What should you NOT pack in the hospital bag?

Nest Laura

Hi everyone! This is Laura here at The Bump with a question for our next magazine.

For moms-to-be who are planning to deliver in a hospital, do you have any suggestions for what they should NOT pack in their hospital bags? We have an editor here, for instance, who packed makeup and then never touched it!

Thank you for your help!

browneyes_24b

I brought a lot of things that I never used because the hospital either supplied them or had better than what I brought:

-pads
-Tucks (they gave me epifoam instead - much better)
-colace (eta: stool softener)

 

poppyweed

Sanitary napkins. I bought a whole pack for at home and never did make it through to finish them. The ones at the hospital were much longer than I had bought, plus they let me take a bunch home. As well, my PP bleeding didn't warrant those heavy pads the whole time. I switched to regular flow longs pads after day 3.

 

leah1615

I brought make-up and am I glad I did. Had to look good when all the visitors came and took those first family photos! It's not necessary to pack a hair dryer.

IEtoLA

when I was in labor all iI needed was my chapstick and a rubber band...after that toiletries, clothes.  

ivs112

I'm glad I had my make up with me, lol.

Book and a magazine that I never opened.

Socks, I used the hospital ones.

 

bchap122

Books and magazines were not needed!!   My laptop was a a huge plus, though!!

starlingrose

I was in the hospital for a long time (17days) BUT if I was only there for labor I would have NOT needed my Ipod or magazines that were packed.

ladyalmalthea

Magazines- trust me, you will NOT be bored, lol.

JennifernKevin4ever

Don't pack:

Pads - Hospitals were way better.

Underwear- Hospitals are more comfortable and your not going to want ruin your own.

Make up- I thought I would need it, but honestly didn't have the energy to do it.

 

tsoyster

Hmm. I used everything I brought.

However, I do advise packing the bag early, and leaving a camera in the car.

I went into labor 5 weeks early, and had to pack my bag before leaving, and we forgot the camera.  I didn't remember to put it in the bag, so having it in the car would have been helpful.

lissa5119

pads, diapers, too many baby outfits, books and magazines, snacks

metta1313

Ipod/listening dock station...I ended up having a natural child birth b/c I went so quickly and picking a playlist was the last thing on my mind.

saraprice

Magazines/books

fairychick77

I brought my makeup and used it!

I never read the books or magazines I brought with me. 

AutumnBride929

We brought Monopoly ... don't bring a board game.

lolz

smilelari

I used everything I packed.  I was so glad to have things like my own clothes and underwear.

One thing I didn't pack that I wish I had was cough drops.  I had a wicked cold

BlairWaldorf

the kitchen sink.

it's amazing how many girls try to squish that one in there.

MommaMcG

I didn't use my own pads or underwear.

JenShea

don't bring condoms, you won't use em...

sam19

a crockpot

DanielsWife

Makeup, books, magazines, too many outfits for baby. Actually, I went home with a pack of diapers and extra formula, so I really didn't need a packed diaper bag!

ashandres228

laptop.  we took ours b/c we figured that we would be using...yeah not so much

Soap1

Agree with the books/magazines.

Trissie18

I packed regular clothes (i.e. yoga pants, tank tops, etc.) and I never wore them until I was ready to go home.

Trissie18

tsoyster:

However, I do advise packing the bag early, and leaving a camera in the car.

I went into labor 5 weeks early, and had to pack my bag before leaving, and we forgot the camera.  I didn't remember to put it in the bag, so having it in the car would have been helpful.

Also this.  I went into labor two weeks before my scheduled c-section date and hadn't quite finished packing.  We forgot the camera and had to call my brother in law at 5 am to bring his to the hospital so we could have one.

mama t 83

Trissie18:

I packed regular clothes (i.e. yoga pants, tank tops, etc.) and I never wore them until I was ready to go home.

I agree - and for going home, I wore jammies.

ArmyBride14

Books, magazines, games

You will not be bored!

etude de la vie

sam19:

a crockpot

I thought the same thing! LOL I remember that lady's post .... too funny!

I bought a ridiculously cute and complicated bringing home outfit for the baby. I should have been smarter and just brought a sleeper for her. DD and I were not prepared for all the "pieces" to the outfit (socks, jacket, pants, onesie, hat, etc).