How early is 'too early' to pack your bag ??

[mosschops30]

Am 35 weeks now, and have got everything I need but none of it is packed, its everywhere so DH wouldnt have a hope in hell of putting anything together in a rush.
Ive had terrible lower back pain today and although its more than likely nothing I keep thinking 'shit if it was labour, I havent got anything ready'.

So is it too early to pack the bag or not?

[CMOTdibbler]

Not too early. I went into labour at 35 weeks, and ended up in hospital with nothing but a nightie and a book. And DH had to buy or pack everything else. Hence, the day after giving birth, I was fitting myself into a pair of leggings that had been too tight prepregnancy..

[sheeplikessleep]

Nope. I went into labour at 36 weeks and didn't have a packed bag. Cue me shouting 'maternity pads, bodysuits, sponge, lip balm' at dh. Not really the relaxed bag packing process I was imagining.

Plus, does it matter if it's ready early? Particularly if it makes you feel more reassured. Good luck

[mosschops30]

lol at CMOT that would be my dh (what do you mean you dont want to walk home in your 5 inch office heels, theyre your favourite)

So it isnt bad luck or anything? I panicked yesterday throwing out the box for new pushchair (which isnt even at my house due to superstitions)

[CMOTdibbler]

Bless him, he did pretty well considering though - he went into Mothercare and told them that he needed everything for a tiny baby to wear, and nursing bras for his wife (plus pads and breastpads) and the ladies were falling over themselves to help. I wouldn't have chosen the pink bras, but they were OK.

Can't see how it would be bad luck to have stuff in a bag

[beautifulgirls]

Pack a few bits and leave out the obvious last minute things like toothbrush/toothpaste etc, but leave a note in the top of the bag of what is needed last minute and if necessary where to find it (for a DH like mine!!) That way you can feel fairly calm about being ready and able to cope when it all kicks off.

[nightshade]

not too early, mine has been semi packed since 35 weeks and fully packed since 37 weeks.

[onadietcokebreak]

Thats a very good idea about leaving note and directions as to where to find last minute things!

[maybebaby23]

is it too early to pack it at 28 weeks..??? you never know!!

[Deemented]

When i was having dd i had my bag packed from 24 weeks . I'd had my boys early at 28 weeks perviously, and needed to be prepared...

This time (25wks now) i haven't as yet started packing....

But now the thought is in my head....

[AmazingBouncingFerret]

Ive been thinking of packing mine and im 30 weeks! Nothing beats being prepared.

[minervaitalica]

I gave birth at 29 weeks, and was not prepared at all - had not even bought much. Gave birth in the eve and DH had to pull together a few things to keep me going during the night, but he was in shock so forgot most things. I would pack now!

[Feierabend]

Go pack your bag

[gemmac1]

I had my bag packed at 32 weeks so I didnt have to worry about forgetting to take something with me or relying on my other half to organise things for me. Being this organinsed didnt help tho, I still forgot to take a dressing gown and something to give birth in and ended up having to wear a hospital gown!!!

[StrikeUpTheBand]

I think it also depends on your previous history. I am not packing for the baby yet, but plan to have everything ready for my hospital bag in the next few days - I'm 28+5 and feel it's very late already. I have a history of sudden, severe and early preeclampsia (twice now - once at 23 and once at 29 week onset). I remember both times having to get DP to go home with a huge list and get me everything. He's not too bad - but he had trouble locating my bras etc and I ended up having to handwash my nursing bra and put it on the radiator each night while I wore another less suitable one.

In fact, I have a scan today and am seriously considering chucking everything in a bag together 'just in case' and leaving it in the doorway.

[Weegle]

well I'm vaguely putting bits together in one place now (am 24+5) - but I'm carrying id twins and due to deliver at 36 weeks, and moving house/having building work done so feel I sort of need to. Was thinking I should probably have it actually packed and ready to go at about 30 weeks... so I wouldn't say you were too early at all!

[Fibilou]

I've started getting stuff together for myself such as washbag, maternity pads etc. Nothing yet packed for baby - I'm 25 weeks and I figure if I give birth in the next few weeks baby wouldn't be coming out of the hospital any time soon so no point in packing lots of stuff for her yet. Will sort out baby things when I get to 35 weeks.

[SmallSCREAMCap]

Never too early. Even if you're not in labour any time soon, you may need an overnight in hospital here and there before LO arrives. False alarms and all that

I had to have a few nights in hos at 37 weeks (nothing serious) and was SO pleased that I had a bag three-quarters ready, at least!

[SmallSCREAMCap]

Oh, and if LO does make an unexpected appearance, you'll be amazed at how quickly everything comes together & your needs will be met!

[Mybox]

Last time I finished packing my bag I gave birth the same evening 3 wks early. Hadn't sorted out car seat, other items - dh had to do that.

[benjysmum]

Started packing at 25 weeks. Will conduct final kit check next week (37 weeks) and get car seat fitted, pushchair set up, moses basket prepared etc. I'm superstitious and hoping that if i do everything with military precision, DS will actually turn up on time. Also have list of final things to get e.g. spare battery for TENS machine. I think it's a way of trying to control something I know I have very little control over.

[carrielou2007]

Bag ready at 24 weeks with dd with the thinking of the viabability point, big planner she was 2 and a half weeks late so many bananas came and went in the last few weeks!! I kept adding in pound coins and 20 pences for the car park and had about 30 pounds when I counted it when we brought dd home.

27+4 and have my list ready to pack but going away next weekend so all my travel size toiletries will be in use so can't pack yet

[notasausage]

It's never too early to pack! Gives you a chance to unpack, pack, unpack, pack, unpack, choose bigger bag, pack......etc!