I have been reading that they recommend packing one after the second trimester, which seems super early to me. I will be 32 weeks tomorrow, and was wondering if anyone else had started packing. I looked up some checklists online that list basically the same things, so i wrote it all down and am ready to pack. I even have travel sized shampoos and such. Anywho, just curious! TIA!
Re: Is 32 weeks too early to pack a hospital bag??
Sounds like you're all ready to go as it is!
If you have a bag sitting around, you might as well throw your stuff in there unless you'll need it in the meantime.
I haven't packed a thing or looked at a list, but I'm super close to my hospital and I do everything last minute as it is...
I think it's just a matter of personal preference.
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It's not a bad idea. Mine is packed already. At least get the bag out and as you think of things just throw them in.
I'm so glad I had my bag packed beforehand with DD. My water broke and we were so excited/nervous that we would have totally forgotten what to pack at that time.
I also put a little sticky note on the door to the garage that just said CAMERA so I wouldn't forget that.
I had started gathering things around that I'd want/need like travel sized toiletries etc... around 28 weeks cause I had time & am high risk but didn't do anything official.
At 31w 6d I ended up in the hospital due to a new & unexpected cardiac issue. DH was able to grab the bag for me, throw in some clothes for us both and met me at the hospital, since I was with my grandmother an hour away). Everything ended up being fine but it was nice to have that bag started.
Since then, the bag (sans a couple of my maternity clothes I'd want) are in the trunk of the car just in case.
It's totally up to your comfort level - if you'd stew/worry/think about it and don't need the items then pack earlier. If you are comfortable waiting, then hold off.
GL!
I don't think it's too early and here's why: I packed my bag probably around 34 weeks but I have since re-packed it once already. I've gotten ideas of things to bring/not bring and have made sure it's all ready to go and the items I bring are going to work. I've changed my mind about the clothes I wanted etc.
Not to mention I'm totally type A and it's just my style!!!
I definitely don't mean this in a snarky way!!! But seriously, what does "too early" mean? What harm will it do? If you wanna pack it, pack it!
I know a couple PPs mentioned that you're not usually in a huge rush, and there will be time to pack once you go into labor, but the thing is, it may not happen that way. You could go to your regular OB appt and find out that you're already dilated so far they want to admit you (wouldn't that be nice?) or they could find something concerning (hopefully not!) that leads to them admitting you, etc. You never know!!
So I say pack it when you feel like it, and don't assume you'll be able to do it when the time comes.
I'm actually going to pack mine this weekend. I have had way too many friends and colleagues having their babies early lately!