,  a going home outfit for DD, a blanket, a few extra diapers and wipes, music

3. not much that I can think of, actually! I'll probably take less next time:)

4. Lots - snacks, slippers, books and magazines, extra baby outfits, music

5. Take home the diapers in the bassinet thing, mesh panties, water cup/pitcher thing and the spray bottle that give you for the bathroom:) 

summerbridesara

I didn't pack a bag until the last minute.

I found it helpful to take travel size toiletries.  I got mine from the travel size section in Target.  I took slippers, but never wore them.  I wore hospital gowns the whole time I was there.  They provide you with pads - the ones my hospital gave me were big and they had ice packs in them.  They were so cool!  They also gave me numbing spray and Tucks.  I did use my Target nursing bra (in the sports bra style).  Chapstick was helpful and the pump hand santizer - for you and your DH and for visitors to use.  Change for vending machines if you would want soda.

As far as baby wise....I did take a diaper bag with stuff in it, but like the pp said, the hospital will provide you with diapers, wipes, alcohol wipes to clean baby's belly button, blankets and even a pacifier if you want one.  All I used from the stuff I packed was a little sleeper and her coming home outfit. 

I took some magazines to read and did find some time to read them. Oh and don't forget your camera/camcorder!

 

LClaire

Talk about good timing! Someone on another board just linked to these blog posts about packing hospital bags in case anyone wants a funny and helpful read:) There's an original post/list from her first baby and her list, a follow up where she revises based on the comments everyone leaves and a follow up as she's getting ready to pack for her second baby.  (note: make sure you read the comments - they're also funny and helpful!)

rlthomas7

I had a difficult pregnancy, with several hospital stays. So I packed mine as soon as I came home from the last hospital stay - 32 weeks.

Baby outfits, spare makeup, trivia games, ipod, PJs. I planned to add my coming home outfit, brush, toiletries, camera, etc.

More day-to-day clothes. I felt pretty good the next few days after the c-section and wished I had regular clothes, not flannel PJs.

Boppy - I had plenty of pillows and that's what the lactation consultants preferred that I use.

no advice - you know what you need and what you'll want. Some prefer to lounge in a hospital gown, others prefer full hair and makeup. But there's not a ton that you NEED.