When did / will you pack your hospital bag?

[MyNameIsAnAnagram]

I'm 33 weeks with DC2 and struggling to remember what I did last time round. I'm sure I had it ready ridiculously early and didn't go into labour till 42 weeks!

[ladymia]

I started getting everything around 33 weeks and it was packed by 35 weeks.

Kept on adding stuff to it though!

I am 10 days overdue and still adding stuff this baby better come because it will look like I am moving in by the time I get there.

[SunshineOutdoors]

Trying to remember too. I think I sort of had it half packed for a while but only finished it off when I started to go into labour. Marking my place though as 20 weeks with dc2 and need a reminder of when to do it and also what goes in it. Can only think nightie, slippers, dressing gown, change of clothes, breast pads, pants, maternity pads, baby clothes, nappies, cottonwool. I'm sure my list was much longer last time.

[rachywhite83]

I have just finished mine today. I'm 33 weeks. I'm a first timer so not sure what to expect. We are moving house before the baby comes so I need to be organised !

[MyNameIsAnAnagram]

lol sunshine I haven't got as far as thinking what to put in it yet

[Pontouf]

I started sorting stuff at 33 weeks - making sure nighties were washed, buying toiletries etc. I am now 38+3 with no obvious signs of imminent labour and it is pretty much packed. There are a few things I need to chuck in at the last minute - e.g. phone charger, maternity notes etc but I have left a note on the top of it saying what is missing so I don't need to really have to think about it when I'm in labour! I have got a separate bag for the baby's stuff which is completely ready, then another little bag with clothes for me to come home in and stuff which can stay in the car with the car seat, baby's coat etc till we're ready to come home. Good luck, you're on the home straight now!

[C0smos]

My DH packed it whilst I sat on the loo barking instructions at him, my waters broke on Saturday night at 34 weeks, this time my bags will be packed and ready much earlier!

[featherbag]

DC1 arrived at 32 weeks - no bag packed or even thought about as he was supposed to be delivered via lovely tranquil ELCS at 39 weeks, impatient little monkey! DC2 (TTC at present), I'll be packed and ready to go at 28 weeks, just in case!

[purrpurr]

I was packed at 33 weeks, now 34 weeks. I finished work at the end of last year so have had plenty of time to get things together and get bags packed - didn't see the point in waiting really, it's not like it's perishable stuff. I'll do a bag of cereal bars & sports drinks nearer the time. Oh and towels, mustn't forget towels!

[WhatAGoat]

I packed mine whilst in labour on my due date

I never used half the stuff I took.

[dinkystinky]

Around 32 weeks I think

[mrsbugsywugsy]

dp was sent home with a list after my waters broke at 35 weeks. learn from my mistakes! amongst other gems he brought in one of my best dresses cos he thought it was a nightie

[PeachActiviaMinge]

Oh I'm crap aren't I? 37 weeks on Thursday and haven't packed my maternity bag yet I don't have some of the things I need yet for it either I shall rectify that ASAP and find my get up and go!

[CityDweller]

Started throwing stuff together a couple of weeks ago, finished packing it yesterday, inc. pinning a note on it with things to be added last minute such as phone, charger, Kindle, etc. (I'm 39 wks).

[rosiedays]

my Dbest friend has packed mine for me!!! bless her. i will pick it up this weekend. She had 2nd DC just after xmas so knows what she's doing. I can't wait as i know it will be full of lovely stuff (she always has lovely stuff) I'm 23 weeks but been told to be ready for Prem labour.

[Bluemonkeyspots]

I'm due in a few days, bag is still in the Attic and I've nothing to go in it

To be fair I'm only planning on being in a few hours. Only live 10 mins from hospital so dh will just have to dash home if i need extra supplies brought in

[harleyd]

17 weeks and am going to get one sorted over the next few weeks because i have past experience of being in and out of hospital in previous pregnancies

[eltsihT]

I'm 33 weeks, packing bag by Friday as going away for 2 weeks. If I wasn't gong away I would pack it later...

[surprise11871]

I started mine when i went on maternity at 32 weeks and finished them about 36 weeks however the only thing i used out of my labour bag was a tshirt the rest went home unused with dp i obviously used my other bag which contained toiletries clean pjs n baby clothes

[NoTeaForMe]

Im 32 weeks and have given it no thought. Well, that's not true I did think the other day that I need to buy a couple of cheap nighties, but that's as far as I got! I must crack on with it I guess. Do it bit by bit and aim to be all packed by 35 weeks? Does that sound reasonable? I had my first baby at 40+4 if that makes a difference?!

[SomethingOnce]

38 weeks but I like to fly by the seat of my pants

[HPsauceonbaconbuttiesmmm]

Done by 32 weeks with dc1 (delivered at 40+13), 35 weeks this time. Mainly because I knew DH wouldn't be able to find a thing! Am taking considerably less this time too!!

[redwellybluewelly]

DC1 - packed about 38 weeks but still frantic sorting when in early labour. Didn;t use hardly anything out of my bag.

This one (29+4) I'll probably pack a lightweight emergency one just before consultants appt at 34 weeks and keep it in the car, then add more at about 37 weeks when I'll be term.

[TeWiSavesTheDay]

I think it's worth having one early on in the third trimester, just in case you go into early labour. Stressful enough without having no stuff ready at all!

[BR44]

I'm 35 wks with DC2 and haven't done it yet but this has prompted me to get a move on! Last time it was all done by now, I'm sure, but I'm buggered if I can remember what I actually ended up using....

What would you say are the essentials? The one thing I remember wishing I'd had more of last time is light cotton clothing as the post-labour ward was like a furnace.

[redwellybluewelly]

Oh. And I should add I have the list to end all lists which is a "piece de resistance"! It covers my bag, baby's bag, the car bag, the food needed for a month, the toddlers nursery bag items, toddlers lunches, items need to be bought and/or borrowed. Now I have the list I feel I am halfway there!