STM... Need advice on hospital bag

amberlowe08 · March 2014

Hey ladies,

So at 33 weeks I'm trying to gather the strength to get this hospital bag packed. I have all these checklists from the internet, but I want the opinions of women who have already gone through all this. What did you find that you really needed or was glad you packed? Anything on the checklists you felt you didn't really need? Thanks!

sheriot · March 2014

This has some helpful information:

https://forums.thebump.com/discussion/12276278/hospital-bag-checklist/p1

JessElam · March 2014

There have been numerous posts about the hospital bags and what to pack on this board. I'd look back at those posts as there were some good suggestions.

spinsoffresonance · March 2014

Lots of threads on this already. Last time I had a csection, spent 5 days in the hospital and didn't use half the stuff I brought. So I'm packing light this time (also csection). Travel toiletries, Chapstick, hair ties, makeup, 1 nursing sleep bra, 1 set button down pj's, baby going home outfit, phone + charger. Will wear the same outfit to and from the hospital. DH will bring his own stuff, and he'll bring the car seat and a blanket when he comes to pick us up on the last day. Everything else I will use what is provided by the hospital.

Ladiebug710 · March 2014

I second pack lightly. There is vary little you actually need. Just keep the digital camera charged, everything else can wait!

Themetastic · March 2014

You'll get a lot of repeats, so I will just tell you two things I couldn't live without: colgate wisps and face cleansing wipes.

I was induced, had an emergency c/s and was in bed for 4 days. Having these items to brush my teeth and wash my face, really kept me feeling like a human.

Also, pack extra fuzzy socks. I was so swollen still and they were the only things that felt food but I was down to 1 pair for the last 5 days because my water broke on the first pair!

jenb_99 · March 2014

Anything you'd normally pack for a weekend trip. Clothes, house shoes, toiletries, electronics and chargers, etc. Just keep in mind that on this particular trip you'll be in some pain and bleeding heavily, so keep the clothes comfy and preferably dark or disposable. And then add in a handful of baby outfits. I'm taking sleepers for the stay and one outfit for pictures. I'd also recommend taking a hand/footprint memory kit. And a pacifier if you plan to use one. Many breastfeeding-focused hospitals don't provide them anymore.

I didn't care much for the hospital's mesh panties or pads, so I'm taking my own.

Snacks are good too. A bag of granola bars, juice pouches, crackers, etc.

danabsd · March 2014

(:|

Themetastic · March 2014

Also, looking over that other thread - i totally disagree with not needing nail clippers. The hospital will not provide them and baby's nails are LONG! My son had scratches on his face and all the nurses could do was tell me to bite them!

bumpuser9353653 · March 2014

basic toiletries including a razor. cheap flipflops for the shower. a comfy nightgown for after your shower. lip balm. reusable water bottle. camera and iPad. chargers. and a pillow from home if you'll be there more than one night.

We packed one take-home outfit for LO and a comfy nursing sleep bra and shirt for me. DH took care of his own stuff.

I had a c/s and they were very particular about what I could eat, so don't get your hopes up on a burger and a box of goldfish, b/c you might not be allowed to eat them.

neems1982 · March 2014

I would say pack plenty of snacks. I was in labor for 27 hours, that's 27 hours without food. By the time I delivered DS1 is was 1:40 in the morning so the kitchen was closed and all they gave me were saltine crackers and grape juice.

haylo33 · March 2014

I have a question to add speaking of hospital bags... When should it be ready? 36/37 weeks? I wear most of the clothes I plan on packing so don't want them just sitting there for 6 weeks