Hospital bag...

biz201

Has anyone started organising theirs yet? What's packed so far?

navyblueladybug

I have the going home outfit for DD picked out and DH has his stuff packed... But I haven't even started yet. I'm 34+1 weeks

Mizuiro007

I haven't even started yet. We live close enough to the hospital and I know hubby will be running back and forth anyway so I'm not worried at all about whether or not I have it done. I'll probably take sample toothpaste and disposable tooth brush and through them away before going home. Similar with soap and shampoo. I plan to wear the hospital gowns and mesh undies so I'll only need clothes for going home. Similar for Bun. The hospital provides everything so we'll only need a going home outfit for her and anything we want to use in newborn pictures.

I will probably take her baby book though if I can get one before then. It was nice having it in the hospital with DS and being able to fill things in while it was fresh as well as tuck anything in it I wanted to keep for him. We also had a folder to keep important papers together.

suchaglencoco

I started packing mine last night. Our hospital is about 25 minutes away and isn't immediately close to any stores.
I just packed my toiletries and a few things DH wouldn't think or know where to grab in case of emergency. I do plan on having it pretty well good to go by the end of the weekend and I'll be 30 weeks. I just like being overly prepared for something like this.

yankeebabeme

There's a really good thread a few days ago. Do a search

kksquared

I've started gathering stuff. I bought some new button down pajamas for breastfeeding yesterday and have an outfit for the little guy to come home in.

rockinmathchic

I did mine at 28 weeks this time.  Only reason why is because with my first I was planning on doing it about 4 weeks or so before the due date because I thought that was plenty of time.  Well, it was in the cards for DS to come 5 weeks early, so I had nothing and had to have my husband, friends and family bring stuff to us because we weren't prepared.  We were so unprepared that we hadn't even bought the car seat or stroller yet...  My aunt was nice enough to buy a set and bring it to us in the hospital.  While everyone was really nice and everything ended up working out, I think it was a lot more stressful on my DH who had to do a lot of running back and forth.  I want to make sure this time that we are prepared and DH doesn't have to do all that.

4puddleducks

I packed DD's hospital bag the other day. I will be packing our other hospital bags (labor bag & postpartum) in the next few days. My labor bag will be small and just have a few essentials (chargers, snacks for DH, toothpaste/toothbrush, chap stick). My postpartum bag is going to be simple since it will just have my stuff (DH will be sleeping at our house overnight since we live 5 minutes from the hospital). For DS's birth, I bought myself a new pair of pjs (something my mom did when I was born) and found it to be a nice treat for the second day when you have visitors. For DD's birth, I found a comfy pair of pjs and my mom is buying me a robe to go with it for after the first day.

angelicmommy

I have just packed my little girls bag. As I have to wait 30 minutes for anyome to come and fetch me should I go into labour I figure I will have more than enough time to pack one for myself.

arz1215

Baby girl's bag is packed and mine is almost all the way packed.. For myself, I packed toiletries - travel size (toothpaste, deodorant, dry shampoo, shampoo/conditioner, lotion, contact solution, cleansing face wipes, body wash, loofah). I also packed a sleep nursing bra, a set of comfy clothes, warm fuzzy socks with grips on the bottom, undies (although I plan to use the mesh ones provided). I plan to take a couple nursing pads for as well.

I hear Chapstick is great to take as well. It was recommended to me to take things I don't mind if they get ruined/stained.

jenbstevens

I haven't started yet but Lucie's List has a really good packing checklist (among a million other amazing resources). 

ammnam14

Nope. I'm hoping by mid November I'll be able to get everything done!

VegetaElPrincipe

I had a mini panic attack about this. Come to find out, my mom essentially did it. She just asks me to bring over the baby's going home outfit and blankets now. Lol she was having a good ole time with the pajama sale at Macy's and her card man. I just didn't see the point of bursting her bubble. She did do this 2x by the way.

biz201

I packed the baby's bag yesterday. I'm in England and hospitals don't provide anything, so it's quite a bag haha! Ordered some new pyjamas and a bikini top as hoping to have a water birth

Cmagno

I packed LO's bag, hat, cute onesie and footie pjs in 2 sizes, blanket for the car and A&A swaddle blankets to wrap her in (the hospital blankets are scratchy). I started packing my bag. I didn't use much or really anything last time but I'm bringing new pj pants, soft socks, a soft/cute robe and toiletries as well as clean clothes for DH and an easy going home outfit for me. I'm almost 35 weeks. My midwife was just reminding me to prep these things and have the car seat ready to go by 35/36 weeks. Can't believe there just a little over a month left! Crazy!

