Reasonable size bag/amount of stuff for hospital?

RachelCA29 · March 2014

So we've had lots of "What should I pack in my hospital bag?" posts, and there are lots of lists available online. I'm going to err on the side of "less is more" for ease of travel, but I kind of want to start gathering my things this week. I received a pretty large diaper bag at my shower, it's kind of like a "weekender" size. I figure I could probably fit most of my stuff and needed baby stuff in there. But then some of these "what to pack" posts people suggest changes of clothes for their husband, and blankets if they stay over, etc. Plus if I have an emergency C-Section I'll be in the hospital a lot longer ...

What sized bag is reasonable to bring to the hospital? Did any STMs bring a huge bag the first time and regret it? Does it make sense to pack an over-night bag for me and baby and then my husband can just throw stuff in a backpack right before we go? I don't want to show up looking like we're going on vacation with a huge suitcase, but I also don't want to regret not packing everything I need because my bag is too small.

This is the bag I was thinking of using: https://www.toysrus.ca/product/index.jsp?productId=17732346

QOTR · March 2014

I had the idea that I would pack a 2nd bag of "nice to haves" and leave that in the car.

amroke · March 2014

I had a beach bag and my purse and my husband had a backpack for his stuff.

SMM1986 · March 2014

I have a duffel bag (like you would bring to the gym) and babys regular diaper bag. I also packed a bag for my kids, but that'll go with them. I just used their soccer bag for that.

ns1 · March 2014

I actually used the smallest of our luggage set because it has wheels and a handle. It's about duffle bag size. I just liked that it had wheels. Plus DH brought it in after I was admitted for sure so he was the one who got to be seen wheeling luggage into the hospital.

pistolpackinmomma · March 2014

Typically a c/s is only one extra day. Chances are you won't need any more extra clothes though. Maybe an extra pair of pants. I had a duffle bag last time. Didn't use had of the stuff in it. DH drove home to shower and change, do a few last minute set up things and came back. We lived an hour from the hospital. This time we are 10 minutes away so I really won't be packing extra crap for him. I'll probably do my smallest luggage bag just for the sake of wheels and a handle, especially not knowing who will be taking me. I may wind up calling a squad or my mom may drop me off if my dad gets hung up at work and can't come stay with DS.

runningyogimama · March 2014

I have a small duffel bag for myself and then the diaper bag with a few things in it that we can bring in later. And my pillow, of course.

ksyknelvr73 · March 2014

I used a duffel bag and that was enough...it was a large duffel but it held everything we needed.

CamrynnsMommy · March 2014

I had a large weekender bag. I didn't regret it.

AnnieA75 · March 2014

I'm having an RCS, so I need an extra day's worth of stuff. I'm taking a carry-on size luggage bag. I'll use it to pack all of my clothes/toiletries and the baby's clothes. I'll pack DH a small overnight bag for his clothes, toiletries, the video camera, and the champagne and/or summer shandy I plan to smuggle in.

Miles2Go · March 2014

I had so many bags. A bag of stuff for labor including the iPod Dock which was pretty large, snacks, drinks, etc. The bag with stuff for me and baby, a bag for Dh, a bag with pillow and blanket. We seriously looked like we were moving in. I used just about everything I brought, but Dh was able to bring it in a bit at a time, as we needed it.

This time I'll have an "in labor" bag, a "post labor" bag, a bag of food (there is none at the birth center but there is a full kitchen), a bag for dd, and a "just in case we're transferred to the hospital" bag.

Mr. & Mrs. Woodtick · March 2014

I packed a suitcase with a bunch of crap that I never used, and I did regret it. This time I will take a small weekender bag.

RachelCA29 · March 2014

Thanks all! I like the idea of having a during labour and then after labour bag and leaving one in the car. I guess I just don't want to be leaving the hospital with a baby and a whole of bags ... but as many of you said, husbands can do a few trips to the car when needed

Unknown · March 2014

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deanna1313 · March 2014

I really think it depends on how far you live from your hospital/birthing center, also.
We live ten minutes away and really aren't too worried about not having something. My husband will just run home and get it. I know everyone isn't that close.
I think we will have two bags. One for DH and I will have one with baby's stuff in it, too. I am packing a vera bradley small duffel for the baby and I. I plan to pack light.

jenb_99 · March 2014

When I went to the hospital to have DS, I packed all my stuff and the baby's stuff in a Vera Bradley large duffel. I was admitted Monday night and released Friday morning, and the bag held more than I needed but still fit nicely in the room's closet, out of the way. We also took some snacks in a reusable grocery tote.

