Hospital bag size?

OliveMom3 · July 2013

So I was thinking of starting to get the stuff together for my hospital bag. I had a friend who delivered at 34 weeks, which kinda put a flame under my butt. When going through a couple sites that recommend what to bring I couldn't help but think, geez that's a lot of stuff! I never imagined packing something larger than a carryon sized wheely suite case. So BTDT moms: how big was your hospital bag? Did you find that you over or under packed? Was there something you sent your SO to get that you forgot?

Might be important to note that I'm in Canada where we have to bring our own diapers and pads. They supply the Johnny shirts and most everything else.

Shanmarie1083 · July 2013

I'm packing a carryon size (21" I think) rolling suitcase. I'm putting all of our stuff in one suitcase rather than packing a separate bag for me, DH, and baby.

Last time I had a medium sized duffel which was fine, but I also brought the diaper bag for the baby which we didn't even need. I think we used everything that we packed. I'm not an overpacker so I didn't go crazy with a bunch of stuff I knew the hospital would provide.

VTFutureMrs · July 2013

I just packed a duffle bag with the bare minimum as well. I also took my boppy pillow with me for breastfeeding.

carolyn02 · July 2013

I packed a duffel bag, but didn't fill it up. I didn't use most of it and won't back that much this time around

OliveMom3 · July 2013

When you say duffle bag, do you mean tennis size of hockey size?

Sony22 · July 2013

What kind of stuff would we need during labor?

I feel so dumb sometimes...

sprocketsmom · July 2013

I'm a chronic overpacker, and used a large duffle bag. I had a lot of stuff that didn't get touched. I'm going to pack much lighter this time and use a small duffle. Although if I had to bring all the diapers and supplies for baby, I'd need the big bag.

OliveMom3 · July 2013

Sony22:
What kind of stuff would we need during labor?I feel so dumb sometimes...

Apparently lots of stuff! It's kinda freaking me out now.

OpheliaChem · July 2013

Hehe taking a suitcase to the hospital makes me giggle. I would laugh at anyone who did that :-P I definitely overpacked when I had DD - I had a tote bag stuffed with all sorts of things that I never used, mostly because I didn't feel the need to do my hair, put on makeup, change my clothes, etc. I will take the same bag this time because its a sturdy tote but it won't be packed as full this time!

OliveMom3 · July 2013

https://www.babycenter.ca/whattopackinyourhospitalbag

Can someone make this clicky, you computer savvy people you!!!

PrettyInPearls23 · July 2013

I used a medium size duffel and felt like I had the right amount of things. I brought a diaper bag for DS, but I didn't really need it. I won't be bringing one for this LO.

Some BTDT advice: bring an extra bag or two that fold up small and you can bring in your bag. Why? Because you'll come home with 2x the crap that you entered the hospital with. Between gifts people bring, supplies/freebies from the hospital, you'll need the extra space.

OliveMom3 · July 2013

PrettyInPearls23:
I used a medium size duffel and felt like I had the right amount of things. I brought a diaper bag for DS, but I didn't really need it. I won't be bringing one for this LO. Some BTDT advice: bring an extra bag or two that fold up small and you can bring in your bag. Why? Because you'll come home with 2x the crap that you entered the hospital with. Between gifts people bring, supplies/freebies from the hospital, you'll need the extra space.

Thanks for the extra bag idea! Love it. Will do.

lbethke99 · July 2013

I soo over packed when I had my first. This time I am really limiting what I bring.

- going home outfit for baby and hat

-blanket (since it will be getting colder here in Oct)

-Mascara & chap stick

-face wash & hair wash

-nursing tank

-set of crappy pj's for me

- some small snacks (granola bars)

-Camera/laptop

-baby book

Think that is about all.

BillysGrl27 · July 2013

I am thinking I will use a small suitcase. I feel I can stay more organized using one with the compartments. I am aiming to fit all of my AND DH's things in it (and obviously LO's) with the exception of my pillow and our camera bag. We go away the next 2 weekends but after that I am packing, I went early last time and want to feel prepared!