acanfield18

So I have read several places to put snacks In the hospital bag, what kind of snacks? Pretzels and granola bars? May seem stupid but nothing sounds like something I'll want after labor...

garrettnr

I should start packing one.
I have very little clothing that currently fits, and I can't seem to talk myself into packing my only set of pjs that still fit.
I guess I should do the baby stuff first. Haha

mepps

Here are some great lists:

https://chocolateandcarrots.com/crackersandcarrots/2012/07/hospital-bag-necessities

https://blogs.babycenter.com/products_and_prizes/07102015-my-7-hospital-bag-essentials/?scid=fb_wall_us

Search "hospital bag" on Pinterest for more ideas! If you read a few you'll get a better idea of what is most important/handy to bring

ColoradoHiker

I've started my bag, based on recommendations I have on my list: towel (I'm told hospital towels are pretty useless?), chapstick, socks, hair ties, small toiletries (shampoo/cond/tbrush etc), phone charger, change of clothes for me and baby, nook, flip flops and snacks. I'm trying to be realistic about what we actually need, but we live two miles from the hospital, so if I forgot anything, it wouldn't be a big deal. Depending on your hospital, I've also been told diapers and pads as well.

BostonBaby1

If you use the search function, you can see that there was another thread started about the same topic by I think @beccabeeee and it had some great resources linked.

taysun

acanfield18 said:

So I have read several places to put snacks In the hospital bag, what kind of snacks? Pretzels and granola bars? May seem stupid but nothing sounds like something I'll want after labor...

I've seen most lists include snacks for your SO so he/she doesn't have to leave during your labor to get food. I imagine you might want something if afterwards the cafeteria isn't open, but consider checking to see what L&D has on hand for midnight snacks. Mine has cereal and soup available 24/7. There are also a couple 24 hour fast food places near my hospital and I won't mind sending my SO out at 1 am if I'm starving.
Honestly I'll probably assign snack duty to my mother.

redfallon

Our hospital doesn't have a cafeteria or anything available. He doesn't really snack, either. He went out to get something to eat a couple of times. I was induced on a Monday evening and had DD Tuesday afternoon a little after 4pm. I sent him home Monday evening and called him back in around 3am Tuesday because I was having Cervadil contractions, and thought he was going to miss the birth HA! If I'd known what my real contractions after Pitocin and having my water broken would be like, I wouldn't have called him back in until much later.

I'm 32 weeks tomorrow and won't be packing much of anything until it gets a lot closer. We are 20 mins from the hospital so it's not a big deal if we don't bring something and I need DH to bring it later. 

stephaniearthurs

Weird question.... I know this will depend on how long my hospital stay will be, but how many pairs of underpants should i bring?

I started to pack today, and I added 3 pairs of undies but was wondering if that will be enough! I've had a really easy pregnancy and I'm hoping to stay in the hospital for as little as possible!!

Edit to add, my cousin informed me that women bleed a lot after pregnancy.... As if this was something that I wouldn't know! Frustrated me a little bit!

redfallon

@stephaniearthurs said:

Weird question.... I know this will depend on how long my hospital stay will be, but how many pairs of underpants should i bring? I started to pack today, and I added 3 pairs of undies but was wondering if that will be enough! I've had a really easy pregnancy and I'm hoping to stay in the hospital for as little as possible!!

I packed 1 with DD for going home. I don't know with C-sections, but with vaginal delivery there will be a lot of blood gushes every time you move or stand up. My hospital provided mesh panties (PIP) that you can throw away. You use big pads with them. I didn't use any of my own underwear until the day we went home.

biz201

Yeah, I've packed 3 pairs of big pants and 5 disposable ones that can just be thrown straight away

theawc42

ive also seen suggestions where you should pack games if you plan on getting an epideral

redfallon

@theawc42 said:

ive also seen suggestions where you should pack games if you plan on getting an epideral

:-/ Why? I mean, an epidural doesn't mean you're going to be sitting in the bed like nothing's going on. All I wanted to do was sleep.

vicrussell98

I'm basically finished

For baby
-baby grows
-socks
-vests
-cardigan
-hat
-coat or snowsuit
-nappies (if your hospital doesn't provide them)
-bottles and milk (same as above)
-car seat

For yourself
-nightie or long old top
-pyjamas
-toiletries (shampoo, conditioner, toothpaste etc)
-bobbles or hairbands
-clothes to go home
-slippers
-towel (hospital ones can be horrible)

MATERNITY NOTES!

