When to stop using things I want to pack in hospital bag?

[JuniorMint]

I am 36 weeks today and starting to get things together for my hospital bag.

There are a few things I want to pack that are currently in use- for example smaller things such as toothbrush and hairbrush and larger/more expensive things such as dressing gown and a pair of maternity tracksuit bottoms.

I gather the point of packing hospital bag in advance is so you can just "grab and go" when needed, without having to scrabble around for things, so am wondering when I should stop using things I want to pack!

I suppose I am happy to buy a second toothbrush, hairbrush etc, but should I wash and pack my tracksuit bottoms, dressing gown etc and just not wear them for the next month?!

[Mabelandmaude]

Maybe just put a note on top of the things you need. Unless you are bleeding heavily or some other emergency you will have time to potter about and put things together last minute.

[peeapod]

nah.. just write a list and stick it on top of the bag. that way whoever is picking it up (you or a partner etc.) wont forget the items on the list.

[ruthsmumkath]

If they are essential for your hospital bag then I would probably go to Primark and pick up a really cheap replacement and pack either your good ones or your Primark ones because you really don't know when your are going to need them and it's probably going to add to the stress remembering them or making sure they are clean.

I would feel in a much better place!
Kath

[JuniorMint]

Thank you, yes I did think about just noting what I wanted and collecting them when needed, but as Kath says I think it would stress me out trying to find things, they might be dirty in the washing basket etc! I think I will buy some cheap alternatives from Primark that I can just stick in the bag now and forget about.

[IMissSleep]

My bag has been ready for 3 weeks, everything is in there! All from primark. Just need to add some snacks. In on Thursday for a section and can't help thinking I've forgotten something

A primark trip is a must!!

[PenguinsLoveFishFingers]

Toothbrush and hairbrush, I would buy extras and pack now.

Dressing gown - I'd just put a note on the bag. Realistically, why would it be dirty?

Joggers- if you have the budget a spare pair. If not, is there anything else you can lob in now and just pick them up if you can and they are clean?

[TransatlanticCityGirl]

I vote for the list. I didn't bother packing til 40 weeks for DD, now I'm 37 weeks with DS and haven't even shopped. But I have a list. I know exactly what I need and at the end of the day, last time around I didn't actually NEED anything in my bag for a fair bit of time.

[cravingcake]

Definitely do a list but make it detailed about location of item too, so rather than just phone charger put phone charger - beside bed or dressing gown - on bathroom door. Otherwise if your other half is gathering bits for you while you are mildly panicing having contractions you dont have to tell them where everything is and just concentrate on what you need to do.

[LoveBeingCantThinkOfAName]

Realistically you need to think that it might not be you collecting everything so replacement would be good just invade. But no matter what you do don't pack your good joggers use them! There could be another 5 weeks yet!

[SizzlesSit]

I packed everything I could then listed the rest (toothbrush etc). I kept a clean pair of joggers and tshirt to one side which I wore when goin tothe hospital (after a shower) and wore when I came home. In the hospital I only wore pyjamas.

I was in for 4 nights (standard here) so packed enough for the first couple of days then had a shelf with extra baby clothes/pads etc for DH to bring as and when I needed them.

Hospital was far far too hot for a dressing gown though. This time Im just taking pyjamas, joggers and strappy tops. Dont think Ill even bother with a cardigan.

[SizzlesSit]

Oh and I had plenty of time to finish packing my bag before going to the hospital. Contractions woke me at 5am and we left at 11.30am. Gave birth at 8pm...