At how many weeks should you start packing hospital bag?

[GruffaloSoldier]

Hi all,

Just wondering when you packed your bag or when you think bag packing should begin? Or when you should have at least start buying the stuff for it? I am 26 weeks exactly. Thanks

[chloejessmeg]

I think they say 30 weeks ish. I am 25 weeks and I haven't started packing it but I have bought stuff when it was on offer (breastpads, maternity pads etc)

[EachPeachPearMum]

LOL- am 38 weeks... still not done [slacker emoticon]

[justme85]

I am sorting mine now, got most stuff and i'm 35 wks. A lot of my friends packed early for first and last minute for their 2nd x

[dinkymum]

im 35 weeks and its on my 'to do' list today I think I have what I need this is my second baby but keep forgetting what I need in it lol
Still need to wash baby clothes though

[littleboyblue]

I'm approaching 36 weeks and will add last bits today.
Last time, I had bag packed at 27 weeks, just do it whenever you feel you need to. If you do it now, it's one less thing on your mind in the weeks to come, or leave it a few weeks and draw up a list of things you'll need. I'd say you should aim to have it done by 37 weeks latest

[chloejessmeg]

What I will probably do, is find the bag I am going to use and just add to it as and when I find/buy stuff. It is easier than trying to do it all at once and then it isn't a chore. Maybe write a list so you can tick off as you go?

[wasabipeanut]

Er, I packed it when I had to go in to be induced.

I had collected various bits and bobs together though so it wasn't too arduous. I

Don't worry too much - the odds are the labour won't come on so suddenly that you have to leave the house in 5 minutes.

[Neeerly3]

first time got to 28 weeks and hadn't packed - then went into labour and it was left to DH to fetch everything for me!

This time, I am now 34 weeks and I can't actually find a suitable empty bag to use, but I have a pile building up in the spare room ready to go into a bag once I have one.

[Neeerly3]

can anyone remind me what I'll need? it's been four years since the boys and I have a combo of old age and preg brain!

So far got:

2 x night shirts for the birth
nappies for baby
outfit for baby
wipes
washing stuff for me
towel for me

think i need PJ's for afterwards so can breast feed without having to stuff baby up under my night shirt, slippers, dressing gown perhaps if i have to stay in for any reason, maternity pads, breast pads, BIG cheap and nasty knickers that can be binned after first and only use. Should I pack a few changes of clothes for baby (as in some vests and baby grows, not full outfits)

[chloejessmeg]

Off the top of my head:

MUM;
Breastpads
disposable knickers
maternity pads
Pjs
Clothes to wear home
Camera
Wash stuff
Towel
Anything you want for labour - Tens etc
Something to give birth in

Baby:
Some babygrows
Vests
Cotton wool
Nappies
Hat
Scratch mittens

Most hospitals don't let you use wipes on a newborn as they are too harsh on their skin.

[Neeerly3]

[LoveActually]

I packed mine at 37 weeks, i.e three weeks ago. Got all anxious about it and was really worrying about not being prepared. Then gave up work and found I had way too much time on my hands. I really wouldn't worry, the more prepared you are, the later baby will come (sod's law). You have loads and loads of time, honest!!

[tinkhaslessthanaweek]

i packed mine @ 30 weeks and bought things when on offer beforehand

[chloejessmeg]

Don't worry about rushing it, but at the same time, if you are in the mood to do it then do. I was in the mood last time really early on, but held off as thought it was too early. but then I left work, ended up planning a home birth and lost all enthusiasam for packing the bag. I had a basic one packed but ended up with crap that DH bought in for me. ALl my photos of hospital are in crappy Pjs that my boobs were nearly falling out of!

[GruffaloSoldier]

Ah thanks everyone! Think I'll just start collecting up stuff and add as I go. Cheers!