Packing the hospital bag

mrsf123 · October 2010

OK when I take all the different "lists" I have of what to pack in hospital bags, I end up with two rather decent sized duffel bags. DH cannot understand how I'd need two bags worth of things for 2 nights away....

Am I packing too much?

scoutkate · October 2010

I took a small rolling suitcase, a duffle, and a diaper bag. And I can't think of anything that I wish I hadn't packed!

neferhathor · October 2010

yes. you won't use it all. i'd recommend separating the stuff into a "definitely will use" bag (like shampoo, chapstick, 2 outfits, nursing bras/tanks) and then a "might use" bag (anything you're questioning). Keep the "might use" bag in the car and DH can always run and get it if you do need it.

[Deleted User] · October 2010

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mrsf123 · October 2010

scoutkate:
I took a small rolling suitcase, a duffle, and a diaper bag. And I can't think of anything that I wish I hadn't packed!

Well, that's good to know! Last night I was thinking maybe I should just pack a rolling suitcase.... hm

1BabyFritsch · October 2010

I was thinking the same thing. I actually stopped packing because it seemed like way to much for just two nights. I dont want to look silly walking intolabor and delivery looking like I am going on vacation.

insertclevername · October 2010

I don't think two duffel bags is alot. I will either bring that or one carry on size suitcase.

neferhathor · October 2010

i guess it depends on how far away you live from the hospital. It only takes 10 minutes to get there so I know I could always send DH back to get a few things if I need them. I guess that's helped me keep it to one duffel.

kcisthebombdotcom · October 2010

For me, it would be. I had one duffle bag and I was in the hospital for 5 days, and even then I thought it was too much and there was stuff I never used.

Some people need a full face of makeup everyday, cute pj's for them for every day, multiple outfits for the baby, etc. After having a baby, I really didnt care. I liked having a nice fuzzy robe and a blanket/pillow from home, but the hospital gown was just fine for nursing nonstop. DS wore the hospital onesies-he only wore a cute outfit on the day I took him home. It was nice having samples of good shampoo/conditioner/body wash, but I didn't bring big bottles. I also did not wear makeup.

In labor, the only things I felt were really necessary were a laptop, a few dvds and some hard candy to suck on.

It will all depend on you and what you need/want your hospital experience to be like.

mrsz2008 · October 2010

I only have the diaper bag (which I stuffed full of things we probably don't need) and an average rolling suitcase. DH has to pack his own bag, but it shouldn't be much since we only live 8 minutes from the hospital. I also have to grab another small bag for the baby book, camera, camcorder and chargers. I think I may have packed kind of light, but I'm not worried since I live so close.

I think you're good, especially if you live a ways away from the hospital.

Jaimers375 · October 2010

It sounds like you're packing too much. I have a carry-on size suitcase for all my stuff, I'll be in the hospital 4 days for my c/s. You really don't need much.

hewinked · October 2010

KC_13:

For me, it would be. I had one duffle bag and I was in the hospital for 5 days, and even then I thought it was too much and there was stuff I never used.

Some people need a full face of makeup everyday, cute pj's for them for every day, multiple outfits for the baby, etc. After having a baby, I really didnt care. I liked having a nice fuzzy robe and a blanket/pillow from home, but the hospital gown was just fine for nursing nonstop. DS wore the hospital onesies-he only wore a cute outfit on the day I took him home. It was nice having samples of good shampoo/conditioner/body wash, but I didn't bring big bottles. I also did not wear makeup.

In labor, the only things I felt were really necessary were a laptop, a few dvds and some hard candy to suck on.

It will all depend on you and what you need/want your hospital experience to be like.

This. I just didn't care. I wore a robe over the hospital gown when I was up moving around or when I had visitors. DD also wore the onesies provided until we went home. I didn't even fix my hair when I was there, and I have the kind of hair that like needs to be blown out and straightened. I don't look glamorous in pics from the hospital, but I didn't care. And I rarely wear make-up anyway. I packed a carry-on sized suitcase, and I didn't use most of the stuff. This time, just packing a duffel for me.

ChatterboxBride09 · October 2010

neferhathor:
yes. you won't use it all. i'd recommend separating the stuff into a "definitely will use" bag (like shampoo, chapstick, 2 outfits, nursing bras/tanks) and then a "might use" bag (anything you're questioning). Keep the "might use" bag in the car and DH can always run and get it if you do need it.

This is what I did and makes the most sense to me. I don't "need' some stuff but it's easier to keep the extra bag in the trunk then make DH go home to grab something if I did end up wanting it.

mrsf123 · October 2010

hewinked:
KC_13:

For me, it would be. I had one duffle bag and I was in the hospital for 5 days, and even then I thought it was too much and there was stuff I never used.

Some people need a full face of makeup everyday, cute pj's for them for every day, multiple outfits for the baby, etc. After having a baby, I really didnt care. I liked having a nice fuzzy robe and a blanket/pillow from home, but the hospital gown was just fine for nursing nonstop. DS wore the hospital onesies-he only wore a cute outfit on the day I took him home. It was nice having samples of good shampoo/conditioner/body wash, but I didn't bring big bottles. I also did not wear makeup.

In labor, the only things I felt were really necessary were a laptop, a few dvds and some hard candy to suck on.

It will all depend on you and what you need/want your hospital experience to be like.

This. I just didn't care. I wore a robe over the hospital gown when I was up moving around or when I had visitors. DD also wore the onesies provided until we went home. I didn't even fix my hair when I was there, and I have the kind of hair that like needs to be blown out and straightened. I don't look glamorous in pics from the hospital, but I didn't care. And I rarely wear make-up anyway. I packed a carry-on sized suitcase, and I didn't use most of the stuff. This time, just packing a duffel for me.

Ugh, yea, I don't really wear makeup and haven't packed any extra PJs or anything or anything for the baby except a going home outfit and blanket for over the car seat, since I'm giving birth in cold weather. I don't know why, but I'm a little offended that the first thought is that I must be high maintenance. The bulkiest things I packed were my robe, slippers, towel, an extra sweatshirt (because I'm always cold), the Boppy, etc. While I am packing makeup and my own shampoo, those things take up about an inch in the bag.

It sounds from what a lot of ladies are saying, like I'm on track.

AngieP900 · October 2010

You can always leave some stuff like the Boppy in the car.
Looking at your due date, you are due around the same time as me. I better get on this.

EMOmamma · October 2010

I don't know what's in your bags but my hospital recommends two bags - one for in labor and one for after labor. The after labor bag (and baby's diaper bag) can just stay in the car until you are ready for it.

Arielle27 · October 2010

I have full suitcase packed for me, and the full diaper bag packed for LO. I went over everything I had packed with my doula and she seemed to think it was all worthwhile!

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