Money for food, camera, charger, phone etc Xx

vicrussell98

Oh and a lot of pants and socks. Maternity towels (pads) and breast pads Xx

suchaglencoco

I'm going to second bringing your own towels!
I had issues and had to come into L&D last night to be monitored. We've been here 16 hours and counting and I NEEDED a shower. I basically used 7 of their "towels" to barely dry off.
I also highly suggest getting a cheap extension cord for your phone and laptop.
Also flip flops for the shower. I put down a towel and used that to stand on but it was hard to maneuver.

stephaniearthurs

I just found at CVS a little toiletry bag with travel sized tooth brush, tooth paste, deodorant, shampoo, conditioner and mostierizer for just under 10. I added my own lip balm, and a travel size body wash. I love that I can just add it to my bag and not have to think about it. Oh and I'm packing my own hair brush as a comb doesn't do it for me. I might grab the men's one for my hubby as well!

rain0831boww

I've put the things I want to take aside in my closet. Luckily as a gift, one of DH's cousins got us a basket with a bunch of postpartum goodies like travel toiletries, slippers, etc. I already purchased some underwear that I don't mind ruining when I get home and I found a great deal on Spanx products (which is not really for my hospital bag) on Zulily. Excited to try their leggings.

pupsicle23

Sorry to bring up an old thread, everyone. I tried to sift through the many hospital bag posts, but didn't find an answer to my question.

I recently toured the unit at my hospital, and the woman leading the tour suggested packing our breast pumps if we have them so that the lactation consultant can show us how to use them. They have the hospital grade pumps there. My pump arrived today, but idk if it's worth packing since I don't want to seem like I'm moving in and my bag is getting full. Has anyone taken their pump to the hospital? Is it necessary?

Thanks!

herewegrow

mhuber223 said:

Sorry to bring up an old thread, everyone. I tried to sift through the many hospital bag posts, but didn't find an answer to my question.

I recently toured the unit at my hospital, and the woman leading the tour suggested packing our breast pumps if we have them so that the lactation consultant can show us how to use them. They have the hospital grade pumps there. My pump arrived today, but idk if it's worth packing since I don't want to seem like I'm moving in and my bag is getting full. Has anyone taken their pump to the hospital? Is it necessary?

Thanks!

I have heard of this, I did not with my first. Honestly, it's not hard to figure it out on your own, but you can always see the lacation consultant about it if you need help once you're on your own. Most will suggest not to pump until necessary anyways. I had to pump for comfort when my milk first came in, but then I didn't touch it again for several weeks. Definitely look to see if your hospital has a breastfeeding support group... That's an absolute lifesaver!

violetigerlily

My hospital specifically said not to bring a breast pump. I wonder why they have different recommendations. I think they basically said you shouldn't need it that early and if you do need to pump for medical reasons right away (NICU baby etc ) that you'd be prescribed a hospital pump.

pupsicle23

Thanks for the input, ladies! Idk why I didn't think to just keep it in the car -- that makes a lot of sense. I also thought it was strange that they'd have me pump so early. I'll just see what happens and not worry about it.

groovylocks

yeah my center said no pump was needed.

mrsduncan32

I just finished packing our bags. I've always been an over packer according to to my husband. For my hubby I have 1 good outfit to come home in for pictures, an extra thick blanket since he's always cold, extra underwear and socks and I have wrapped a new pair of pj pants as his first early Christmas present from our lil man. My husband is a truck driver so he always has a bag of clothes with him at all times so he was easy. For myself I have socks, slippers, brush, toothbrush/toothpaste, a bed buddy, some pj's if I feel like ditching the gown, my glasses/contacts, make up just for pictures, deodorant, soap, lotion, shampoo/conditioner, razors and a bath towels. Obviously hubs and I will share toiletries. And for our lil man I have some sleepers, his coming home outfit and 2 outfits for pictures since I can't make up mind. I also have a last minute grab list like pillows and chargers in case my mom or step daughter need to pick our bags up for us. Our hospital supplies the mesh undies, feminine pads, Breast pads and diapers and formula (if lil man doesn't want to latch) so I didn't pack those items.

I have 2 weeks and 2 days til my due date and ever since I finished packing our bags I'm more ready for our lil man's arrival than ever.