mrspopsicle · March 2014

I also packed in a Vera Bradley Large duffle. It easily fit all of my stuff and everything for baby. I don't even know what my husband used. He packed for himself.

keeumm · March 2014

I'll be using a duffle bag and then I'm bringing a baby bag. I like the idea of "nice to haves" in the car, which I can send DH out for if needed.

mmks · March 2014

Carpenter627 said:
I got this bag to use:

https://www.verabradley.com/product/Category/Travel/Grand-Traveler/1001427/defaultColorVariantId/182660/pc/638/c/0/sc/646/p/1001427.uts

My mom got me this bag for Xmas last year and I LOVE it for short trips! It seriously holds so much. Planning on using it for the hospital this time. Last time I used a carry on suitcase, but had a lot in it I never used.
Like the idea of having another bag to leave in the car of stuff I might want (robe, boppy, pillow, towels).

Jillzy86 · March 2014

The nurse at the my birthing class suggested to have one bag for delivery and the other bags for postpartum. Things you will want while you are in labor and leave the other bags in the car for your DH or birthing partner to get after you deliver. She suggested the babies bag, DH's bag, and your bag for after you deliver. She was a big advocate for have the partner switching out the bags. I have a back pack for DH, diaper bag for baby, small rolling suitcase for me, and a back pack for delivery room.

Jennyinheaven · March 2014

So now I have a question...My hospital paper work specifically asks you to leave your hospital bag in the car during labor and have someone bring it to you after the birth, so I see some of you have mentioned a small bag for during labor what the heck would I need during the actual labor?

pistolpackinmomma · March 2014

Jennyinheaven said:
So now I have a question...My hospital paper work specifically asks you to leave your hospital bag in the car during labor and have someone bring it to you after the birth, so I see some of you have mentioned a small bag for during labor what the heck would I need during the actual labor?

Things to do while you wait such as an iPad, movies, some people take a deck of cards, your phone charger, snacks or change for snacks for DH, as couple hair ties, Chapstick, a robe and flip flops if you plan to walk the halls

Lild09 · March 2014

Jennyinheaven said:
So now I have a question...My hospital paper work specifically asks you to leave your hospital bag in the car during labor and have someone bring it to you after the birth, so I see some of you have mentioned a small bag for during labor what the heck would I need during the actual labor?

I suppose it depends on what kind of labour your planning. This is what I might use when I labour

iPod
Dates/honey sticks/tea to keep me nourished
Arnica gel to help with pain
Essential oil blend for aromatherapy
Chap stick
Extra hair elastic
Home made back massager thing with tennis balls DH will use to try to ease back pains and pressures
Nursing bra if I want my girls tucked in
Slippers so I can walk around
A nightgown I want to labour in
A robe I want to labour in if I'm cold
The camera and chargers bc we would like some photos of the labour process

mirdamae03 · March 2014

If you're planning on taking home some goodies from the hospital (diapers, etc.) make sure you leave a little room in your bag

pistolpackinmomma · March 2014

mirdamae03 said:
If you're planning on taking home some goodies from the hospital (diapers, etc.) make sure you leave a little room in your bag

My hospital gave me a bag to put all of that in!

NorthernGal248 · March 2014

Duffle for DH and I and a seperate baby bag for the baby. Of course, I'm also bringing my own pillow.

spinsoffresonance · March 2014

I had a scheduled csection and brought a big purse, weekender size. I didn't use half the stuff. DH had his own backpack. The only thing we had for DD was a going home outfit.

momthatlifts · March 2014

I have a small duffle bag.

nalaundi · March 2014

I could have gotten away with a small overnight bag and the diaper bag but I will be having a water birth and wanted to have better towels then the hospital provides... and a robe as I freeze always. sooo I had to size up to fit the big towel and comfy robe. the diaperbag is all but empty. I am bringing it to tote the freebies home and his going home outfit.

ho11yday · March 2014

pistolpackinmomma said:

Jennyinheaven said:
So now I have a question...My hospital paper work specifically asks you to leave your hospital bag in the car during labor and have someone bring it to you after the birth, so I see some of you have mentioned a small bag for during labor what the heck would I need during the actual labor?
Things to do while you wait such as an iPad, movies, some people take a deck of cards, your phone charger, snacks or change for snacks for DH, as couple hair ties, Chapstick, a robe and flip flops if you plan to walk the halls

I'd also like to add my massage balls, because there is no way in hell I'm having back labor again and relying only on the power of DH thumbs.

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Reasonable size bag/amount of stuff for hospital?

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