SweetPeaK26 · July 2013

I'm planning on taking a 31 tote bag. Actually, two of them. One with extras that we will leave in the car in case we have an unexpected extended stay :we learned that lesson with dd1!:

The 31 tote should hold enough clothes for dh and I, 24 baby outfits, and our toiletries. I will only pack yoga pants and nursing tanks and a hoodie, dh will need jeans, running pants and a few tshirts. One tote should hold that, and I'll toss our toiletries into a smaller bag that we can toss on top. I'll also most likely take my medela harmony manual pump, but that takes up pretty much zero room.

RunningGal900 · July 2013

I packed a small labor bag and a larger duffle for the hospital. I overpacked. This time I will bring one outfit for myself and just wear it both days. Last time I stayed in the gown for the first day, but if I needed an extra outfit I would just ask my mom to go get it for me. I brought a lot if stuff I didn't use, but would still bring again like suckers for labor, Chapstick, hand lotion, etc. I did bring travel shampoo and stuff so I could feel human and take a shower, though I had showered right before we went in so I waited until day 2 for that as well.

EMLYNNLERETTE · July 2013

I'm not going anywhere for my delivery this time, but from last time I way over packed. I only brought a small duffle bag for me AND DH, and then a diaper bag for baby. We did use several outfits for DD from her bag because we wanted to, and two blankets which took up a lot of space in her bag. DH wore the same clothes 3 of the 5 days I labored and stayed at the hospital because he was so distracted with my labor for those days, and I was naked those days. Ha. But then the last 2 days I wore comfy clothes. We didn't need anything we packed other than what I mentioned. The hospital supplied everything else. Crap, a pillow too, with a super retro pillowcase cso I wouldn't forget it. I second the extra bags idea.

AU4me · July 2013

I used the Large Vera Bradley duffle...Also, if you think you have a section you might want to bring a dress to go home in because you do not want anything sitting on your incision! I will probably over-pack again because I am trying for a VBAC but if I end up having another section I will be there longer. If I knew for sure no section I would pack much lighter since I would not be there as long.

jeb2013 · July 2013

Use the Bumps hospital checklist. My friend used that and jut had her baby and said it was very helpful and she didn't over pack. My hospital provides everything but its nice to have your own stuff, makes you feel more comfortable. I'm using an oversized totebag. I started to pack already too!! Call your hospital to see what they will provide you with. My friend suggested to pack snacks for DH and yourself for after delivery, since when she delivered the cafeteria was closed and she was starving!!!

kje120 · July 2013

I used my vera bradley duffle bag as my hospital bag - it's pretty big.

jjkaye · July 2013

I'm bringing a really small duffle with just stuff for me and baby's going home outfit. I'll bring one of those reusable grocery bags tucked up so we can bring gifts/extra stuff home with us.

Our hospital is 10 mins. from our house and H will have to let the dogs out, so he'll go home to shower and change every day and can grab anything else I need.

JocelynB0911 · July 2013

We had a medium sized duffle bag and DHs backpack for body wash, hair stuff, lotion etc. All of the baby stuff I put in the diaper bag and even though the diapers, pads, and a shirt are provided, I still wanted to bring my own stuff just in case.

kimmykaye · July 2013

PrettyInPearls23:
Some BTDT advice: bring an extra bag or two that fold up small and you can bring in your bag. Why? Because you'll come home with 2x the crap that you entered the hospital with. Between gifts people bring, supplies/freebies from the hospital, you'll need the extra space.

THIS! Definately this! Not sure how Canada works, but in the US, they send you home with TONS of stuff.

Sony22 · July 2013

OliveMom3:
Sony22:
What kind of stuff would we need during labor?I feel so dumb sometimes...
Apparently lots of stuff! It's kinda freaking me out now.

lol, yeah, it's getting kinda crazy AND REAL, right? Are you a FTM too? Have you heard to pack disposable underwear/depends? That was a big "it just got real" moment for me.

MJHershey · July 2013

Small carry on size.

stephl3055 · July 2013

Silly question, but do I need to bring my own shampoo and soap? I would assume so.

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